"Located at the foot of Australia’s highest mountain range, I found Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve offers an outstanding natural wildlife experience where kangaroos, wallabies and emus can be seen in a natural setting — a kangaroo can easily be spotted here." - SilverKris
5 best hiking trails around Canberra, Australia - SilverKris
"A versatile reserve with walks of varying grades arranged so visitors can drive between different trailheads and do short sections; rangers at the visitor centre can help plan routes. Wildlife encounters are a major draw—kangaroos are essentially guaranteed, emus are commonly seen and koalas are present. The reserve runs a breeding programme for the endangered brush-tailed rock wallaby, viewable in an enclosure, and early mornings are best for wombat and platypus sightings. Family-friendly features include a Nature Discovery Playground, idyllic picnic spots and plenty of fresh air." - SilverKris
An insider's guide to Canberra, Australia - SilverKris
"A scenic reserve offering walks where visitors can encounter many wild native Australian animals, making it a good option for nature lovers and families." - SilverKris
A guide to the hippest neighbourhoods in Canberra, Australia - SilverKris
"A serene bushland reserve less than an hour from the city where visitors can find Australian wildlife in relative solitude — families report quiet moments watching platypus at a dam — making it an accessible escape into native ecosystems." - SUE WHITE
Beautiful any time of year but particularly on one of the milder summer days I recommend going either early morning or late afternoon. There's alot of trails and beautiful spots to explore and having the midday sun on-top of you (11-3pm) is a real drag. Definitely bring water hat and shades though most areas do have dense tree canopy cover and plenty of spots to rest and sit down.
Highly recommend:
- saying g'day to the super lovely and knowledgeable staff at the main entrance. I really appreciate the gift shop accompaniment because it makes the visit a really special treat especially for kids so love that.
- taking a map and reading the signs along the paths if you can because it's a long way from not the right carpark to the right one if you happen to be as skillfully distracted as we were.
- hanging rock is a must.
- everything in between.
We went 2 weekends in a row, second trip felt like we became part of the team. Shout out to Scott on the buggy for giving us heaps of air time asking questions about all the things. Legend! Hope we catch you and the lovely lady at the front who showed us Aaron Chini. Catch you next time we're there !!
E
Google
Great stop in at Tidbinbilla, was passing by after the Deep Space Communications centre.
Haven’t been in a few years and safe to say I regret leaving it so long, I forget how awesome this place is.
Koalas eat at 1pm so they were awake. Turtles everywhere but make sure not to be too loud they get spooked and go in the water. Lots of birds, we never see any platypus though
Would be great if they could get the visitor centre back as a main feature, it’s still all closed off with just an office in demountables. Really lacking that initial lay of the land info. Staff were lovely though
Fufu N
Google
I think the info can be improved. Like where actually the platypus is and the koala. And the best way to see them.
Understand this is not a zoo. But that's why we need guidance to enjoy the nature at its fullest.
Each track can also be advertised better for its experience, using the brochure of course as it's the only information source we can depend on.
Nevertheless. The place was serene and beautiful
Christopher N.
Google
A beautiful natural environment that is easily accessible and close to Canberra. There are bush land and bushwalks to explore as well grassed picnic areas and play areas for children. Highlights include the Sanctuary and Koala enclosure. I would readily return again and again to enjoy this natural wonderland. The entrance is being developed and once finished it will be a great addition to the area.
Ashlee D.
Google
Well looked after national park with something for everyone. A huge range of walks for all levels plus lots of picnic areas. We saw 3 platypuses, a southern-brush rock tail wallaby and many birds. Very quiet only a few other groups around
Tony B
Google
This is a wonderful place. The short drive from Canberra is well worth it.
We saw Bandicoots, Wallabies,Kangaroos, Koalas, a wombat, and bunch of magnificent birds. The best animal we saw was a Platypus- all of these were spotted in their natural environment.
Best time to visit is just before sunset.
Mia R.
Google
A must-visit! It’s really beautiful, with many trails for various walks. I recommend taking the one that leads to the top of the mountain for a breathtaking view! You also have the chance to see many animals, including lots of kangaroos (especially in the morning). It’s truly exciting to see koalas as well.
dany D.
Google
Saw a lot of animals, rock wallaby, kangaroo, koalas, birds of all type. The staff was friendly and helpful, the place was great and well maintained, tattoo were easy to follow, everything was fully worth it
Thomas M.
Yelp
If you're visiting Canberra for a few days or a new resident, Tidbinbilla is a must see for the whole family.
The reserve is affordable and well designed. You can grab some snakes and keepsakes at the visitor centre or bring your own picnic.
Koalas are always on display in one enclosure and Potoroos will hop right up to you to investigate. Feeding time makes wallaby and pelican sightings easy.
Facilities (i.e. restrooms) could be better, but in no way unpleasant.