You could spot kangaroos, koalas, platypus, echidnas, frogs, lizards, snakes and so much more.
04 September 2024
In brief:
- Canberra is home to many different types of wildlife.
- This article lists locations in Canberra where you can see native wildlife.
Canberra has been given the name of the bush capital for good reason. Our bushland is the perfect habitat for a variety of native wildlife.
We’ve put together a guide for spotting native animals and birds.
Please remember that although wildlife can be cute and is exciting to see, do not:
- Approach or disturb the wildlife
- try to touch them,
- feed them or
- destroy their habitats in any way.
Give our native wildlife lots of space and keep as much distance as you can to ensure you stay safe and protect their habitat.
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is home to a wide range of Australian wildlife. You could spot kangaroos, koalas, platypus, echidnas, frogs, lizards, snakes and so much more through the vast sub-alpine habitats.
There is also the Threatened Species Conservation program, which helps research and recover threatened species. This includes the Southern Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby, Northern Corroboree Frog and Grassland Earless Dragon.
Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary
Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary has a program of reintroductions of species and allows them a place to grow and thrive. A predator-proof fence protects the wildlife inside and keeps them safe from introduced predators and pests like foxes and rabbits.
A few of the native wildlife that call Mulligans Flat home were extinct on the mainland of Australian or found only in specific areas of Australia until their reintroduction. You might get lucky enough to see an Eastern Bettong, Eastern Quoll, New Holland Mouse any many more different species.
See what else Mulligans Flat has to offer.
Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve
This reserve is located next to the Kingston Foreshore and is one of the ACT’s most important wetland habitats. There are several different bird hides where you can watch birds and wildlife.
For the full wetlands experience, download the Jerrabomberra Wetlands app and choose from three route options to wander.
Canberra Walk-in Aviary
If you are looking for a place to view free flying birds, head to the Canberra Walk-in Aviary. You’ll find over 500 birds including nearly 60 different species from both Australia and around the world.
Canberra Reptile Zoo
Do scaly reptiles pique your interest? Visit the Canberra Reptile Zoo to see native snakes, lizards, geckos and more. You can not only watch the reptiles, but you also can sign up to touch them and some special volunteers get to hold them as well.
Canberra Birds
If you’re into bird watching, the Canberra Birds site is home to all things bird-related in Canberra. Learn about different bird species, where they have been spotted and how to report and observe birds. There is also an amazing photo gallery full of the birds people have spotted.
Check out the Canberra Bird group.
Guided ranger tours
Do you have a child that is obsessed with wildlife? Enrol them into one of the many young ranger programs that happen throughout the year. Kids can go on guided tours to see many different animals throughout Canberra. From frogs to birds there will be something to keep the kids fascinated.
Keep up-to-date with what’s on.
Check out the local parks in Canberra
Canberra is home to over 90 amazing parks, many of which are filled with local wildlife. Search the area and see the different kinds of wildlife you come across on your travels. Whether you stay in your own suburb, or travel out to one of the national parks, you are bound to come across many interesting species.
Read more like this:
- Where to spot platypus in Canberra
- The project protecting endangered marsupials
- Wildbark: the gateway to Mulligans Flat
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