Tidbinbilla

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.

Looking for something to do in January? How about join a Ranger for a guided walk and talk at Tidbinbilla. Download our January Explore Program (.pdf file) for more information.

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.                                                

Canberrans and visitors can now enjoy a unique overnight experience in the beautiful bush settings of Tidbinbilla with the historic Nil Desperandum homestead being made available for short-term stays, Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Simon Corbell, announced yesterday 18^th October, 2011..

The rammed earth homestead, which was biuilt in the 1890’s by George Green and George Hatcliff, was destroyed in the 2003 bushfires and has been rebuilt to its former state.

“Overnight stays at Nil Desperandum will provide visitors with an outstanding heritage homestead experience in one of the ACT’s most beautiful bush settings,” Mr Corbell said.

“Nestled in a tranquil, natural bush setting beneath the mountains of Tidbinbilla, Nil Desperandum, provides a perfect base from which to engage in bushwalking, bird watching, stargazing, reading or just relaxation.”

The homestead comprises three rooms, a kitchen with wood stove, covered veranda, outside BBQ, a pit toilet and lighting via solar powered battery. It will be made available for hire for a maximum of six people per group per night for stays up to seven nights. Quality camp stretcher beds will be provided. The hire fee will be $130 per group per night.

Mr Corbell said that providing overnight access to Nil Desperandum was raised by members of the public as part of the consultation for the new Tidbinbilla Plan of Management.

“The ACT Heritage unit and Tidbinbilla Pioneers Association were consulted as part of finalising the terms and conditions of the hire such as the maximum occupancy. A fully refundable $150 key deposit to manage access and a $350 maintenance and security deposit will help ensure visitors protect this important environment in the ACT,” Mr Corbell said.

ACT Government staff will closely monitor the use of the homestead and its surrounding areas for any environmental or heritage impacts. The homestead site will continue to be available year round (apart from Christmas Day) for bush walkers during the day to use the toilet and collect water.

“I am confident that overnight stays at Nil Desperandum will prove to be an attractive experience for locals and visitors alike,” Mr Corbell said.

“The homestead’s rich heritage, its beautiful setting and range of available activities – all just a short drive from the city centre – should prove popular with people of all ages.”

For bookings go to: www.bookings.act.gov.au 

We are pleased to announce that this season’s tadpoles have begun to metamorphose into froglets. They are perfecting their hunting techniques and have begun feeding on a natural diet of native insects. This photo demonstrates the transition when tadpoles begin to absorb their tails and begin their life on dry land as terrestrial frogs. Notice the colouration of the skin, the froglets are coloured like adult Northern Corroboree frogs even when they are small.  

Tidbinbilla would like to advise that as of Sunday 2^nd October the reserve will be extending its hours to summer times. This means the park will be open from 7.30am till 8pm. The Visitors Centre will be open from 9am till 5pm weekdays and 8.30am till 6.30pm weekends, public and school holidays. Contact the Visitors Centre on 62051233 if you have any questions.

Unfortunately Tidbinbilla is unable to provide school group bookings involving a Ranger during October and November 2011. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.

Welcome spring in with a trip to Tidbinbilla to view the wattles in full bloom.
Wherever you look you can see the different varieties, such as Broad-leaf hickory, box leaf, Silver and green wattles.
Be amazed by the busy insect life that goes with the blooms and enjoy the beautiful scents and colour of these spring flowering plants.

School groups experiencing Birrigai’s Goldfield Investigation program are in for a treat! Two purpose-built recreations of tents used in the gold rush period in Australian history are now part of our programs. Built by two Friends of Birrigai, these tents give students a sense of life on the diggings for families and individuals and really add to the authenticity of the experience. To enquire about a Life on the Diggings program for your school, contact Birrigai on 6205 6748 or birrigai@tidbinbilla.com.au