National Parks/Reserves/Countryside, Canberra

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If you are visiting Australia, and Canberra, then one of the must sees of your time here, is the magnificent birds of Australia. The native birds are truly some of the most gorgeous in the world, but often are incredibly shy and hard to track down (apart from the friendly and garrulous cockatoos!)

Well to enjoy some of Australia's prettiest birds without searching for days, take an hour or two to wander through the Canberra aviary.

I went with a friend with two kids, for an hour... and ended up there for three! Your price of entry includes some apple, with which you can make yourself popular with the locals... who will land on your arms, your hands, your shoulders or your head!

Although the aviary isn't huge (1,000 square metre), there is an interesting mix of birds (including a few non-natives)

One of the most spectacular places for hiking is towards the coast from Canberra called the Budawang national park. If you want to see deverse Australian landscape the Castle/Monolith Valley is the place to see it.

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Now, here is something almost everyone can participate in, even on a windy morning like the one I had to put up with. Strong gusts whipped up whitecaps all across the lake and it was snowing cherry blossoms as they were ripped from the trees but, being a dedicated VTer, I didn't let that stop me trying to bring you the best of Canberra.

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This is the Greek Orthodox Church, something I wasn't looking for but couldn't help but notice, especially since it was reflected in a nearby pool, a leftover from the all too infrequent rain.
The hymnal sounds of the Sunday morning voices wafted through the air adding a more solemn tone to the windy morning. It's the kind of atmosphere that takes an atheist out of his comfort zone, an unorthodox feeling in an orthodox place. Very refreshing.

If there's one thing the travel agent won't tell you that is a must-do in Canberra it's going for an early morning walk in springtime beside the lake. It is truly one of the most enjoyable things to do in Australia.
The budding cherry and apple blossoms, interspersed with golden wattle to a backdrop of wonderful buildings set amongst the trees makes for an uplifting experience, as well as a healthy one. Fortunately, Canberrans aren't oblivious to the delights of such an activity and you will undoubtedly run across a few during your stroll. It's all part of the experience.

All over Australia you will find plenty of wildlife...although maybe not as much in the big cities as in the 'bush'... Still, you'll manage to see birds almost everywhere.

This rosella was at Burrinjuck Dam (half way between Wagga Wagga and Canberra)...there are plenty of gorgeous birds like this around in the wild... :)

From many parts of the city, there are superb views to the Brindabella Ranges. Much of this mountainous area is encompassed in the Australian Capital Territory's largest national park - Namadgi National Park.
If you're drawn to wilderness areas, the remote sections of the park offer challenging hiking. Other areas can be reached on horseback, on short bushwalks or even by car.

The Tidbinbilla Reserve where you can walk among koalas, kangaroos and wallabies and catch a glimpse of the elusive platypus. Experience Tidbinbilla's Aboriginal and European heritage. Learn about endangered species or see how many of the bird species you can spot. Walk to moist fern gullies. Only 40 minutes from the city centre, this piece of nature is one of the most beautiful places in Canberra. You can walk around here for the all day, and maybe you go more then one time. For the thirsty between us; there is a café as well! 
See for more pictures in the
Tidbinbilla travelogue please.