Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is a valley rich in Indigenous and natural heritage.

• Introducing Tidbinbilla
• The Australian Alps
• Tidbinbilla and people
• Natural Heritage
• Recreation
• Friends of Tidbinbilla
• The Sanctuary

Visitor Centre Opening Hours

• Weekdays 9am - 4.30pm
• Weekend and public holidays - 9am - 5pm

Reserve Grounds Opening Hours

• Standard Time - 9am - 6pm
• Daylight Saving Time - 9am - 8pm

Introducing Tidbinbilla

Nestled between the Tidbinbilla and Gibraltar Ranges, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is a 40 minute drive from the Canberra city centre. Visitors to Tidbinbilla will experience a valley rich in indigenous and natural heritage and discover many unique plants and animals.

The Tidbinbilla Visitor Centre provides a great introduction to the reserve. The friendly staff will provide you with up-to-date information about ranger guided walks and 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. Coffee and light refreshments are also available.

The Australian Alps

The Australian Alps straddle the borders of the ACT, New South Wales and Victoria. Tidbinbilla together with 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.

Tidbinbilla and People

The mountains that surround Tidbinbilla are a place of spiritual significance to Aboriginal people. The name Tidbinbilla is derived from the Aboriginal word, 'Jedbinbilla', a place where 'boys were made men'. Tidbinbilla has recorded the highest density of artefacts found in the ACT. Evidence of Aboriginal occupation includes open artefact scatters and prehistoric rock shelters. The most important sites are Birrigai Rock Shelter, Bogong Cave and Tidbinbilla Mountain.

Visitors can view the Birrigai Rock Shelter along the Birrigai Time Trail which starts from the visitor centre. This rock shelter is the oldest Aboriginal site known in the ACT region and dates back to at least 21,000 years ago.

The Hanging Rock Shelter can also be seen along the Hanging Rock Walking Trail. This shelter contains evidence of high occupation and was mostly used by large family groups or male hunting parties.

The Tidbinbilla Valley 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.

Natural Heritage

Tidbinbilla has a stunning array of plants and animals. The broad habitats include wetlands, grasslands, dry forests, wet forests and sub-alpine.

These different habitats support a wide range of wildlife including lyrebirds, kangaroos, possums, wombats, echidnas, platypus and emus, which were introduced into the area.

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.

Visitors can learn more about these wonderful wildlife through the visitor centre or by attending the regular Ranger Talks held every weekend and public holiday.

Recreation

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.

Parents and children will welcome the new Nature Discovery Playground located at the picnic area. This development aims to fulfil a range of objectives including learning, physical challenge and social interaction. Importantly, it also is great fun!!! The primary inspiration for this playground is drawn from the natural beauty, form and diversity of the Tidbinbilla Valley. The habitats of Tidbinbilla wildlife are being 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 to enjoy lunch while keeping watch over their children.

Visitors may like to take advantage of the Ranger Guided Activity Program or join one of the regular ranger talks held every weekend and public holiday. Specific environmental education programs are also offered. Please contact the visitor centre for more information.

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

Friends of Tidbinbilla

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

The Sanctuary

The dream is now a reality at the Sanctuary at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. Newly opened in April 2008, the Sanctuary 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. More information about the Sanctuary at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.

The Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve Visitor Centre	Tidbinibilla Nature Reserve
Corroboree Frog

Downloads

• Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve Map and Guide ( PDF 917Kb)
• Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve - Brochure( PDF 827Kb)
• Church Rock Heritage Loop ( PDF 730Kb)

Links to other Parks and Reserves

• Waterfall Springs