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 plants...
Indulge yourself and escape from the city in this beautiful national collection of Australian plants. 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. Wander through towering gum trees. Explore the ...
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 evol...
Marked walking trails and a range of native plants and animals. The wildflowers in spring and early summer are beautiful.
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 trails...
Picnic areas, barbecues, playground equipment and swimming spots.
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. Dine in...
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, Urambi...
Walk among over 500 beautiful birds in the Canberra Walk In Aviary. Observe, photograph and feed the friendly free flying birds while you are in their natural environment. This is your chance to get up close and personal with 54 different species from Australia and around the world. Count over 200 A...
Casuarina Sands is a great place to picnic and relax along the Murrumbidgee River. Visitors can 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. Allo...
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 Castle, t...
Corin Forest is a year round recreation facility with an emphasis on mountain sports and activities located just 45 minutes drive from Parliament House, Canberra, on an all sealed road. In any environment, people of any age would greatly enjoy these exciting, world-class rides, but located in Cori...
A popular recreation venue for picnics, swimming and relaxation alongside the Murrumbidgee River. Facilities include short walking tracks to the dam and river, and limited overnight camping spots. Refreshments are available.
A leisurely marked walk along the river's edge returning over Moore's Hill with views of the surrounding area. Allow one and a half hours return. No dogs allowed.
Public visits are welcome in the large foyer area where there are displays of minerals, rocks, and fossils, and information on the geosciences, the activities of Geoscience Australia, and the clever low energy geo-thermal heating/cooling system of the award-winning building. Maps and other products ...
Secluded spot at the edge of Gibraltar Creek Pine Forest with picnic tables, barbecues and camping area at Woods Reserve. Phone ACT Forests for information and particulars on camping.
In the summer the English elms provide welcome shade, in autumn they glow like molten gold.
A working farm of approximately 600 acres nestled in a picturesque setting only minutes from Canberra city at the foot of Black Mountain, working sheepdogs, sheep shearing, wool classing, barbecue lunch, retail outlet
Relaxing and friendly rural experience with sheepdog and shearing demonstrations, informative talk on the Australian wool industry and BBW lunch. Share a day in the life of a farming family on their 2000-acre Merino sheep and beef cattle farm.
Googong Foreshores, located 10km south of Queanbeyan, is a quiet place for fishing, canoeing, sailing, bushwalking and discovering London Bridge Arch and Homestead.
Viewing hides for both local and migratory waterbirds. Walking trails are established on site.
This 7 km 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. No dogs allow...
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 program...
The Molonglo River runs a picturesque course through Molonglo Gorge which has riverside picnic areas.
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.