Canberra Parks and Gardens

(Canberra, Australian Capital Territory - ACT, Australia)

As a modern planned capital city, Canberra was laid out with its residents very much in mind and as such, huge swathes of land were allocated to become expansive parks and provide integral green spaces.

Particularly central is the Commonwealth Park, which was designed in the 1960s and resides on the northern banks of Lake Burley Griffin, being where the springtime Floriade festival is staged each year. Also in the centre of Canberra, the spectacular Australian National Botanic Gardens are situated in the city centre, being within walking distance of many major tourist attractions, such as both the South Oval and Sullivans Creek.

The Canberra Nature Park is spread either side of the city and is made up of some 30 different protected areas. These include the Aranda Bushland, the Crace Grassland Reserve, the Farrer Ridge, Mount Majura, the Mount Painter Reserve, Mount Taylor, the Oakey Hill Reserve and the Urambi Hills.

Australian National Botanic Gardens

Address: Clunies Ross Street, Acton, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2601, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6250 9540
Featuring landscaped areas, important collections of native Australian plants, rainforest planting and a visitors' centre, these botanical gardens are also home to a number of secluded picnic spots, a eucalypt lawn, an amphitheatre, a display greenhouse filled with tropical plants, several lawns, grasses and lilies. There is also a rockery, several walking trails, guided tours and a large education centre, where many lectures and classes are held.
Open hours: daily - 08:30 to 17:00
Admission: free

Kemal Ataturk Memorial Garden

Address: Anzac Parade, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2612, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6243 4211
Located slightly to the north of the city centre and off the Anzac Parade, the Ataturk Memorial Garden is dedicated to the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC). Highlights include attractive planting, seating areas and pathways, as well as the memorial itself, which comprises a pale crescent-shaped wall and a five-pointed star (representing Turkey's flag), being refurbished in the early part of 2007.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 17:00
Admission: free

Commonwealth Park

Address: Commonwealth Avenue, Parkes Way, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2600, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6205 0044
The Commonwealth Park is one of the city's most important areas of green and is situated right in the centre of Canberra. This large, public parkland features pathways suitable for walking and cycling, mature trees and shrubs, lawned areas, colourful borders containing literally thousands of flowers and spring bulbs, a scenic pond, secluded seating areas, picnic spots and a popular restaurant with pleasant views.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Black Mountain Nature Park

Address: Acton, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2601, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6207 2113
The Black Mountain Nature Park, in central Canberra, is a large parkland, rich in local wildlife. With scenic trails and pathways, suitable for walking, jogging and cycling, other highlights here include wild scrublands and the rather eye-catching Black Mountain Tower, a famous telecommunications tower with observation decks providing exceptional panoramic views across Lake Burley Griffin and the cityscape.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Corroboree Park

Address: Corroboree Park Street, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2602, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6205 0044
Lying close to the Braddon Tennis Club and the Ainslie Football Park, Corroboree Park resides within the inner suburbs and to the north of the city centre. Founded in the early 20th century and semi-circular in shape, the grounds are edged by Paterson Street and feature mature trees and shrubs, together with open expanses of grassland, picnic facilities, seating areas and wide pathways. Many attractions are based here, including the Ainslie Community Hall, the Ainslie Tennis Club, a basketball court, a cricket pitch and a playground.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Glebe Park

Address: Coranderrk Street, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2601, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6205 0044
The central Glebe Park is a green oasis in the heart of busy Canberra life. With a number of ancient trees, sheltered seating areas, pathways and colourful planting, this park is regularly used by both locals and visitors. Next-door you will find a selection of places of interest, such as a shopping centre, the National Convention Centre and a casino.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Haig Park

Address: Northbourne Avenue, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2612, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6205 0044
Haig Park, in the Braddon area, dates back to the early 20th century, when it was originally landscaped and planted. Featuring many mature trees and shrubs, seating areas, appealing picnic spots and good barbecue facilities, this narrow park stretches along Northbourne Avenue. Neighbouring attractions include the Masson Street Oval and the Turner Tennis Club, while just a relatively short stroll to the south is the Australian National University.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

John Knight Memorial Park

Address: Townsend Place, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2616, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6205 0044 (Canberra Visitors Centre)
The John Knight Memorial Park resides within the suburb of Belconnen. This peaceful spot comes with plenty of seating areas and excellent picnic facilities. The main highlight is a large, central lake, which attracts huge numbers of native wildfowl and animals to the area.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Lowden Forest Park

Address: Lowden Forest Park Road, Tallaganda State Forest, New South Wales (NSW), 2623, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6298 0241
The Lowden Forest Park is within driving distance of the city. With large forests of gum trees, secluded picnic spots, walking trails and impressive views, this has become a popular excursion for visitors looking to spend a day experiencing natural surroundings.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Namadgi National Park

Address: Naas Road, Tharwa, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2620, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6207 2900
Created in the middle of the 1980s, the spreading Namadgi National Park is situated on the outskirts of Canberra and is rich in local flora and fauna. Lying some 35 km / 22 miles to the south and reachable in roughly 45 minutes, the park boasts a series of worthy attractions, such as mountain views, walking trails and colourful birds, while there is also often snow during the winter months. This site is simply enormous and makes up slightly more than 45 percent of the overall land mass of the Australian Capital Territory.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 16:00
Admission: free

Old Parliament House Gardens

Address: Parkes Place, King George Terrace, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2600, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6270 8222
The Old Parliament House Gardens are located behind this important and historic building, in the city centre. Filled with fragrant rose bushes and large trees, the grounds enjoyed much rejuvenation at the turn of the new millennium, being reopened in 2004 and renamed as the National Rose Garden. This is a peaceful place to sit and relax, with numerous areas suitable for picnics, as well as a bowling green and several tennis courts.
Open hours: daily - 07:00 to 19:00
Admission: free

Pinnacle Nature Park

Address: Dungowan Street, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2614, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6207 2113
The Pinnacle Nature Park resides within the scenic Belconnen neighbourhood, where it is a large wildlife area with natural bushland and many native animals. Highlights include incredible views of the surrounding area, large eucalyptus trees, a host of colourful birds and countless wild kangaroos.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Telopea Park

Address: Telopea Park Road, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2600, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6205 0044
Telopea Park, to the south of central Canberra, is a lengthy rectangular-shaped parkland, with many huge trees, secluded seating areas and picnic spots spread around roughly 20 acres / 8 hectares. Visitors will also find a stream, large amounts of native wildlife and walking trails. Of note, the park came into being in the early 1920s, being envisaged by city founder Walter Burley Griffin as a place where major avenues would terminate. Families will appreciate the playground and barbecue facilities.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Weston Park

Address: Weston Park Road, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2600, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6205 0044
Weston Park can be found in the Yarralumla area and to the west of the city centre. Home to a popular maze, a playground area for young children, large trees, picnic and barbecue facilities, pathways suitable for walking and jogging, and scenic views, other attractions here include a small steam train, with regular rides around the park every Saturday and Sunday.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Xeriscape Gardens

Address: Heyson Street, Canberra, Australian Capital Territory (ACT), 2611, Australia
Tel: +61 (0)2 6242 1489
Located in the Weston area of the city, the Xeriscape Gardens feature many innovative and environmentally friendly energy saving features. These include ideas for water conservation and careful planting schemes, which are accompanied by regular demonstrations.
Open hours: Saturday and Sunday - 13:00 to 16:30
Admission: free