Top Things to do in Canberra
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The 10 Best Nature & Parks in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
You can fit a lot into a visit to Australia’s capital city. Surrounded by nature parks, Canberra is best known for a vast collection of history and culture that provides a snapshot of the nation. Discover precincts housing, thriving local arts and foodie scenes, family friendly attractions, outdoor experiences and the acclaimed cool-climate wineries that dot the surrounding area.
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1. Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 307 reviews
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is nestled at the base of the Tidbinbilla Range, and is only a 40 minute drive south-west of Canberra’s city centre. Located within the reserve is a Sanctuary of five ponds and weirs abundant with wildlife including platypus. There is an over 80% chance of seeing these rare and usually elusive animals! Other native animals you may encounter include koalas, emus, kangaroos and many bird and reptile species. Tidbinbilla is also a leader in conservation with a breeding program focusing on the Northern Corroboree Frog, Southern Brush-Tailed Rock-Wallaby and the Eastern Bettong. Tidbinbilla has a rich cultural landscape dating back over 25 000 years and is the traditional Country of the Ngunnawal people. The Tidbinbilla Valley also reflects the European history of the area with historic homesteads and evidence of farming scattered throughout the reserve. Unique accommodation is available at one of the historic homesteads, Nils Desperandum.
Reviewed By gregoryd762
This place has been on our radar for years, but this was our first opportunity to visit. Good visitor center, excellent maps of walks and attractions. We spent over 2 hours walking around the Sanctuary-absolutely beautiful, with lots of widlife - and also walked up to Hanging Rock and the Rock Valley homestead ruins. So many great walks to do- we will definitely come back on future trips to Canberra homestead ruins
2. Lake Burley Griffin
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,905 reviews
Reviewed By mykej - Jakarta, Indonesia
The lake is the heart of Canberra and whether you are into fitness -hire a bike walk run- or relaxing it has somuch to offer. Sit at regatta point on the hill and take it all in while the captain cook fountain erupts or go to the yacht club on south shore for a drink and food. walk over and around the bridges is a beautiful walk. Its all good. just dont go swimming in winter.
3. Australian National Botanic Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 730 reviews
The national collection of Australian native plants; inspiring, informing and connecting people with the Australian flora.
Reviewed By joniquelife - Australia, null
This is quite a big gardens spread out over a large area with a multitude of habitats from the rainforest to the desert and everything in between. There is an awesome rainforest walk down below ground level with misters to add that extra rainforest feel and also a tree house that you can climb... winning ???? We love visiting botanic gardens all around Australia and comparing them, this one would definitely be top 3 so far You need to pay for parking here ( $3.50 per hour) or park further away and walk! “Jonique Life” Follow our journey around Australia on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube as we highlight wonderful experiences and magical places you can add to your ever growing bucket list.
4. Boundless Playground
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 18 reviews
5. Namadgi National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 136 reviews
Welcome to Namadgi National Park. Named after the Aboriginal word for the mountain ranges in the south-west of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Namadgi National Park was declared in 1984. The park covers over 106,095 hectares of the ACT and contains more than 160 kilometres of marked walking trails. In Namadgi National Park you can experience Aboriginal and European history, beautiful camping sites, an abundance of native wildlife and many bushwalking trails through a range of unique natural environments. Namadgi National Park is also the beginning of the Australian Alps Walking track which starts at the Namadgi Visitor Centre and makes its way through the Australian Alps. The track ends at Walhalla in Victoria after a total of 655 kilometres. Namadgi is also a great place to enjoy a day out with the family, pack a picnic or BBQ and get out in nature.
Reviewed By FamilyTraveller2627 - Jindabyne, Australia
Dropped in at the visitors centre whilst driving through on the Boboyan Rd. Nice facilities, bbqs, shady, picnic area with view. Clean toilets, friendly staff and interesting and well put together Information displays.
6. Jerrabomberra Wetland
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
See possums, wallabies, and lizards.
Reviewed By JuJuMizzle
Bird watching tours are great - on a Saturday morning once every month or so at 9:30am - a gentle stroll around the bird hides learning about the different types of ducks and birds, and how the wetlands improves the water of the whole water course. The rangers are very knowledgeable. Nice to do with friends and family or on your own - they are quite welcome.
7. Black Mountain Nature Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 88 reviews
Reviewed By Les_Landau - Canberra, Australia
You can walk the trail up to the top of Black Mountain through the Botanic Gardens, and this is probably the nicest way to do it. However, if you do not want so much uphill walking, then drive up, and park at the carpark towards the top, but NOT at the top, and go on a 30 min walk around Black Mountain. This way you are in the bush with the flowers and birds and have a changing view as you walk all the way around. It is not completely flat, and is at times uneven, but is very easy walking. An alternative, is to park at the top, then follow the train down about 300m to where the loop track goes, then walk around and back up to your car. Whichever way you do it, it is a great walk, and one of the best in Canberra (the others being up Mt Ainslie and up Red Hill).
8. Booroomba Rocks Walk
9. Commonwealth Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 133 reviews
Reviewed By 424aleksm - Bruges, Belgium
It features some of the nicest views of the Burley Griffin Lake and the parliamentary triangle. Well worth visiting for a picnic or a stroll along the walking promenade with beautiful views. There are couple of small cafes around to enjoy a quick bite and a coffee.
10. Cotter Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 149 reviews
Reviewed By alexu2013 - Canberra, Australia
This is a fantastic spot for a family picnic, lots of open space to sit down and a beautiful river nearby. There are multiple bbq areas and a large park for the kids. The dam is huge and amazing to see. There is a short walk that is easy for the kids to do to view the dam. It’s only 20 min from Canberra so a really good distance to spend the day. Take all your own food and rubbish bags as there are no bins or cafes.
