The variety of activities on offer at ACT parks and reserves includes meeting ‘koalas in the canopy’ at Tidbinbilla. Photo: Glynis Quinlan.
There may be a chill in the air but June is also a great time to explore the ‘winter wonderland’ in our local reserves, according to the ACT Parks and Conservation Service.
Twilight guided tours, forest critters, koala spotting and bird drawing are some of the many activities on offer in the ACT’s parks and reserves as part of the new June Explore Program.
“Don’t let the cold stop you from getting outdoors and exploring our bush capital this winter,” Daniel Iglesias, Director of ACT Parks and Conservation said.
“The Explore Program runs across Tidbinbilla, Jerrabomberra Wetlands and Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve, offering activities every weekend for people of all ages.
“The twilight tour is a great way to search for animals in the Mulligans Flat Sanctuary at night. Join an ecologist and see reintroduced species, spot native animals and experience the Australia bush as it was one hundred years ago. This activity is on every Friday night from 6 pm – 8 pm,” Mr Iglesias said.
“For a daytime activity take a walk on the wild side with a ranger and learn about potoroos and other inhabitants of the Eucalypt Forest. The critters of the forest program is on every Saturday (from 2 pm – 2.45 pm) in June and is a great way to spend an afternoon with family and friends.
“If you can’t get enough fuzzy forest critters, the koalas in the canopy activity is on immediately after the critters walk (from 2.45 pm – 3.15 pm). You can learn all about these fascinating marsupials and then stroll around the eucalypt forest to spot koalas for yourself.
“If your interests extend more to animals of the feathered variety, why not join wildlife and botanical artist Peter Marsack to learn how to draw the beautiful birds of Jerrabomberra Wetlands. His special workshop will be held from 9.30 am – 12.30 pm on Sunday 24 June.
“Start by observing the birds on Kelly’s swamp to learn about shape and form, then look at detail back at the education centre. You will use your new found skills to create a masterpiece.”
Below are the activities available under the June Explore Program for the remaining weeks of June.
Explore the Sanctuary
When: 10 am – 3 pm every Saturday and Sunday in June
Where: Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve Sanctuary
Cost: Included in reserve entry fee
Bookings: No bookings required
Category: Wildlife
Meet a friendly volunteer who will help you discover the natural wonders of the Sanctuary.
Critters of the forest
When: 2 pm – 2:45 pm every Saturday in June
Where: Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve Koala Enclosure (Eucalypt Forest)
Cost: Included in reserve entry fee
Bookings: No bookings required
Category: Wildlife walk for all ages
Take a short walk with a ranger and learn about potoroos and other inhabitants of the Eucalypt Forest. Get back in time for ‘Koalas in the Canopy’.
Koalas in the canopy
When: 2:45 pm – 3:15 pm every Saturday in June
Where: Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve Eucalypt Forest Koala Enclosure
Cost: Included in reserve entry fee
Bookings: No bookings required
Category: Wildlife talk for all ages
Learn all about these fascinating marsupials from knowledgeable staff and then take a stroll around the Eucalypt Forest to spot koalas for yourself.
Wetland wonders
When: 3 pm – 3:30 pm every Sunday in June
Where: Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve Sanctuary Main Entrance
Cost: Included in reserve entry fee
Bookings: No bookings required
Category: Wildlife walk for all ages
Take a walk with a ranger through Tidbinbilla’s wetlands in search of the elusive platypus. It’s a great way to spend a relaxing afternoon.
Drawing birds
When: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm, Sunday 24 June
Where: Jerrabomberra Wetlands, 2 Dairy Road Fyshwick
Cost: $45 per person
Bookings: https://jerrabomberrawetlands.org.au/event/db16/
Category: art, drawing, birds, birdwatching, wetlands
Learn how to draw birds with renowned illustrator, Peter Marsack. Join us for a walk around Kelly’s swamp, then implement your new found skills. No drawing experience necessary. Materials and morning tea included but bring binoculars. Suitable for 12 years and over.
For more information please click here.
Some of the interesting birdlife at Jerrabomberra Wetlands. Photo: Glynis Quinlan.
Twilight tour
When: Every Friday 6 – 8 pm in June
Where: Mulligans Flat – Corner of Quinane Ave and Justice Kelly Street, Forde
Cost: $50 per person
Bookings: https://mulligansflat.org.au/visit/
Category: spotlighting, reintroduced animals, night tour
Join an ecologist to search for native animals in the Sanctuary and experience the bush as it was 100 years ago. Click here for details.
For more information about the June Explore Program click here or visit www.environment.act.gov.au.
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