Important information!

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve closed for Thermal Assisted Aerial Control program

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is closed on 15 May and 16 May to allow for the Thermal Assisted Aerial Control (TAAC) program to take place to remove vertebrate pest species from the area. The reserve will reopen from 17 May.

Paddys River Road Lane Closure for Construction Upgrades

A section of Paddys River Road, near the Deep Space Tracking Station, will have one lane closed from 14 April until further notice for construction upgrades. Please follow any traffic arrangements in place. Completion of these works is anticipated by July 2025.
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Ranger guided activities

Join a ranger on an educational activity to learn more about the reserve, and its plants and animals.

Guided activities can be booked for schools and organisations. Each group needs a minimum of 10 people and up to a maximum of 30. If your group has more than 30 people, you will need to divide into multiple groups, and additional staff members may be required (at an additional charge). We will do our best to accommodate your group within our operational requirements.

Ranger guided activities are available on Tuesdays and Thursdays, except for public holidays and school holidays. Larger groups of 30+ can only be accommodated on Tuesdays.

Our Ranger Guided Activities occur three times per day:

  • 10:30 am – 11:30 am
  • 11:30 am – 12:30 pm
  • 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

Activity topics

Australian Plants, Animals and Habitats

Location: Eucalypt Forest
Suitable for ages 5+

Tidbinbilla is the ideal place to see and study some of Australia’s remarkable flora and fauna in their natural habitat. Between snow gum woodlands on the range and open grasslands on the valley floor, Tidbinbilla has many examples of temperate region ecosystems. With so many niches, it is little wonder that Tidbinbilla teems with life. Spend time with a Tidbinbilla Ranger and learn about the incredible richness of biodiversity of the area. Tidbinbilla is a living, breathing and ever-changing classroom.

Wetlands and Waterbirds

Location: Sanctuary
Suitable for ages 5+

The Sanctuary at Tidbinbilla is a spectacular series of constructed ponds set in tall eucalypt forest beside the beautiful Tidbinbilla River. Join a Tidbinbilla Ranger for an informative meander through the wetlands, where the well-formed tracks and boardwalk give easy access to a network of platforms and viewpoints. The Sanctuary is home to a large and diverse array of flora and fauna, where waterbirds, platypus and turtles are some of the residents that may be encountered. The Sanctuary is a perfect place to see and learn about wetland ecosystems and all the living things they support.

Fire Ecology

Location: Fishing Gap/Eucalypt Forest
Suitable for high school age and above

Fire is a key ecological process in the Australia landscape. The plants and animals of this hot dry land have adapted to fire and in many cases need it to survive. Fire germinates seeds, opens the canopy, and helps create vital nesting hollows for birds. It stimulates plant growth, changes the soil chemistry, and shatters granite tors. Tidbinbilla has seen many large fires and has been sculpted by these events. There is no better classroom to learn about the impact of fire and the vital role it plays in a healthy ecosystem.

Fees

Standard Ranger Guided Activity - $172.59

Standard Ranger Guided Activities last for 1 hour, can accommodate a maximum of 30 people, and are on one of the topics above. Please note, you will need to arrive at the Tidbinbilla Visitor Centre 30 minutes prior to your booking to allow time for checking in and travelling to your meeting spot.

To enquire about a booking, please fill out the Ranger Guided Activity enquiry form (39.6 KB) and send to tidbinbilla@act.gov.au.

More information

If you would like to enquire about any activities that are outside of the standard topics or conditions, please contact the Tidbinbilla Visitor Centre. We will do our best to accommodate your group within our operational requirements.