Southside Village, also known as the Canberra South Motor Park, offers a practical and exceptionally convenient base for travellers looking to explore the southern heart of the nation’s capital. Strategically located in Symonston, the park’s key advantage is its prime position with easy access to the major hubs of Fyshwick, Queanbeyan, and the entire Parliamentary Triangle. This makes it a popular choice for a wide range of visitors, from tourists focused on the nearby national institutions to workers and contractors needing proximity to Canberra’s main industrial and commercial precinct. The park has a traditional, no-fuss atmosphere, focusing on providing comfortable and reliable amenities for its guests.
The park is well-established with mature trees providing welcome shade over many of its spacious powered and unpowered sites. It caters to all forms of camping and caravanning, with a mix of grass and slab sites suitable for everything from large motorhomes to simple tents. While it may not have the resort-style bells and whistles of some other parks, it provides all the essential facilities needed for a pleasant stay. A swimming pool offers a refreshing escape during the warmer months, and the park is equipped with clean amenity blocks, laundry facilities, a camp kitchen, and a dump point. It’s also a pet-friendly park, a significant bonus for those travelling with their animal companions.
The location is truly its strongest asset. It’s just a few minutes’ drive to the Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets for gourmet supplies, and the popular Kingston and Manuka precincts for boutique shopping and dining. For tourists, the park is less than a ten-minute drive from Parliament House, the National Gallery of Australia, Questacon, and the High Court. This incredible convenience, combined with its practical facilities and welcoming approach, makes Southside Village a smart and comfortable choice for a value-for-money stay in Canberra.
Southside Village – ACT Location Map
Southside Village
Site Information
- Location: Symonston, providing easy access to South Canberra, Fyshwick, and Queanbeyan.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs.
- Road Access: Sealed roads throughout.
- Site Surface: Grass and concrete slab sites.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, powered and unpowered sites are available.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Please check with management.
- Number of Powered Sites: Available.
- Number of Un-powered Sites: Available.
Facilities
- Facilities: Amenity blocks, laundry facilities, swimming pool, camp kitchen, BBQs, dump point.
- Picnic Tables: Yes, in communal areas.
- Potable Water: Yes.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Excellent.
- TV Reception: Excellent.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, for guests.
- Ullage: Yes, a dump point is available on site.
- Rubbish Bins: Yes.
- Open Fires: Strictly prohibited.
- Generator Use: Check with management, but generally not permitted.
Essentials & Activities
- Essentials to Bring: Bicycles are great for exploring the lake and parliamentary areas.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pet-friendly sites are available. Conditions apply.
- Fishing: Fishing is popular in nearby Lake Burley Griffin and the Molonglo River.
- Short Walks: Excellent walking and cycling paths at the nearby Jerrabomberra Wetlands.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- The Kingston Hotel (approx. 5 km)
- The Durham Castle Arms, Kingston (approx. 5 km)
- The Diplomat Hotel, Griffith (approx. 6 km)
- Places to Eat: Huge range of options at the Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets, Kingston Foreshore, and Manuka precinct, all within a short drive.
- Local Attractions:
- Parliamentary Triangle (Parliament House, National Gallery, Questacon) (approx. 6-7 km)
- Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve (approx. 4 km)
- Fyshwick Fresh Food Markets (approx. 3 km)
- Old Bus Depot Markets, Kingston (approx. 5 km)
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Alivio Tourist Park Canberra (approx. 15 km)
- Exhibition Park in Canberra (EPIC) (approx. 12 km)
- Next Free Camps: Cotter Campground (low-cost, approx. 30 km). Free camping options are very limited near Canberra.
- Nearest Dump Points: Onsite.
- Nearest Petrol Station: Numerous major service stations in Fyshwick (approx. 2-3 km).
- Drinking Water Resupply: Available onsite.
- Public Toilets: Available onsite for guests.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Generally warm to hot and dry. Days can be very hot. Average temperatures range from 13°C to 28°C.
- Autumn (Mar – May): Famous for its beautiful autumn colours. Days are mild and sunny, with cool, crisp nights. A prime time to visit. Temperatures average 7°C to 20°C.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): Cold. Days are often clear and sunny but cool. Nights are very cold with heavy frosts being common. Snow is rare in the city itself but can fall on the nearby Brindabella ranges. Temperatures range from 0°C to 12°C.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): A beautiful season known for the Floriade flower festival. Days become progressively warmer, but nights can still be cool. Temperatures average 6°C to 20°C.
Address
250 Canberra Ave, Symonston, 2609, Australia
