Photo: chillmimi / CC BY 2.0
Paradise Park is a lush, family-friendly nature reserve and wildlife sanctuary on the outskirts of Canberra, offering a serene escape into Australian bushland. With its mix of native animals, walking trails, and picnic spots, it's a perfect half-day outing for nature lovers and families alike.
Highlights & What to See
- Wildlife Encounters: Hand-feed kangaroos and wallabies in open enclosures, and see koalas, wombats, and emus up close.
- Bird Aviaries: Walk through large free-flight aviaries filled with colourful parrots, lorikeets, and other native birds.
- Bushwalking Trails: Explore easy walking paths through eucalypt forest and along a creek, with interpretive signs about local flora and fauna.
- Reptile House: Get a glimpse of snakes, lizards, and freshwater crocodiles in a dedicated reptile section.
- Picnic & Play Areas: Spread out a blanket under shady trees or use the BBQ facilities; kids will love the adventure playground.
Suggested Time to Spend
Most visitors spend around 2–3 hours at Paradise Park, which gives you ample time to see the animals, walk a short trail, and enjoy a picnic. If you want to join a feeding session or take a longer bushwalk, allow up to half a day. It's an easy stop on a self-drive itinerary through the Canberra region.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Canberra – Australia's capital, with its iconic museums, galleries, and Parliament House, is just a 20-minute drive away.
- Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve – A larger natural area with more extensive hiking, birdwatching, and a chance to see wild kangaroos and platypuses.
- Namadgi National Park – For serious bushwalking and stunning alpine landscapes, about 40 minutes south.
- Murrumbateman Wine Region – Cool-climate wineries and cellar doors, perfect for a wine-tasting detour.
- Lake Burley Griffin – Central Canberra's focal point for cycling, sailing, and scenic walks.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Canberra — The 3B's / CC BY 2.0
- Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve — Paul J. Morris / CC BY-SA 2.0
- Namadgi National Park — Dfrg.msc at English Wikipedia / Public domain
- Murrumbateman Wine Region — Bidgee / CC BY-SA 3.0 au
- Lake Burley Griffin — JJ Harrison ( jjharrison89@facebook.com ) / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Australian War Memorial — Shkuru Afshar / CC BY-SA 4.0