Deep Space Communication Complex

Perched on the rolling hills of the Tidbinbilla Valley, the Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex (CDSCC) is one of only three deep-space tracking stations in the world that communicate with interplanetary spacecraft. Operated by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory and the CSIRO, this working scientific facility offers a fascinating glimpse into humanity's exploration of the solar system—and beyond. The 70-metre dish, a colossal white bowl against the blue sky, is the star of the show, but the visitor centre's exhibits will have you feeling like a mission controller in no time.

Highlights & What to See

• Giant Radio Antennas – Stand in awe beneath the 70-metre and 34-metre dishes that track spacecraft like Voyager, Mars rovers, and the New Horizons probe. The sheer scale is humbling.
• Visitor Centre & Space Exhibits – Hands-on displays let you simulate docking a spacecraft, see a piece of the Moon, and learn about the history of space exploration, including Australia's role.
• The Apollo Connection – The complex supported the Apollo 11 Moon landing; you can see a replica of the famous 'Eagle' lander and hear the actual communications audio.
• Guided Tours – Free daily tours take you into the operations room (where real mission data is processed) and out onto the dish viewing platform. Knowledgeable guides explain the science with infectious enthusiasm.
• Picnic Grounds & Bushwalking – The surrounding Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve offers short walks and picnic spots with views of the antennas against the valley—a surreal backdrop for a lunch break.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors find 1.5 to 2 hours sufficient to explore the visitor centre, join a guided tour, and walk around the outdoor antenna displays. If you plan to combine it with a walk in the adjacent nature reserve, allow half a day. The complex is open daily (except Christmas Day) from 9am to 5pm, and entry is free. Arrive by late morning to catch the best light for photos and to fit in a tour before lunch.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve – Just a few minutes' drive away, this reserve is home to kangaroos, koalas, and platypuses, with excellent walking trails through eucalypt forests and wetlands.
• Namadgi National Park – A 30-minute drive south, this alpine park offers hiking, Aboriginal rock art sites, and spectacular mountain scenery—perfect for a full-day adventure.
• Canberra city centre – 40 minutes east, Canberra's national museums, galleries, and Parliament House provide cultural depth. The Australian National Botanic Gardens and Lake Burley Griffin are also worth a detour.

Please check official sources for current details.