Best Parks in Canberra 2026: Nature Reserves & Walks

Parks and Nature Reserves in Canberra 2026

Canberra is the bush capital, 60% of the ACT is national park or nature reserve. Lake Burley Griffin sits at the heart of the city, surrounded by parkland, while Namadgi National Park covers the ACT's western highlands. The Snowy Mountains are a two-hour drive. environment.act.gov.au

Canberra's Major Parks and Reserves

• Namadgi National Park, covers 46% of the ACT. Alpine grasslands, subalpine woodland, the Bimberi Wilderness and excellent walking, from the 3-hour Tidbinbilla walk to multi-day wilderness routes. environment.act.gov.au
• Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, 40km southwest of the city. The ACT's best wildlife viewing, koalas, platypus, kangaroos and emus in an accessible reserve. environment.act.gov.au
• National Arboretum Canberra, Forest Drive, Molonglo. World-class arboretum with 94 forests of rare, endangered and symbolic trees from around the world. Spectacular views across Canberra. nationalarboretum.act.gov.au
• Lake Burley Griffin, the artificial lake at the heart of Walter Burley Griffin's Canberra plan. Cycling and walking paths circumnavigate the lake (35km circuit). Captain Cook Memorial Jet. nca.gov.au

Day Trips from Canberra

The Snowy Mountains (2hr), NSW South Coast (2hr) and Kosciuszko National Park in winter are the most popular Canberra day trip and weekend destinations. snowymountains.com.au

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