With the superb backdrop of the Brindabella Range, the long expanses of newer suburbs stretching south and west of the city centre, have been graciously merged with the surrounding pine forests and native bushland. Collectively known as Tuggeranong and Weston Creek, the area's main attractions are found on the outer edges of the urban sprawl, and the best way to find them is by following the scenic and clearly sign posted Tourist Route 5.

Beginning at Cotter Road on the northern fringes of Weston Creek, Tourist Route 5's first interesting detour is the Mount Stromlo Observatory. Once a famous landmark, the observatory was severely damaged in Canberra's tragic firestorms of January 2003. Set high on the summit of its namesake, the observatory housed a huge 188cm telescope which charted the activities of our solar system and beyond. Next door, the hands-on astronomy hall housed fascinating displays with the galaxy show revealing the latest in astronomical pictures. Unfortunately now closed due to the extensive damaged caused by the Canberra fires, it is hoped that the visitors centre will be able to be launched with a new programin September 2004. For those keen to find our more information, visit The Stromlo Observatory Visitors Centre for the latest updates.

Beyond Mount Stromlo, the Cotter Road begins its descent into the valley of the Murrumbidgee River, and the riverside recreation areas of Casurina Sands and the Cotter Dam and Reserve. Very popular with the landlocked Canberrans, there are plenty of swimming areas, excellent barbeque facilities, and lots of wide open grassy spaces for a game of cricket or football. Several idyllic camping areas also lie beside the rivers and creeks.

Less than twenty kilometres past the Cotter Reserve, the Canberra Deep Space Communications Complex at Tidbinbilla provides tracking for some of the world's most significant space exploration operations, and is one of only three NASA tracking stations in the world. A bizarre mix of nature and technology, it's an extraordinary sight when the enormous silver dishes abruptly appear, shimmering brightly between the trees and hills of the rolling countryside. The stations interesting display centre is definitely worth a tour, teaching visitors of the latest developments in space exploration through a combination of interactive exhibits and cinema footage of various NASA projects.

On the other side of the highway, the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is a 5500 hectare park overflowing with bush walking tracks, interesting rock formations, and native wildlife and flora. Kangaroos and emus are guaranteed, and even koalas can be seen in their natural environment on the Koala Trails. Every morning, wildlife officers help out would be koala spotters by marking their position on the area map located at the entrance to the trails. After a walk, there are many serene areas to to unwind with a picnic of barbeque. You're only worry in the world may by a nosey emu looking for an easy feed.

Turning right just past Tidbinbilla, a detour along Corin Road takes thrill seekers through the beautiful alpine wilderness of Namadgi National Park to the Corin Forest Recreation Area. The thrills are provided by the kilometre long aluminium bobsled slide as well as downhill skiing in the cooler seasons. Bush walking in the national park is also popular, although the majority of the walks begin another 13 kilometres further down the tourist drive near the tiny historic township of Tharwa. Tharwa is also home to the park's visitor centre, where the rangers are always happy to help trekkers plan a hike. For a quick taste of Australia's northern most alpine environment without leaving the car, try the scenic thirty kilometre round trip to the former tracking station at Honeysuckle Creek. While in the Tharwa area, art lovers should checkout the Cuppacumbalong Craft Centre, housed in a lovely old colonial homestead on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River.

Less than twenty kilometres north of Tharwa, the Lanyon historical precinct is the last of the Tourist Drive 5 attractions before it returns to the city. Lanyon is one of the best surviving examples of a 19th century Australian homestead in the country, graciously set amidst well-kept gardens on the high banks of the Murrumbidgee. The homestead's grounds also feature the Nolan Gallery, which displays the famous Ned Kelly paintings (among others) by Aussie artist Sir Sidney Nolan.

East of the city centre beyond Canberra's warehouse shopping and industrial area of Fyshwick , the New South Wales town of Queanbeyan has virtually become a suburb of the capital it predates. Proclaimed in 1838 and named after a squattage owned by an ex-convict innkeeper, the town's interesting history can be reviewed in further detail at the Queanbeyan History Museum in Farrer Place. From a tourists point of view, other attractions include a healthy variety of galleries and art centres, as well as a good range of accommodation which is generally slightly cheaper than similar establishments in Canberra.