Five things to do this weekend | June 13-14

For some of us, not much changed during the coronavirus lockdown, but others have been champing at the bit to get out and about.

Now that a lot of restrictions are easing, you might be wondering about some ways to spend the weekend.

Whether you're on your own or have kids, want something active or prefer to relax, we've looked at five ideas both in and out of town - all with appropriate social distancing, of course.

It's only an hour away, and it re-opened to the public on May 30. So if you haven't been for a while, why not make a day of it? Or a weekend if the budget stretches to a stay at the luxurious Jamala Wildlife Lodge.

The zoos' business manager, Russell Jackson, said the bushfire and COVID-19 shutdown periods meant there were a few new faces that hadn't met the public yet.

There's also been a secret love story going on behind the zoo's closed doors.

"With bushfire smoke and then straight into COVID, we had new arrivals and births that haven't been on display," he said.

"In particular, we have a new giraffe called Skye who came to us from Australia Zoo.

"She's been partnered up with our well-known giraffe called Hummer, and he's head over heels - he can't believe his luck.

"They're not breeding at moment but he's following her around constantly."

Also new to the zoo are a pair of Sri Lankan leaopards, one from Spain, one from France, who arrived and went into quarantine late last year, and have only now had the chance to be on display.

Some lucky visitors may also catch a glimpse of a koala joey just started emerging from the pouch, and there's a friendly new otter who, like Skye, has become the object of affection of one of the males.

"Judging from last two weekends, the playground hasn't lost any of its lustre either," said Mr Jackson, who suggested pre-purchasing tickets or renewing memberships to avoid standing near other people in queues

"The zoo is pretty much the best first post-iso visit that you could wish for, and just an hour down the road."

It's not only about the destination - it's also about the journey.

Collector is a pretty fantastic place to visit, with the pub now open and shops of all kinds ready to trade.

But cycling instead of driving there turns the day into something a bit different.

Southern Tablelands Cycling has some terrific maps and directions available, to other towns around the region as well as rides within Goulburn itself.

If you take their advice, you won't get lost and you'll also get a sense of how challenging each section is.

There are also accommodation suggestions in case you're looking for a night away without having to travel far.

Cycling a bit much for your post-iso body?

Never mind. Instead, pack a backpack with a picnic lunch and take a stroll around town on the self-guided heritage walk.

The Goulburn Australia tourism information website has printable brochures for a number of self-guided walks, and the heritage one is a very do-able two kilometres.

It will help you see Goulburn with new eyes.

For example, did you know this about Goulburn Post Office?

"The Post Office (1880) built by Mr F Horn, is also a design by James Barnet. The original arch in the centre of the building features the head of Queen Victoria, and was once used by coach and horse to access the yard behind. The 30 metre high Clock Tower was added, by public demand, a year after the building's completion and was originally illuminated at night by gas. More recently, the bell in the clock tower had not rung for more than 20 years. Fortunately, in 2010, a clock enthusiast passing through inquired why it did not ring; he was allowed to look at the mechanism and managed to get the chimes to, once again, toll on the hour."

You can tour the city centre (22 points of interest), and then relax for lunch, or you can crack on with the historic houses section (19 stops).

Maybe you're yearning to leave civilisation behind and roam in the wilderness.

Bungonia National Park is the answer, and Green track is the pick if you're after a fairly easy few hours of hiking.

Green track is like the tasting plate of Bungonia National Park. The loop walk offers an overview of the park by taking in all the main lookouts and natural environments. It's a moderately easy hike, so pack a picnic lunch and stop at De Kerrilleau picnic area along the way.

Setting out from David Reid carpark, hike through eucalypt woodlands on the plateau, dry rainforest in the gullies and see evidence of the area's limestone karst in the rocky outcrops and cave entrances. Try to imagine the church services held inside Mass Cave during the 1950s as you walk past.

From Adams lookout, enjoy the superb view of Bungonia Slot Canyon and keep an eye out wildlife as well.

Finally, for the ultimate in relaxation, nothing can beat a night camping out in somewhere beautiful.

It takes less than two hours to get to Grabine Lakeside Holiday Park, and then - once you've got settled - you can just sit back and relax, away from all the hustle and bustle of regular life.

This large park offers bush camping right alongside the dam, so stake out your favourite spot and set up camp in your RV, caravan or tent.

Powered sites are also available and there's a range of cabins too.

The park is also dog-friendly for camping and caravan sites, so you can enjoy the great outdoors with your four-legged friends.

Water activities are the name of the game here, and don't let the cold weather put you off. Bring your boat, kayak or canoe and explore the dam while keeping your toes dry.