12 Parks and Gardens to Explore in Canberra
Whether you're after native plants, walking trails, or riverside walks, Canberra's parks and gardens offer something for everyone. Here are some of the best green spaces to visit across the city.
1Parks Manuka1. National Arboretum Canberra
Best for tree lovers and scenic views — a sprawling collection of rare and endangered trees from around the world, set on a hill in Manuka with panoramic views over the city.
View venue4.7(7,986)· Google68Spot ScoreWorth a Look
2Parks Braddon2. Australian National Botanic Gardens
Best for native plants — showcases Australian flora across landscaped gardens in Braddon, ideal for learning about native species in a thoughtful setting.
View venue4.6(3,702)· Google67Spot ScoreWorth a Look
3Parks Fyshwick3. Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Best for wildlife spotting — a large reserve south of Fyshwick where you can see native animals and explore multiple walking trails.
View venue4.7(1,084)· Google67Spot ScoreWorth a Look
4Parks Civic4. Weston Park
Best for central location — a well-established park in Civic with open spaces and facilities, handy if you want green space without travelling far from the city centre.
View venue4.6(1,234)· Google66Spot ScoreWorth a Look
5Parks Kingston5. Commonwealth Park
Best for events and open grass — Kingston's large community park regularly hosts festivals and outdoor events, with plenty of room to spread out.
View venue4.6(1,290)· Google66Spot ScoreWorth a Look
6Parks Civic6. Yerrabi Pond District Park
Best for water-based recreation — features a pond and wetlands in Civic, popular for birdwatching and water activities.
View venue4.6(1,271)· Google66Spot ScoreWorth a Look
7Parks Civic7. Canberra Nara Peace Park
Best for cultural interest — a tranquil Japanese-inspired park in Civic commemorating Canberra's sister city relationship with Nara, Japan.
View venue4.6(834)· Google65Spot ScoreWorth a Look
8Parks Tuggeranong8. Mount Taylor Nature Reserve
Best for walking and views — hilltop reserve in Tuggeranong offering bushland trails and elevated views across the southern suburbs.
View venue4.6(703)· Google64Spot ScoreWorth a Look
9Parks Dickson9. Cockington Green Gardens
Best for garden enthusiasts — whimsical horticultural gardens in Dickson featuring English-style landscaping and displays.
View venue4.4(4,161)· Google64Spot ScoreWorth a Look
10Parks Kingston10. Kingston Foreshore
Best for waterfront walks — riverside park in Kingston with paths along the water, cafés, and recreational facilities.
View venue4.5(1,240)· Google64Spot ScoreWorth a Look
11Parks Civic11. Lennox Gardens
Best for quiet contemplation — peaceful formal gardens in Civic, good for a calm stroll away from busier attractions.
View venue4.6(722)· Google64Spot ScoreWorth a Look
12Parks Civic12. Black Mountain Nature Reserve
Best for bushland walks and lookouts — reserves and trails across Civic and surrounding areas offering natural bush settings with city views.
View venue4.4(2,165)· Google64Spot ScoreWorth a Look
At a glance
| Venue | Spot Score | Price | Suburb | Top feature | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| National Arboretum Canberra | 68/100 | 4.7(7,986) | — | Manuka | — |
| Australian National Botanic Gardens | 67/100 | 4.6(3,702) | — | Braddon | — |
| Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve | 67/100 | 4.7(1,084) | — | Fyshwick | — |
| Weston Park | 66/100 | 4.6(1,234) | — | Civic | — |
| Commonwealth Park | 66/100 | 4.6(1,290) | — | Kingston | — |
| Yerrabi Pond District Park | 66/100 | 4.6(1,271) | — | Civic | — |
| Canberra Nara Peace Park | 65/100 | 4.6(834) | — | Civic | — |
| Mount Taylor Nature Reserve | 64/100 | 4.6(703) | — | Tuggeranong | — |
| Cockington Green Gardens | 64/100 | 4.4(4,161) | — | Dickson | — |
| Kingston Foreshore | 64/100 | 4.5(1,240) | — | Kingston | — |
| Lennox Gardens | 64/100 | 4.6(722) | — | Civic | — |
| Black Mountain Nature Reserve | 64/100 | 4.4(2,165) | — | Civic | — |
Frequently asked questions
Are these parks free to enter?+
Most parks listed are free; however, some venues may charge entry fees. We recommend checking directly with individual parks before visiting, as policies can vary.
Which parks are best for families with young children?+
Commonwealth Park, Weston Park, and Yerrabi Pond District Park are community-focused spaces with facilities. Kingston Foreshore and Cockington Green Gardens also offer accessible, gentle environments suitable for families.
Are there walking trails at these parks?+
Yes — Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Mount Taylor Nature Reserve, and Black Mountain Nature Reserve are specifically noted for walking trails. Many other parks also have paths, though they may be shorter or more leisurely.
Which parks are closest to Canberra city centre?+
Weston Park, Yerrabi Pond District Park, Canberra Nara Peace Park, Lennox Gardens, and Black Mountain Nature Reserve are all in or very near Civic, the heart of Canberra.
Can I bring a picnic?+
Most parks welcome picnics, but facilities vary. Commonwealth Park and Kingston Foreshore are known to have good picnic amenities. It's worth checking ahead with specific parks for seating, tables, and facilities.
Keep exploring
Canberra guides
roundupCanberra Nightlife: The Best Bars & Live Music
From hidden cocktail rooms and Civic wine bars to Braddon drinks, lake views and live music, Canberra nightlife is best planned by mood and precinct.
Read guide →roundupFree Things to Do in Canberra
Plan a low-cost Canberra day with free gardens, lakefront parks, bushland, a mountain lookout and the Australian War Memorial.
Read guide →roundupCanberra With Kids: Family-Friendly Things to Do
From wildlife and miniature villages to lakeside parks, bushwalks and puzzle rooms, these are Canberra’s best family-friendly outings.
Read guide →The best of Canberra, in your inbox
New openings, hidden gems and weekend ideas. One thoughtful email a week. No spam.