Merimbula to Canberra is a very nice flight - especially scenic via Moruya. If you track that way there is very little tiger country to concern yourself with. Many also track up the Araluen valley. Pick your day weather-wise paying careful attention to the wind and all should be good. Tracking back to Melbourne via Albury etc. is also a great trip with many options.
There's a very friendly flying school operating at Canberra airport - you should see their instructors floating around the Gate 3 facility. There's toilets and the school has tea/coffee etc. The walk to the terminal/cafe is about 10 minutes or so if you're after a feed.