Csnberra Nature

Canberra is nestled beside the man-made Lake Burley Griffin and is surrounded by eucalyptus forests, sweeping grassland, swamp and scrubland – in fact, more than half of the city itself is nature reserves and native bush. It is for this reason that Canberra is sometimes nicknamed the ‘Bush Capital’.

Canberra Nature Park incorporates the city’s 27 main nature reserves, covering a huge expanse of land. Many of these areas have been cleared for agriculture in the past however bush rehabilitation programs have allowed much of the native plant life to return and thrive. The endangered Yellow Box-Red Gum Grassy Woodland is an example of a rare forest-type that is found in the Nature Park, home to many rare Australian animal species including the Hooded Robin, Button Wrinklewort and Striped Legless Lizard.

Most of Canberra’s inner hills are incorporated into the Nature Park, including Mount Majura, Black Mountain and Mount Ainslie – these areas are protected from housing development by the National Capital Plan, allowing the city to have a distinct natural beauty near urban areas.

Most Canberra locals are lucky enough to enjoy parkland within easy walking distance from their homes, with popular activities including bushwalking, horse-riding, picnicking and bike-riding. There are spectacular views to take in at several lookouts on the surrounding mountains, as well as native flowers, birdlife and animals to discover. For the highest views, why not four-wheel drive to the summit of Black Mountain in Brindabella National Park, Mount Pleasant, Mount Ainslie or Red Hill for sweeping vistas of the entire region.

For animal lovers, the National Aquarium and Wildlife Sanctuary is a fun way for the whole family to get up close and personal with many curious native creatures whilst learning about the vital preservation and research done by the sanctuary. The National Zoo and the Australian Reptile Centre at Gold Creek are also well worth a visit for their exotic and rare animal species.

The city’s dry inland location is often subject to annual bushfires, particularly in the hot summer months of December to February. For this reason it is important to be fire-aware when visiting Canberra’s great outdoors, especially when fire danger is high and fire-bans and water restrictions are in place. The Parks Brigade is the body responsible for monitoring the likelihood of fire in the Canberra region and for taking hazard reduction measures near urban and agricultural areas. Their work greatly reduces the damaging impact of bushfires in the region.