Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
A wildlife reserve just outside the capital, where wild platypuses swim in the wetlands and kangaroos, emus and koalas are a common sight.
Tidbinbilla lies about 40 km southwest of Canberra and is part of the Australian Alps national parks. The reserve has wetlands, eucalyptus forest and rocky hills. The Sanctuary Wetlands Trail is the best place to spot platypuses and waterbirds, the koala area has both captive and wild koalas, and open grasslands host herds of eastern grey kangaroos and emus. The Gibraltar Peak and Camel Back trails suit a half-day hike. Vehicles pay a daily entry fee of about AUD 15. The park is open roughly 7:30 to 18:00, later in summer. There is no public transport, so you need a car.
Opening hours
Approx. 07:30–18:00 (until 20:30 in summer)
Nearby sights
- Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex
- Lanyon Homestead
- Namadgi National Park
- Mount Stromlo Observatory
- National Zoo & Aquarium
- Royal Australian Mint
- National Arboretum Canberra
- Parliament House, Canberra