Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve — Attraction in District of Paddys River

Wow, this reserve was really something special.

We started off from Tidbinbilla Visitor Centre to try one of their easiest walking paths. They have 21 different walking paths and we chose number 2 - Time Trail.

Within seconds stepping into the path, we saw a family of kangaroos chilling under the trees and that was just a start.

The walking paths aren’t your typical, semi-paved road that you follow mindlessly. They are designed to walk right through wild flower fields spreading endlessly. The only direction is often a small orange pillars. This made us feel like we are truly exploring in the middle of nature.

This also meant we were walking right through packs and packs of kangaroos. They were often gathered up right nearby the path or sometimes on the path itself. They all stared at us approaching from few hundred metres away, and only started moving when we got incredibly close. Not having had interaction with kangaroos like this before, it was pretty intimidating at first. We were clearly the aliens crossing their territory.

The path led us though into forresty uphill which actually got fairly inclined. This path did not get us up too high but still the view was great.

It was the most memorable part of Canberra visit and would recommend any visitor to include here...

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is a fantastic little valley just outside of Canberra.

There is lots of wildlife to see (if you're not a clown who expects to simply drive and see all species from your car) and there's a number of very nice walks out of the 20+ marked trails that are relaxing to do.

The biggest let-down with Tidbinbilla is the Visitors Centre and its lack of interesting displays or FACTS about what Tidbinbilla does for endangered species, however most of all the pathetic boom gate issues that have plagued this reserve for years now!

How hard is it to get a working boom gate that can actually scan entrance tickets easily? Why do some staff there get an attitude when you make it clear you're not impressed that 3 years on the boomgate is still having issues?

Since this is a government run visitors centre and since Tidbinbilla makes money from visitors, it leaves me confused as to why they don't "INVEST" in a decent boom gate system, one which doesn't make Tidbinbilla look like a run down hole!

If there wasn't the issues with the dismal visitors centre and the ongoing boomgate issues, I would rate it 5 stars as theres many places out here where you can feel like you're a million miles away in a secluded valley all by yourself.l surrounded...

I came here on a visit as a tourist from the UK. There was soo much to see snd do that one day did not feel enough. There was a $14 entrance fee for the car and this included a free map. A car is a necessity as the place is vast.

The visitors centre had really friendly and helpful staff who gave loads of great tips. They also sold drinks, coffee, tea and small snacks like sausage rolls and some pretty cool souvenirs.

The map has a plethora of information on the different types of walks with over 20 hikes ranging from easy 25 minute ones to more challenging 8 hour hikes!

Throughout the reserve there are lots of animals to observe (I saw kangaroors, wallabies and a koala), lots of information about the reserve/animals and plenty of toilets. Thrre were beautiful, stunning views and a lot of historical and cultural information provided.

I loved the experience. My advice would be that some of the information provided needs to be clearer and straightforward as the woman at information provided me with lots of tips and information not on the map but it was a lot of information to digest and take in and this made it hard to plan what to see and do in the limited time we had. It felt quit overwhelming. Also more guided tours...