What's on

See a fascinating display of artefacts, photographs and documents showing what life was like for settler-Australians, their descendants and others over the past 200 years in Tidbinbilla, Tharwa, Namadgi and the surrounding region.

Come and learn about our first inventions! Meet our Aboriginal rangers, try some bush tea, and join in on a hands-on activity learning about traditional weapons and tools.

Bring your mountain/off-road bicycle and join rangers on a 12km return ride to historic Nil Desperandum homestead, located at the foothills of the Tidbinbilla Range. After a quick rest in the ground of the homestead for morning tea, you will be guided on a short walk to learn about the rich history of the Nil Desperandum precinct, before the return ride. Bring plenty of water and something for morning tea.

Come and enjoy a traditional Aussie bush experience. Kids can mix up their own damper and cook it over an open fire, and we’ll also brew up some billy tea to wash it down.

Join a Ranger and a tree expert for a walk through eucalypt forest to Bendora Arboretum, then continue on a guided walk through the Arboretum to hear about its historical significance. The Arboretum was planted in 1940 as part of a series of trials to test the suitability of a range of tree species to produce softwood structural timber. Bendora Arboretum is the only such trial in the ACT to survive the 2003 bushfires.

Would you like to learn about ancient heritage and culture of the Ngunnawal people? Or visit the oldest heritage site in the ACT which is in fact 5 times older than the Pyramids of Egypt?! Join our special guest Aboriginal Rangers from Birrigai Outdoor School as they take you on a guided walk to the Birrigai Rock Shelter, dated at least 25,000 years old. Be prepared for a moderate 3km walk. This activity is suitable for ages 8 and over.

See and hear about the re-created, full-sized interpretive display of the original 1940s Tidbinbilla eucalyptus oil distillery. Also watch our small model distillery in action producing eucalyptus oil. Take an easy Ranger-guided walk (11:00AM-11:45AM) through the historical bushland precinct where 1940s eucalyptus cutters lived and worked.

Discovering our favourite animals involves deciphering clues such as tracks, nests, and scratch marks on trees. Animal scat, or "poos," also plays an important role in identifying the diverse species residing within the reserve. Join us to uncover the secrets that poos tell us about the wildlife in the area!

Remember to bring along a snack or your lunch, water, sunscreen, and a hat for a fascinating and educational adventure.

Join a Ranger and walk the Orroral Heritage Track in the Orroral Valley. This beautiful walk starts at the Orroral Campground, follows the Orroral river into the Orroral Valley and ends at the historic Orroral Valley Homestead. The walk will be an opportunity to learn about some of the history of the Orroral Valley and see the connections between natural, European and Aboriginal heritage within the valley. The walk will take approximately three hours (one way) and requires moderate fitness level.

Join a Murumbung Ranger as they guide you on a short walk through a wet eucalypt forest to a magnificent granite tor, used by the Ngunnawal people as a shelter. Learn about the cultural uses of some of the plants along the way, the shelter's significance and why First Nations peoples gathered specifically in this area.