Nature observation

Take your binoculars and camera to almost any park or reserve to enjoy watching animals and birds in their natural habitat. The ACT is home to hundreds of species of animals and plants, including some that are rare or threatened.

See if you can spot native plants or animals and, when you do, track your sightings on the NatureMapr.

Top nature observation sites

There are many sources of information to enable you to locate and then identify wild things, including:

Many Australian animals are nocturnal or crepuscular (active at dusk or dawn). Even if you don't see them, there’s always evidence that animals are about if you can read 'the signs'.

Join a ranger-guided walk to learn more, including ranger-guided night-time walks where you can observe nocturnal animals in the wild.

Minimise your impact

Disturbing animals can endanger them or their young. Do your best to observe wild animals without frightening or rousing them by:

walking quietly and keeping sudden movements to a minimum
using binoculars
ceasing your approach if you see initial signs of disturbance or alarm
wearing not-so-bright clothing
using cover such as vegetation
approaching from downwind
staying at least 10 m away from any bird, mammal or reptile (and backing gently away if they approach you)

Some animals may be less spooked by a vehicle than a human, and you may be able to pull over and observe them from your car.

Please do not feed native animals – doing so is an offence in reserves. It is also detrimental to animal health and weakens their natural wariness towards humans.

If you would like to see wildlife, it's best to leave your pets at home. You will see many more animals and birds without your dog or pet. Scientific studies show that many native birds and animals are repelled by the sight, smell or sound of dogs. If you do want to take your dog, always check whether dogs are allowed before you go.

Be prepared and stay safe

Remember that natural environments can be unpredictable, so prepare by:

understanding safety
checking alerts
driving slowly between dusk and dawn when wildlife is more active
researching your trip and buying or printing reliable maps
checking the weather forecast
being sun-smart
avoiding vegetated areas during total fire bans
telling someone where and when you are going, and when you expect to return (remember, mobile phones may not work in remote locations)
taking a first aid kit – 2 people in your group should be trained in how to use it
sticking to tracks to avoid getting lost
taking your own drinking water
completing walking registers where they are provided at the beginning or end of a walk

Please leave no trace of your visit by taking your rubbish home. Any rubbish left in the bush is a hazard to wildlife, other visitors and also contaminates our waterways.

If you encounter a snake, keep a safe distance and do not threaten it, then alert nearby park users to its location. Check our snake safety tips.

Find Nature observation locations

Wanniassa Hills Nature Reserve

Ridgelines with views of Woden and Tuggeranong and part of Canberra Nature Park

Nadjung Mada Nature Reserve

Flat grassland and open woodland in Gungahlin and part of Canberra Nature Park

Honeysuckle Campground

An historic campground within Namadgi National Park

More information

If you notice any issues during your visit:

report maintenance issues to Access Canberra
report vandalism or other illegal activities to the police on 131 444
in an emergency, call 000

Find out about:

In a life threatening emergency dial Triple Zero (000)

triple zero 000

5124 0000

6201 6111

1800 629 354

6205 1065

13 11 26

5124 9977

(02) 6205 1700

1800 022 222

13 25 00