Telstra Tower

Rising 195 metres above the summit of Black Mountain, Telstra Tower (also known as Black Mountain Tower) offers the best panoramic views of Canberra and its surrounding bushland. This iconic telecommunications tower, opened in 1980, is both a working broadcast facility and a popular tourist attraction. The observation deck provides a 360-degree outlook over Lake Burley Griffin, the Parliamentary Triangle, and the distant Brindabella Ranges. Inside, you'll find a rotating restaurant and a small exhibition on the tower's history and telecommunications.

Highlights & What to See

• Observation Deck: The main draw – step onto the indoor and outdoor viewing platforms for sweeping vistas of Canberra's planned layout and natural setting. On clear days, you can see as far as the Snowy Mountains.
• Rotating Restaurant: Enjoy a meal or afternoon tea while the restaurant slowly revolves, giving you a constantly changing backdrop of the city and bushland.
• Exhibition Space: Learn about the tower's construction and its role in Australia's communications network through interactive displays and historic photos.
• Black Mountain Nature Reserve: The tower sits within a protected reserve of dry sclerophyll forest. Combine your visit with a short walk on one of the surrounding trails, such as the Black Mountain Summit Walk.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allocate about 1 to 1.5 hours for the tower itself, including time on the observation deck and a coffee at the café. If you plan to dine at the rotating restaurant, allow 2 hours for a leisurely meal. For a fuller experience, combine the tower with a walk in the nature reserve – this can stretch the visit to half a day. Sunset is the most popular time to visit for golden light over the city.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Canberra City Centre: Just a short drive away, explore the Australian War Memorial, Parliament House, and the National Gallery of Australia.
• Lake Burley Griffin: Stroll or cycle along the lake's foreshore, visit the Captain Cook Memorial Jet, or hire a paddleboat.
• National Arboretum Canberra: A vast living collection of rare and endangered trees from around the world, with excellent walking trails and views back to the city.
• Mount Ainslie Lookout: Another superb vantage point offering a different perspective of the Parliamentary Triangle, especially at dawn or dusk.
• Australian National Botanic Gardens: Just down the hill from the tower, these gardens showcase Australian native flora in beautifully landscaped settings.

Please check official sources for current details.