Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve offers the perfect area for kids and families to explore.
19 August 2025
In Brief:
- This article lists the top public recreational places to try in the ACT.
- This article lists activities for everyone to enjoy.
Canberrans are spoilt for choice with bushland, parks and reserves.
No matter where you live in the ACT, there is a park or reserve you may not have discovered yet.
Whether you're a family looking to burn off some energy, planning a day of exploring walking trails, or seeking the perfect scenic picnic spot, we’ve picked the top parks and reserves for you to discover.
Located in Belconnen on Lake Ginninderra foreshore, this park is linked to the lakeside walking/cycle trail.
It is perfect for kids and families, waterplay, picnics and barbecues and exercising.
Enjoy lake views while your kids play on the playground, which includes a tree house, flying fox and play sculpture.
Features: toilets, wheelchair accessible, shelter and picnic tables, barbecues, drinking water, playgrounds, basketball court, disc golf, orienteering trail and exercise equipment.
Dogs are allowed on-leash.
Black Mountain Peninsula District Park
Discover this large urban park on the water’s edge of Lake Burley Griffin.
Pack your canoe, kayak or sailboat and spend a relaxing day by the lake. It’s the perfect spot for water fun and fresh air.
Kids of all ages will love the modern playgrounds, including a wheelchair-accessible swing.
Features: toilets, wheelchair accessible, shelter and picnic tables, barbecues, drinking water and playgrounds.
No dogs allowed.
The observatory is one of the best spots in the ACT to enjoy views over Canberra and the Brindabella Ranges.
The picnic area is located next to Mount Stromlo Observatory Visitors Centre and the Yale Columbia Dome.
Enjoy cooking up a barbeque and watching the sunset.
Features: barbecues, picnic seats.
Dogs allowed on leash.
Located in the heart of Canberra, Weston Park is a family favourite.
Activities include a playground with climbing net and swings, adventure playground, disc golf, miniature train, bocce courts, cycle track and a fixed orienteering course.
For those visiting in summer, cool off in the beach and wading pool.
Features: toilets, shelters and picnic tables, barbecues, drinking water and playgrounds.
Dogs are allowed on leash.
This is a popular inner-south spot to take your dog, swim and enjoy the views.
It includes:
- an enclosed swimming area with a sandy beach
- a designated dog swimming beach at Orana Bay
- launching ramps, sailing clubs, piers and a wharf
- walking/cycling tracks
- shaded picnic areas
- access to Yarralumla dog park.
Features: toilets, shelters and picnic tables, barbecues and drinking water.
Dogs are allowed on-leash and off-leash in designated areas. Check the dog exercise area map for more information.
This area is full of family-friendly activities.
The area offers a playground, picnic spots, large barbecue areas for entertaining, waterplay and numerous walks.
From here you can also explore the Cotter Dam and numerous lookouts.
Features: toilets, wheelchair access, a shelter and picnic tables, barbecues, drinking water and a playground.
No dogs allowed.
Explore the scenic Murrumbidgee River from the Uriarra East picnic area, Uriarra West picnic area and the Swamp Creek picnic area.
This is a popular spot for birdwatching, fishing, letting your dog run around and enjoying the river’s beauty.
Features: toilets, shelter and picnic tables, communal fireplace, canoe and kayak entry point. If you want to use the communal fireplace you will need to bring your own wood.
Dogs allowed off leash.
This is a busy scenic park on the foreshore of Yerrabi Pond.
Visitors will find a family-friendly spot for kids and those looking to relax a bit further down the lake. It’s the perfect spot for kids’ parties and larger groups.
Features include:
- an innovative play space
- wheelchair accessible liberty swing
- double/tandem flying fox
- burmese bridge
- skatepark
- basketball court
- access to the lakeside promenade and walking track/s.
Features: toilets, wheelchair access, shelters and picnic tables, barbecues, drinking water and playgrounds.
Dogs allowed on leash.
Explore the park’s rich wildlife by unwinding beneath the shade of the eucalyptus trees or refuel at the welcoming Wildbark Café. The trees are part of a critically endangered ecological community, which is the largest single area of Box-gum Grassy Woodland conserved in Australia.
Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary is perfect for families, walkers, cyclists, or anyone seeking a peaceful escape in nature.
Whether you're up for a scenic stroll, a cycling journey, or a quiet picnic surrounded by nature, there's something here for everyone.
Features: toilets, cafe, cycling/walking tracks, wheelchair access and Wildbark Visitors Centre.
No dogs allowed.
Explore scenic walking trails, let the kids enjoy the playground, or take a relaxing stroll.
With ample picnic spots — ranging from riverside hideaways to lookout points and historic buildings — it's the ideal place to unwind in nature.
Just a short drive from Canberra, start at the Tidbinbilla Visitors Centre for the perfect day of adventure.
Features: toilets, wheelchair accessible, shelters and picnic tables, barbecues, drinking water (available only from the Visitor’s Centre) and a playground, and designated firepits for wood barbecues. If you want to use the firepits you will need to bring your own wood or purchase wood from the Visitor’s Centre.
No dogs allowed.
Before you go
Respect reserves by:
- staying on the tracks to minimise your impact
- taking your rubbish home with you
- leaving what you find, including plants, animals, rocks and timber (dead and alive)
- respecting the area’s heritage – leave cultural sites undisturbed
- collecting and responsibly disposing of your dog's droppings (where dogs are permitted)
- cleaning your outdoor gear, including bicycles, to avoid spreading weeds and disease.
Stay safe by:
- bringing your own drinking water
- dressing appropriately for the weather – making sure you rug up or bring sun protection
- carrying a mobile phone, especially if you are on your own or a Personal Locator Beacon if you’re going somewhere with limited phone reception
- letting someone know where you are going and when you expect to return
- being weather alert – reserves and roads may close if there are severe weather conditions. Check the Parks ACT website before travelling.
You can find more parks and reserves using the find a nature park resource.
Read more like this:
- 10 picnic spots in Canberra
- 10 lesser-known walks to try in the ACT
- Ten free or low-cost ways to get active in Canberra
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