Tidbinbilla

An exciting and brand new network of trails has recently opened at Tidbinbilla. This trail network links the visitor facilities and attractions of the valley floor and includes the stunning vista from the top of Gibraltar Peak.

The trails connect the Visitor Centre, the Nature Discovery Playground, Dalsetta, Rock Valley Homestead and several picnic areas allowing you to explore the magnificent views, rich cultural history, natural values and abundant wildlife of the area.

 Not up to the walk? From Dalsetta, it’s easy to cycle to Rock Valley Homestead or Flints Picnic area via the main road. At Flints, explore the Church Rock Walking Trail or enjoy a close encounter with the resident kangaroos. It’s also possible to cycle to the Eucalypt Forest and the Sanctuary following the main road. Keen road riders can do the 9km Ring Road Loop while mountain bikers can explore the network of fire trails within Jedbinbilla.

 Please note bicycles are not permitted on designated walking trails in the Mountain Creek area nor in the Sanctuary.

There are trail head signs with detailed maps at the beginning of each walk. Please ensure that you always sign the bushwalking register when commencing and completing your walk. 

Gibraltar Peak Trail|
Grade: Moderate- hard
Walk Distance. Approx 12km
Time: 3-4 Hours

Birrigai hosted Professor Brad Pillans, National President of the Geological Society of Australia (GSA) as part of the official opening of the Birrigai Rock Cycle Pathway.

Aimed at increasing understanding of local geology, the pathway is a gentle amble in the Birrigai valley floor displaying rock samples and interpretive signs.  It focuses on the dynamic nature of our geological environment.

Professor Pillans and Julie Murkins (Principal, Birrigai) commended the efforts and drive of Doug Finlayson from the ACT Division of GSA in seeing the pathway realised.

Interested members of the public can experience the pathway (and the newly opened Birrigai Mosaic) by calling Birrigai on 6205 6748 to arrange a visit.

Thousands of visitors enjoyed a picture-perfect ACT autumn day at our annual Tidbinbilla Extravaganza on April 15. With a focus this year on innovation and family fun, it is fair to say that the event was a raging success.

An action-packed line-up on stage saw everything from exploding rockets to a friendly singing dinosaur. There were up close and personal displays of wildlife and informative talks by Tidbinbilla’s specialist wildlife team on our three endangered species programs. A beautiful picture book based on the adventures of Gary the Gang Gang was on sale and visitors could meet the author and illustrator. Aboriginal culture – artefacts, face painting and food – were on display by the Murumbung Yurung Murra. Friends of Tidbinbilla Landcare Group, the Tidbinbilla Pioneers and Conservation Volunteers Australia were all on hand to add their special dimension to a visit to Tidbinbilla.

Chief Minister Katie Gallagher officially opened the new Gibraltar Track – hopefully set to become one of the finest and most popular bushwalks in all of the ACT. For more information on the walking tracks at Tidbinbilla, check out our Map & Guide or ask at the Visitor Centre.

Special thanks to all of our visitors at the Extravaganza: once again you have shown how much you care for Tidbinbilla by leaving us only your images of having fun!

If you had your photo taken at the Extravaganza and would like a copy, please email us at info@tidbinbilla.com.au and put ‘Extravaganza photo request’ in the subject line.

Tidbinbilla is pleased to announce that Cascades Walking Trail is now open. The trail required maintenance after being damaged during the recent floods. We appreciate your understanding during the closure.

Please note that all roads to Tidbinbilla are now open. This includes; Cotter Road, Tidbinbilla and Paddys River Road.

Sunday 15 April
11 am – 3 pm
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

The annual Tidbinbilla Extravaganza is a fun-filled day of free entertainment for the whole family. Enjoy live jazz music by the Liam Budge Quartet, a reptile display, Questacon demonstrations Explodaganza and Collisions, kids activities and more.

Kids will love the trackless train ride, environmentally friendly craft station and SES obstacle course.

Talk to an indigenous ranger and experience Aboriginal culture including traditional tool making demonstrations and bush tucker.

Barbeque food, Turkish food, baked goods, dutch pancakes, ice cream and coffee will be available for purchase.

Getting around Tidbinbilla

There will be free shuttle buses to take you between the car park and the event centre at the Nature Discovery Playground.

How to get to Tidbinbilla

The Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is located off Tidbinbilla Road, which can be reached by:

• using Point Hut Road from Gordon; or
• using Cotter Road and Paddys River Road

Access to the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve will be free for the day.

No, not the Big Friendly Giant ... the Birrigai Food Garden!

Students from Weetangera Primary School got a yummy bonus when they visited Birrigai this term:  the BFG had a bumper crop of organically-grown vegetables, ready for harvest.

The BFG is part of Birrigai's suite of environmental programs and is designed to teach students a range of organic gardening techniques and to highlight the environmental benefits of low food miles - good for your health and good for the planet.  Produce from the BFG becomes part of the menu at the Birrigai Dining Room.

Students were ably assisted by the resident chook, 'Fluff', who can be seen perched atop the harvest baskets.

For more information about Birrigai's environmental programs, contact us on birrigai@tidbinbilla.com.au

The Sanctuary and almost all parts of Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve have reopened, following recent heavy rains.

Please note:  access to Tidbinbilla is possible via Point Hut Crossing and via Tharwa Bridge.  Access is not possible via Cotter Road.

Only the following public areas are still closed: 

• Lyrebird and Cascades Trails
• Devil's Gap and Fishing Gap Fire Trails
• Trails within the Eucalypt Forest (please note - the koala on display will be accessible to the public)

Please respect any local signage and detours. 

All scheduled 'Explore' activities at Tidbinbilla are cancelled until further notice.

As the remaining areas and facilities are repaired and made safe, they will be reopened, so please check this website for updates.

UPDATED 4PM   16 MARCH 2012.

As part of improving visitor services at Tidbinbilla we would like to invite members of the public to complete our Visitor Services Survey. Your time is greatly appreciated.

Recently ABC's "Feast" came to Tidbinbilla to do a piece on Aboriginal bush tucker. To see the feature go to:

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is in the process of receiving Eastern Bettongs (known as Tasmanian Bettongs in Tasmania) from Tasmania, as a reintroduction project for Mulligan's Flat.

These small Macropods (Kangaroo Family) were once very common down the East Coast of Australia up until the early part of the 20th Century.

Pressure from the introduced Red Fox and farming practices have caused the extinction of this little Marsupial from the Australian mainland.

Tidbinbilla is currently housing 23 of these animals with a further 7 due to arrive soon, to bring our founding population up to 30 individuals.