Parks Conservation and Lands

Tidbinbilla

Nestled between Tidbinbilla and Gibraltar Ranges, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is only a 40 minute drive from Canberra's City centre. Visitors to Tidbinbilla will discover many unique plants and animals and experience a valley rich in Aboriginal heritage. 

Tidbinbilla has a stunning array of plants and animals. The broad habitats, that include wetlands, grasslands, dry forests, wet forests and sub-alpine, support a wide range of wildlife including lyrebirds, kangaroos, possums, wombats, echidnas, platypus and emus. Tidbinbilla also plays an important role in captive wildlife management, in particular the breeding programs for the endangered Northern Corroboree Frog and the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby.

Download a copy of the Tidbinbilla Map and Guide ( PDF 2.4 Mb)

The name Tidbinbilla is derived from the Ngunawal word 'Jedbinbilla', a place where 'boys were made men', and the mountains that surround Tidbinbilla are a place of deep spiritual significance to local Aboriginal people. 

Evidence of Aboriginal occupation includes open artefact scatters and prehistoric rock shelters. The Birrigai Rock Shelter is one of the oldest Aboriginal site known in the ACT region and dates back to at least 21,000 years ago. The Hanging Rock Shelter along the Hanging Rock Walking Trail, contained evidence of high occupation and was mostly used by large family groups or male hunting parties.

The Tidbinbilla Valley also visibly reflects the 160 year European history of the area. Farmland, pioneers houses or remnants from activities of the early occupants are scattered throughout the valley. Visitors can explore these sites along the Birrigai Time Trail or on the Church Rock Heritage Loop.

The Sanctuary at Tidbinbilla

Opened in April 2008, the Sanctuary at Tidbinbilla offers visitors a chance to have a hands on real life encounter with some of Australia's most exciting and unique wildlife. It is a fascinating place where visitors can learn to appreciate nature in a purpose built captive facility. The Sanctuary is centred on an upgraded Tidbinbilla Wetlands which is a unique outdoor development. Featuring a 'duck eye' view walk in boat, a board walk, high quality exhibits, a scenic path system, visitor education, amenities and of course, wildlife. In essence, the entire 30 ha site is one large enclosure, ensuring that visitors experience local wildlife in their natural setting. 

Recreational Activities 

Tidbinbilla has a range of recreational experiences. Visitors can enjoy a scenic drive through the reserve, picnic in one of the many idyllic picnic spots, or ride a bike along the sealed road or fire trails. Various bushwalks on formed trails can be done which range from easy strolls to challenging day trips. Electric and wood-fired barbecues are available free of charge.

The Nature Discovery Playground located at the main picnic area, aims to fulfil a range of objectives including learning, physical challenge and social interaction. Most importantly, it is also great fun! Inspiration for the playground has been drawn from the natural beauty, form and diversity of the Tidbinbilla Valley. The wildlife habitats of Tidbinbilla are interpreted through innovative, artistic and practical design solutions. The playground includes traditional play items, as well as unique elements that provide an insight into the behaviour of local wildlife. Public art is also a feature of the playground, with a number of pieces provided by local artists including a carved 'hide and seek' pole and 'meeting place', seating and ceramics. New electric barbecues and seating within the playground allow parents and carers to enjoy lunch while keeping watch over their children.

Visitors may also like to join in on one of the regular Ranger Guided Activity Program that are held throughout the year. Specific environmental education programs are also offered. Contact the Tidbinbilla Visitor Centre for more information.

Please remember to leave your dogs, cats and other pets at home, as they are not permitted in the reserve. Prohibited recreational activities at Tidbinbilla include camping, fishing, horse riding, car rallies, off-road 4WD activities and trail bike riding.

Tidbinbilla Visitor Centre

The Tidbinbilla Visitor Centre provides a great introduction to the reserve. The friendly staff can provide you with up-to-date information about walks and ranger guided activities. Enjoy the hands on displays such as the interactive computer program on Tidbinbilla's bird species and look at the live animal displays. The gift shop sells an interesting range of clothes, toys, books, cards and souvenirs. You are encouraged to bring a picnic when you visit Tidbinbilla! The Visitors Centre only has self-serve coffee, ice creams and some souvenir type packaged food for purchase. The closest cafes to Tidbinbilla are at the Tidbinbilla Deep Space Tracking Complex and Lanyon Homestead.

• Visitor Centre Opening Hours
  Opens 9:00 AM; closes 5:00 PM in summer and 4:30 in winter
• Reserve Gates Opening Hours 
  Opens 7.30 AM; closes 8:00 PM in summer and 6:00 in winter
• Tidbinbilla is closed on Christmas Day, and may also be closed on days of total fire ban, high winds or for management requirements.
  
• Fee Schedule: Entry fees were re-introduced to Tidbinbilla on 1 August 2009
  
• Phone: (02) 6205 1233        
• Location: off Paddy's River Road, via Cotter Road (Weston Creek) or Point Hut Crossing (Gordon)
• Postal Address: GPO Box 158 Canberra ACT 2601
• Facsmile: (02) 6207 2901
• Email: tams.tidbinbilla@act.gov.au

Friends of Tidbinbilla

The Friends of Tidbinbilla are a group of people who enjoy the special places at Tidbinbilla and want to be involved in looking after its natural and cultural environment. Members have been volunteering their time since 1993. Some activities that they conduct are Waterwatch surveys, bird surveys, weed control and assisting wildlife projects and Park Care.

The Australian Alps national parks

The Australian Alps straddle the borders of New South Wales, Victoria and the ACT. Tidbinbilla and Namadgi National Park form the northern part of the Australian Alps. The many national parks and nature reserves within the Alps each have unique alpine and/or subalpine environments. These parks and reserves now form a conservation zone of international significance known as the Australian Alps national parks.   

Further information

• Discussion Paper for a New Plan of Management 
• Entry fees were re-introduced to Tidbinbilla on 1 August 2009
• Tidbinbilla Map and Guide ( PDF 2.4 Mb)
• October 2009 School Holiday Program at Tidbinbilla  ( PDF 594Kb)
• Sanctuary at Tidbinbilla 
• Ranger Guided Activity Program 
• Brush-Tailed Rock-Wallaby Recovery Program partners - Waterfall Springs