Discover the true nature of our nation’s capital. There are few capital cities in the world where bush and parkland is so integral to the city plan. Explore and unwind on extensive trails and walkways around town. Take a stroll at sunrise or catch a sunset on the many reserves to see kangaroos, wallabies and hear a chorus of birds on Black Mountain, Red Hill, Mt Ainslie, Mt Majura, Mt Taylor and Mt Pleasant all within the city limits.
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, 45 minutes' drive from the city, is where you can see native animals such as emus and kangaroos grazing freely. The Tidbinbilla Nature Discovery Sanctuary allows visitors to experience the region's wildlife in a natural setting. Unlike a zoo, there are no fences between visitors and animals such as endangered Brush-tailed Rock wallabies, koalas, reptiles, possums and echidnas.
Travel the breadth of Australia by plants at the Australian National Botanic Gardens. See the living fossil, the Wollemi Pine; take a walk through the cool rainforest gully, all within five minutes' drive of the city centre.
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The Bible Garden is a beautiful, quiet place overlooking Lake Burley Griffin. Relax among protected grasslands, a shaded rainforest area, and a labyrinth. Read the plaques that describe the context in which each plant was mentioned in the Bible. Enjoy plants from cyclamens and lilies to crop ...
Indulge yourself and escape from the city in this beautiful national collection of Australian plants at the Australian National Botanic Gardens. Explore the diversity of Australia's weird and wonderful plants. See the rare and the beautiful. Hear native birdsong as you walk along winding paths. ...
Come face to face with some of Australia's largest, deadliest and most colourful reptiles in the Australian Reptile Gallery with thematic exhibits encompassing the tropical, temperate and arid zones. In the Prehistory Gallery, the 'Reptiles in Space and Time' exhibition graphically portrays the ...
Discover fantastic views appearing through the trees as you walk around the marked walking trails on Black Mountain. Black Mountain is the most diverse of Canberra’s nature parks. It houses 100 species of birds, 500 species of plants and 5000 species of insects. The wildflowers in spring and ...
Enjoy views of Parliament House, Lake Burley Griffin and the Australian Institute of Sport. From this lookout, you can see the Brindabellas, the city centre and Mount Ainslie. Further up Black Mountain is Telstra Tower with 360 degree views over Canberra. Follow one of the many marked walking ...
Enjoy 22.2 hectares of foreshore parkland on the north western side of Lake Burley Griffin. Black Mountain Peninsula was designed for enjoying the lake. Use the boat launching ramp for non-powered craft and go sail away. Swim, paddle or just stroll along the water’s edge. Picnic areas and ...
See spectacular 360 degree night and day views of Canberra's region from Black Mountain Tower. Feel the wind in your hair on open viewing platforms. Stay warm and dry during winter months in their enclosed viewing gallery. Browse the souvenir shop or sit and sip coffee at the Panorama kiosk. ...
The Park consists of 27 separate native bushland and grassland reserves throughout urban Canberra which provide many opportunities for walking. Some of the areas which make up the park are: Jerrabomberra Wetlands, Pinnacle Nature Trail, Remembrance Nature Park, Black Mountain, Mulligans Flat, ...
Walk among nearly 600 beautiful birds in the Canberra Walk In Aviary. Observe, photograph and feed the friendly free flying birds as they fly in the large planted aviary This is your chance to get up close and personal with 57 different species from Australia and around the world. Count over 200 ...
Casuarina Sands is a great place to picnic and relax along the Murrumbidgee River. Have a barbeque, swim in the river or stroll upstream to the historic pumping station. For the energetic there is a 14km marked walk along the river with the spectacular Bullen Range to Kambah Pool. Allow eight ...
Explore the world in miniature at Cockington Green Gardens. See highly detailed miniature buildings and magical landscaped gardens. Take a miniature steam-train ride. Marvel at detailed replicas of actual buildings. Figurines, sound and movement bring scenes to life. See Scotland’s Braemer ...
Visit Cooleman Ridge for walks of different lengths, with scenic views. Follow the circuit trail around the lower slope of Mount Arawang. Check their website for comprehensive details, extra links, a brochure and map. Learn about wildlife, geology and plants in the area before you go walking. See ...
Corin Forest is a year round recreation facility with an emphasis on mountain sports and activities. Corin is located 45 minutes drive from central Canberra on a sealed road. These exciting rides set in Corin Forest's natural, Australian mountain bushland setting make a unique and unforgettable ...
Splash or go fishing in the Murrumbidgee River. Go bushwalking. The Cotter Reserve is a popular recreation venue ideal for picnics, swimming and relaxation. Facilities include short walking tracks to the dam and river, and limited overnight camping spots. Take the children out there for a run – ...
Geoscience Australia is Australia's national geoscience research and geospatial information agency. The large foyer area at Geoscience Australia has on display a superb collection of world-class minerals, rocks, fossils, maps and historical equipment. Learn about the activities of Geoscience ...
Gibraltar Falls is upstream from Woods Reserve, a few minutes drive south off Corin Road. Discover this secluded spot at the edge of Gibraltar Creek Pine Forest. Make use of the picnic shelter, gas BBQ, amenities block at the Gibraltar Falls car park. Take the short gravel track to a lookout over ...
Head out into the fresh air and enjoy some green space right in the centre of the city. Take a picnic. Go for a walk. Like the rest of Canberra, Glebe Park was designed to tranform with the four distinct seasons. In the summer the English elms provide welcome shade, in autumn they glow like ...
This working farm of approximately 600 acres is nestled in a picturesque setting only minutes from Canberra city at the foot of iconic Black Mountain. Witness working sheepdogs, sheep shearing and wool classing. Enjoy a rural barbecue lunch. Take home a souvenir from their retail ...
Share a day in the life of a farming family on their 2000-acre Merino sheep and beef cattle farm. Watch Australian kelpie dogs work merino sheep. See sheep shearing demonstrations. Hear informative talks on the Australian wool industry. Enjoy a hearty barbeque lunch and feel yourself relax during ...
Sail your yacht, paddle your canoe or fish for trout or native fish at Googong Foreshores. Quietly observe the wildlife or ride your mountain bike on the fire trails. Discover London Bridge Arch and the fascinating historic homestead. Visit Googong Foreshores and experience the ...
Make sure you take your binoculars when you go walking at Jerrabomberra Wetlands. Strategically located paths and bird hides will help you discover the delights of bird and wildlife watching. These wetlands are an important habitat and refuge for wildlife. Look out for platypus and 77 species ...
This seven kilometre marked walking trail is especially scenic and easily accessible. The magnificent Red Rocks Gorge can by accessed via a short side trail about half way between Kambah Pool and Pine Island. Allow approximately three hours one way. Pick up a pamphlet a short way along the trail. ...
The Lanyon historic precinct is set in a landscape of great natural beauty. Stroll in the rambling gardens, visit the restored 1850's homestead and the courtyard buildings. Changing exhibitions focus on aspects of Australian country life. A wide range of interactive educational and community ...
Molonglo Gorge is great for swimming, fishing, walking and picnicking. The Molonglo River runs a picturesque course through the gorge; carved through a fault zone. Take the self-guided walk along the gorge to the Blue Tiles picnic area. The Molonglo Gorge forest recreation area is 2 kilometres ...
Walk, cycle or drive to the top of Mount Ainslie for a perfect view of Canberra’s unique layout. Take in Lake Burley Griffin, many of Canberra's national attractions and the mountain ranges surrounding the city. See great views of the Australian War Memorial, Anzac Parade and Parliament House. ...