Wildlife You'll Encounter
Canberra's nature reserves and green corridors support an extraordinary diversity of Australian wildlife — much of it easily visible on a guided tour.
Eastern Grey Kangaroo
Resident mobs throughout Tidbinbilla and Weston Park
Short-beaked Echidna
Common throughout Tidbinbilla's grasslands
Platypus
Spotted at Tidbinbilla's wetland ponds most mornings
Koala
Resident population in Tidbinbilla's eucalyptus groves
Wedge-tailed Eagle
Australia's largest bird of prey — soars above the valleys
Southern Corroboree Frog
Critically endangered — Tidbinbilla runs the national breeding program
Our Canberra Nature Tours
Four carefully designed tours from a half-day wildlife sprint to a full-day immersion — all with Cooee's expert naturalist guides.
The classic Canberra nature tour. Arrive at Tidbinbilla at dawn for peak wildlife activity — kangaroos, echidnas, platypus and birds in their natural morning rhythm.
- Early morning departure for peak wildlife activity
- Expert naturalist guide with binoculars provided
- Walk to platypus viewing platform at Tidbinbilla Wetlands
- Grassland kangaroo viewing — mobs often in the hundreds
- Southern Corroboree Frog breeding exhibit
- Morning tea at Tidbinbilla Visitor Centre
- Return transport to Canberra accommodation
- Maximum 12 passengers for intimate experience
The complete Canberra nature immersion. Morning wildlife at Tidbinbilla, followed by a guided walk through the National Arboretum's extraordinary 94 forests.
- All inclusions of the Half-Day Wildlife Tour
- Afternoon transfer to the National Arboretum Canberra
- Guided walk through the Himalayan Cedar forest and Bonsai gardens
- Panoramic views over Lake Burley Griffin from the Pod Playground ridge
- Cafe lunch at Village Centre with views across the arboretum
- Native plant identification and ecology discussion
- Optional AIS tour add-on available (additional cost)
A gentler pace through two of Canberra's greatest green treasures — the Australian National Botanic Gardens and the National Arboretum on Black Mountain.
- Australian National Botanic Gardens — world's best native flora collection
- Rainforest Gully — a hidden microclimate in the heart of Canberra
- National Arboretum — 94 rare and symbolic forests from 100 countries
- Expert botanical guide with deep native plant knowledge
- Wheelchair accessible paths throughout both gardens
- Morning tea included at the ANBD café
The all-in-one Canberra day — Parliament House, the War Memorial and Lake Burley Griffin in the morning, followed by Tidbinbilla wildlife in the afternoon.
- Morning: Parliament House, War Memorial, National Gallery exterior
- Lake Burley Griffin foreshore and Captain Cook Jet
- Lunch at a lakefront café
- Afternoon: Tidbinbilla wildlife walk with naturalist guide
- Kangaroos, echidnas and platypus viewing
- Perfect for first-time Canberra visitors wanting everything in one day
Ready to Meet Australia's Wild Residents?
Kangaroos in the morning mist, platypus at the waterhole, echidnas on the path. Canberra's wildlife is extraordinary — and our expert guides know exactly where to find it.
Need a custom group tour? Call us: +61 409 661 342
What Nature Tour Visitors Say
The Tidbinbilla tour was one of the best experiences of our whole Australia trip. We saw dozens of kangaroos, an echidna right on the path, and a platypus at the pond — our guide Phil knew exactly where to look. Truly magical.
I've been to Canberra many times for work and never made it to Tidbinbilla. What a mistake! The full-day tour combining the arboretum was perfect — the forests from around the world are breathtaking. A world-class hidden gem.
Booked the botanic gardens walk for my mother who uses a walker — completely accessible, beautifully paced, and our guide was exceptional. The rainforest gully was a total surprise. Highly recommend for seniors or anyone who loves native plants.
Nature Tour FAQs
What wildlife can I see at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve?
Tidbinbilla is home to kangaroos, wallabies, wombats, echidnas, koalas, platypus, emus and over 240 native bird species. Sightings of kangaroos are essentially guaranteed — large mobs graze daily in the open grasslands. Platypus are spotted most mornings at the wetland viewing platform. The reserve also runs Australia's leading Southern Corroboree Frog breeding program.
How far is Tidbinbilla from Canberra?
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is approximately 40km southwest of Canberra city centre — around 40–45 minutes by comfortable coach. Cooee Tours provides return transport from your Canberra accommodation, so you don't need your own vehicle.
What is the best time to see wildlife at Tidbinbilla?
Early morning is prime time — animals are most active feeding in the cool before the heat of the day. Our half-day tours are specifically timed to arrive at Tidbinbilla in the early morning window. In winter (June–August), wildlife is active slightly later due to cold mornings but visibility is exceptional in the crisp clear air.
Are the tours suitable for seniors and those with mobility needs?
Absolutely. Our Botanic Gardens & Arboretum Walk is fully accessible with sealed paths and is a particular favourite among our senior travellers. The Tidbinbilla tours have both accessible and more active walking options — please advise us at booking of any mobility requirements and we'll ensure the best experience for you.
What is included in the tour price?
All tours include return coach transport from your Canberra accommodation, an expert naturalist guide, binoculars for wildlife spotting, and morning tea or lunch (depending on tour). Half-day tours include morning tea; full-day tours include lunch. All park entry fees are included. Personal items, alcohol and the optional AIS tour add-on are not included.