Tidbinbilla

Celebrating five years of the successful Volunteer Interpreter Program at Tidbinbilla and Namadgi – “the best job in the world” 

The ACT government and Conservation Volunteers Australia were celebrating five years of the very successful Volunteer Interpreter Program last Saturday. CVA has been managing the program since 2008 and since then Volunteer Interpreters have contributed over 4000 days of service. Volunteers provide information and interpretation activities to local and international visitors on weekends, public holidays and during ACT school holidays. Volunteers help to make the walk in the Sanctuary a more exciting experience for visitors and agree when visitors say “you must have the best job in the world”.

So if you want to have the best job in the world, join us on for an information session in May or June. We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers who enjoy talking to visitors about the beauty and nature of Tidbinbilla and Namadgi. Training will be provided. For more information and to book on to an information session, email vip@conservationvolunteers.com.au or phone 02 6247 7770.

Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Shane Rattenbury, today invited feedback from visitors to Tidbinbilla as part of the ACT Government's ongoing commitment to provide a high quality visitor experience at the nature reserve.

"The annual survey asks visitors to comment on what they like most about Tidbinbilla, how often they visit and what improvements they would propose for the Visitor Centre and reserve," said Mr Rattenbury.

"Results of the survey will help the ACT Government identify areas for improvement and inform future management decisions at the reserve.

"Tidbinbilla is home to a wide range of native animals living in diverse habitats including wetlands, grasslands, forests and woodlands. Visitors to Tidbinbilla may encounter kangaroos, koalas, platypus, potoroos, wallaroos, possums, wombats, echidnas, emus, lyrebirds as well as many other birds and reptiles.

"Tidbinbilla also plays a vital role in wildlife management and protection, in particular the breeding programs for the endangered Northern Corroboree Frog and the Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby.

"Tidbinbilla is an ideal destination for families and school groups. Activities at the reserve include wildlife viewing, bushwalking, picnicking, bike riding, ranger guided activities and the Discovery Playground, where children can pump water like a pioneer, ride a flying fox and become part of a large sun dial.

Tidbinbilla's Visitor Centre provides a great introduction to the reserve. There are live animal and other displays to explore and staff available to help you get the best experience while visiting the reserve.

The new Cafe Tidbinbilla is open from 9 am to 4 pm, Wednesday to Sunday for lunch, coffee and a variety of slices and cakes. Located inside the Visitor Centre, Cafe Tidbinbilla offers spectacular views of the Tidbinbilla mountains.

"I encourage all visitors to Tidbinbilla to complete the survey to help improve visitor services in the future," Mr Rattenbury said.

For more information and to complete the survey visit www.timetotalk.act.gov.au

The survey closes at 5 pm Sunday 19 May 2013.

The All-terrain wheelchair “Trailrider” is now available for use in ACT Nature Parks and Reserves, for visitors with physical disabilities to explore the great outdoors.

The chair is suite for semi rough tracks, making it easier to access the many stunning trails and walks within Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Namadgi National Park, Cotter Reserve and all other urban park areas within the ACT.

Trailrider is easily disassembled to fit in the back of a station wagon and with the help of Sherpa’s you can experience Canberra’s nature parks like never before.

You will be required to supply your own bike helmet and watch a short video (as a condition of hire) There is no charge to hire the chair.

Contact Tidbinbilla Visitor Centre on 6205 1233 to make a booking or for more information.