The Sanctuary is a wetlands ecosystem, surrounded by bushland and protected by a predator-proof fence. It provides refuge for a range of native species. Wind your way along a mix of wheelchair-friendly walking trails and boardwalks that link the ponds. You may encounter platypus, turtles, bandicoots and a huge variety of birds. The track is a flat, even surface with no steps or steep sections.

This walk can start at either the Sanctuary carpark or Ribbon Gum carpark.

Tidbinbilla Sanctuary , Sanctuary Loop

Tidbinbilla Sanctuary, offers mobility access to many popular locations including The Sanctuary, the Eucalypt Forest and Sheedy's Picnic Area. The Reserve is open from 7:30am to 6:00pm during Non-Daylight Savings Time (Winter), and from 7:30am to 8:00pm during Daylight Savings Time (Summer), every day except Christmas Day (closed).

These locations have accessible toilets, designated parking areas and paved footpaths allowing independent wheelchair access.

The Nature Discovery Playground has a birds nest swing suitable for very young children and people with limited mobility.A heavy-duty wheelchair is available for free day hire upon request. Phone 02 6207 7921

The TrailRider is available for use at Tidbinbilla and can be booked for use in other ACT parks and reserves. The chair is easy to manoeuvre, can travel on semi-rough tracks and can be easily disassembled to fit in the back of a large car.  The TrailRider does need 2 or 3 abled bodied people to help move the bike around. Riders will need to supply their own cycling helmet and, with their Sherpas, are required to undertake a short induction session before venturing out.

02 6207 7921

Tidbinbilla Sanctuary

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is nestled at the base of the Tidbinbilla Range, & is only a 45 minute drive south-west of Canberra’s city centre. 

There are 24 marked trails at Tidbinbilla – ranging from a 15-minute walk to full-day hikes.  Not all of the paths are fully accessible though.  

An all-terrain wheelchair, or the ‘TrailRider’ is available for mobility-impaired visitors.  The 'TraiRider' is free to hire from the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve Visitor Centre, please call 02 6207 7921.  Two or three 'porters' are required to guide the chair, which is easy to manoeuvre, can travel on semi-rough tracks & can be disassembled to fit in the back of a large car. Helmets can be borrowed from the Visitor's Centre but remember to pack one if you can.

The Nature Discovery Playground features flying fox, slides, climbing frame, water pump, bouncy toys, cubby house & bird nest swing. There are BBQs & picnic tables dotted about with limited shade.

Located within the reserve is a Sanctuary of five ponds & weirs abundant with wildlife including platypus.  Other native animals include koalas, emus, kangaroos & many bird & reptile species.  There is a 2.1km wheelchair accessible pathway past a series of interconnected ponds.

Accessible toilets can be found at the Reserve along with plenty of parking.  The park entry fee is $11 for the day or $32 for an annual pass.

Tidbinbilla’s gates open daily in summer from 7.30am to 8pm and daily in winter from 7.30am to 6pm.

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

More Parks & Gardens nearby

Tidbinbilla Sanctuary