Your summer fun activity guide

Get ready to embrace the summer sun in Canberra's nature reserves! With over 90 urban parks and nature reserves, and gems like Namadgi National Park and Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, the ACT is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

Whether you're keen to hike scenic trails, take in breathtaking views, or enjoy birdwatching in tranquil wetlands, there’s something for everyone.

Be prepared

Before you lace up your walking shoes, grab your binoculars and pack a picnic blanket it’s important to make sure you’re prepared when exploring our parks and reserves, especially during the hotter months. Here are some top tips to help you enjoy the outdoors safely.

If you plan on visiting one of our waterways it’s important you stay safe and reduce your risk by letting someone know before you go, knowing your limits, understanding the dangers and being prepared for an emergency.
Always check the weather before leaving and look for any park closures. Avoid visiting parks, reserves, or plantations on days with extreme or catastrophic fire danger ratings, during Total Fire Bans, or during bushfires .
Before bushwalking or hiking always let someone know before you go, research your trip to make sure you’re prepared, bring appropriate clothing and footwear, stick to the tracks and be prepared for an emergency.

Remember that some of our parks and reserves have limited or no mobile reception. For those planning to hike, we recommend speaking to the staff at Namadgi or Tidbinbilla Visitor Centres to hire a Personal Locator Beacon as a safety precaution.

Learn more about staying safe in and around the bush and safety in and around our waterways.

Find a cool place to escape

Escape into the cool, shaded beauty of Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve's Cascades Trail, starting from the Mountain Creek carpark. This walk is great for hot or rainy days and takes you through thick forest, wet gullies, and shaded valleys.

As you explore, listen to the sounds of the bush and keep an eye out for a wallaby or a lyrebird. The 2.6 km trail has a rewarding climb to the main falls, where water flows over granite rocks. If you want an easier walk, the 2 km lower loop is a great option.

Suitable for most ages, the Cascades Trail is perfect for anyone looking for a peaceful nature escape.

A shady area amongst fern trees on the Cascades walking trail at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.

Catch a sunrise

View from Mount Painter, with Canberra shrouded in fog and Telstra Tower sillhoutted against the sunrise.

Catch a sunrise

Catching the sunrise at Mount Painter is a magical experience. As the sun rises, it lights up the sky and you can see amazing views of Canberra and the surrounding area.

The easy trail takes you to the top and you can watch the city wake up, with the morning light creating a beautiful glow over the hills and valleys. It’s a peaceful way to start your day and enjoy the beauty of nature.

Go birdwatching

The ACT is home to many bird species, including some that are rare or endangered. So, next time you visit one of our reserves, don’t forget to bring your binoculars and camera for an exciting experience! The birdwatching hides at Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve are a great way to get close to amazing birds without disturbing them. Located along peaceful walking trails, these hides give you a perfect view of everything from graceful swans to herons and sometimes even rare birds visiting as part of their annual migration. With handy viewing slots and benches, they're great for both casual visitors and serious birdwatchers.

If you need help getting started, check out our birdwatching tips.

View from one of the bird hides at Jerrabomberra Wetlands at sunrise.

Picnic in paradise

A family picnicking by Yerrabi Pond

Picnic in paradise

Most of Canberra's parks and reserves offer excellent barbecue and picnic facilities. Escape to the serene Point Hut Pond District Park for superb views and excellent opportunities for wildlife spotting, or explore the accessible picnic facilities at the Cotter in the Murrumbidgee River Corridor.

To find more picnic-worthy spots, use our handy Find a Park tool.

Explore a new trail

The Urambi Trail in Tuggeranong Valley is a stunning addition to Canberra’s walking tracks, offering a mix of grassy woodlands, rolling hills, and breathtaking views of the Brindabella Range. Perfect for all fitness levels, the trail features shaded sections, a rewarding lookout near the summit, and interpretive signs showcasing the area’s natural and cultural heritage.

Wildlife enthusiasts can spot kangaroos, echidnas, and native birds, while seasonal wildflowers and eucalyptus trees add to the scenic charm. Starting near the Athllon Drive / Learmonth Drive end of Urambi Hills Nature Reserve, it’s a peaceful escape ideal for walking, wildlife spotting, or simply taking in the views.

Upgraded track at Urambi Hills Nature Reserve.

Camping

Two tents set up at a campsite.

Camping

Explore the wonderful selection of campgrounds available for reservations in Canberra. Namadgi National Park hosts three of our highly sought-after campgrounds – Honeysuckle, Orroral and Mt Clear. These camping sites feature a range of convenient facilities and provide easy access to some of Canberra's most enchanting walking trails and natural attractions.

Outside of Namadgi National Park, Blue Range campground is dog-friendly (dogs must remain on a lead at all times). The Cotter campground is also a fantastic summer camping location on the banks of the Cotter River. Campgrounds are popular and bookings are essential. Booking a campground is made simple through our user-friendly online reservation system.

Learn about local history and heritage

There are several exciting heritage trails around Canberra. Getting some inspiration from the Canberra Tracks network, head to the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and walk along the Birrigai Time Trail to learn about the rich culture and history of the Ngunnawal people at the oldest known rock shelter in the Alps region.

A Canberra Tracks sign in the foreground providing information about the history of the dry stone wall in the background.

Enjoy family fun in our parks and playgrounds

Young child at a playground.

Enjoy family fun in our parks and playgrounds

Canberra's many parks and playgrounds provide fantastic recreational facilities on our doorstep that the whole family can enjoy. They provide play opportunities for all ages and abilities including nature and water play, fitness equipment, basketball courts, disc golf and more.

Don’t forget to pack a picnic or take advantage of the barbecue facilities on offer. So, next time you’re planning a get-together with family or friends, consider visiting one of Canberra’s great parks. From the deep south to the far north, each park offers a perfect setting for outdoor fun and relaxation including at:

Point Hut Pond District Park
Kambah District Park
Weston Park
John Knight Memorial Park
Nature Discovery Playground

Check the Find a park page to see what’s available close to you!

More information

Need more inspiration? Use our find a park tool to search by activity type or area.

In a life threatening emergency dial Triple Zero (000)

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1800 629 354

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(02) 6205 1700

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Your summer fun activity guide

Be prepared

Find a cool place to escape

Catch a sunrise

Go birdwatching

Picnic in paradise

Explore a new trail

Camping

Learn about local history and heritage

Enjoy family fun in our parks and playgrounds

More information