If your family loves the outdoors and you're looking for a family-friendly destination near Canberra, look no further than Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. This stunning reserve covers over 54 square kilometres and is home to a range of native wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, koalas and echidnas. With several hiking trails of various levels of difficulty, along with picnic areas and an information centre, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is a perfect destination for families looking to spend quality time together in nature. We recommend at least half a day to properly enjoy the reserve.
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is located approximately 40 kilometres southwest of Canberra. It takes around 45 minutes to drive from Canberra to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, depending on traffic and the route taken. The drive is fairly easy, although there are a few narrow sections on the roads around the reserve, and it is located quite high in the hills, so be prepared for winding roads and changing elevation (just in case anyone in your party suffers from car sickness).
We had a fantastic time exploring the area. Our daughters loved the walking tracks, especially the Eucalyptus Forest Walk, which took us through a beautiful forest of eucalyptus trees and offered breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
There are koalas in enclosures at the beginning of the trail, so you're guaranteed to see at least one koala, even if you don't spot any others in the trees in the reserve. The trail was approximately 1.6 km long and was suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
One of the highlights of our visit to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve was the Wildlife Sanctuary. Our daughters were fascinated by the range of native animals on display, including kangaroos, wallabies, and koalas. We even got to see a platypus in the wild, which was a rare and exciting experience for all of us. Our photographs weren't great, as it kept to the middle of the pond, but at least we have the memory!
The sanctuary is home to over 20 different species of native animals, many of which are threatened or endangered, and offered us the opportunity to learn about the conservation efforts being undertaken to protect them. There are also some fantastic photo opportunities.
The cost of entry to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is $13 per vehicle, which is a great value for the range of activities and attractions on offer. The reserve also has a Visitor Information Centre, which provides information about the reserve's history, wildlife, and recreational activities. The staff were very friendly and helpful, and we found the exhibits to be both informative and engaging. There is a small amount of food available here (sausage rolls, pies and that sort of thing - fine for a snack).
Apart from these attractions, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve also offers a range of recreational activities, including camping, fishing, and boating. Unfortunately, we didn't have time to try these activities during our visit.
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve was a fantastic family experience. The range of activities and attractions on offer, combined with the stunning natural scenery, make it a must-visit destination for families visiting Canberra, particularly for international visitors. The lack of reception means it's a great screen-free time-out from the pace of daily life. Whether you're looking to hike, watch wildlife or simply enjoy a peaceful day out in nature, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve has something for everyone, young and old! To find out more, visit the Tidbinbilla web
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