Top Things to do in Canberra
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Top 10 Nature & Wildlife Areas 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.
Restaurants in Canberra
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. Canberra Nature Park
3. 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.
4. 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).
5. 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.
6. Canberra Reptile Zoo
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 159 reviews
Reviewed By Aly1961 - Sydney, Australia
I really enjoyed this...a very small reptile zoo fitted into a building that they make work....It is a super close encounter with the reptiles & many are available for you to touch, whilst they are still in their exhibits or they are providing talks & you are allowed to touch them. It was very homely & they had many areas including a bbq area, party area and outside area. I would happily go again. $16 to get in which I thought very reasonable.
7. Mount Taylor Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 14 reviews
Reviewed By FrostyRemo - Melbourne, Australia
There are several ways up and down. I went up the Zig Zag track and down the southern side (all on tracks) to make a tidy loop. Great views in all directions and plenty of 'Roos and bird life.
8. One Tree Hill Lookout Walk (Centenary Trail)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 20 reviews
Reviewed By FrostyRemo - Melbourne, Australia
For a taste of the Canberra Centenary trail this is a great introduction. Be rewarded with great views and plenty of bird life as you gradually ascend to the One Tree Hill Lookout. Keep an eye out for the critically endangered Orange Sunshine Moth when relaxing at the summit Lookout.
9. Square Rock Trail
10. Floriade
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 1,493 reviews
Festival of flowers. Entertainment, arts and crafts and gourmet food.
Reviewed By turbojoe2015
Magnificent floral displays of brilliant colour, easy to read descriptions of each display and friendly and knowledgeable staff made our visit to Floriade truly memorable.
