Outdoor and nature

ANZAC Parade is the national capital's major commemorative way. Memorials dedicated to Australian and New Zealand service people who've fought and lost lives in war line the length of the Parade. Download a podcast of the memorials from the website. The red gravel central strip of this visually  ...

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. Offering a breathtaking array of native plants in a spectacular bushland setting, it is the only place in the world you will see this diversity of  ...

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 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  ...

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,  ...

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  ...

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  ...

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  ...

The Cotter Avenue is a popular recreation venue ideal for picnics, swimming, fishing, bushwalking and relaxation. Facilities include short walking tracks to the Cotter Dam and river, and limited camping at the adjacent Cotter Campground. Take the Cotter Dam Discovery Trail, lined with stories of  ...

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 1500-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  ...

This 30-hectare arboretum on the western shore of Lake Burley Griffin commemorates the outstanding contribution of Emeritus Professor Lindsay Pryor AO (1915-1998) to Canberra and the nation. It also recognises the importance of trees and forests to Australia, with fifty different tree species and  ...

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.  ...

Enjoy unhindered views of Canberra and the Brindabellas from Mount Painter. Walk to the summit along a sealed trail. Stop for a time at the two lookouts for the wonderful views. Learn more about the area from the interpretive signage at the summit. Mount Painter is part of the Canberra Nature  ...