Best Parks in Canberra (2026)
Planning your next outing? These are 107 of the best parks in Canberra right now, whether you're after a lazy weekend, a day with the kids or somewhere new to explore. We rank each one by our Spot Score and keep the list fresh, so you're always seeing what's actually worth your time.
Green space is part of the Canberra lifestyle — parks and gardens for picnics, playgrounds, a morning run or a lazy afternoon under a tree. Many are free and family-friendly, with barbecues and shade.
107 spots
Stromlo Forest Park
Multi-sport outdoor facility in Woden with cycling circuit, running track, and mountain bike trails.
National Arboretum Canberra
Large modern park in Manuka featuring cedar and oak forests, walking trails, a café, and a playground with distinctive acorn treehouses.
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Expansive nature reserve near Canberra offering hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities, with visitor facilities and guided tours available.
Australian National Botanic Gardens
Expansive botanical garden in Acton showcasing native Australian plants with walking trails and on-site café.
Yerrabi Pond District Park
A popular waterside park in Gungahlin featuring a pond, walking paths, and scenic lookouts.
Weston Park
Scenic lakeside park in Yarralumla with a beach, cycling track, barbecue facilities and public art.
Commonwealth Park
A well-regarded public park in Kingston, Canberra, offering green space for outdoor activities and recreation.
Canberra Nara Peace Park
Parks in Civic, Canberra.
John Knight Memorial Park
Parks in Civic, Canberra.
Mount Taylor Nature Reserve
297 hectares of native bushland, with hiking trails, picnic tables & panoramic views from a ridge.
Kingston Foreshore
Cafes in Kingston, Canberra.
Cockington Green Gardens
Long-running place featuring charming miniature buildings in a scenic landscaped park with a cafe.
Lennox Gardens
Parks in Civic, Canberra.
Black Mountain Nature Reserve
Parks in Civic, Canberra.
Bowen Park
Beaches in Civic, Canberra.
Belconnen Skate Park
Parks in Belconnen, Canberra.
Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve
Outdoor conservation area with walking paths & small shelters from which visitors can observe birds.
Black Mountain Peninsula
Grassy 22-hectare preserve with picnic areas, a playground & water access for swimming or boating.
Parks by suburb
Zoom in on the best parks in Canberra's most popular neighbourhoods.
Parks guides for Canberra
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 →Parks in Canberra — FAQs
What are the best parks in Canberra?+
Our top-rated parks in Canberra are ranked by our Spot Score, which combines Google ratings, review volume, category fit and how recently we verified the details. The highest scorers appear at the top of this page.
How is the Canberra parks ranking decided?+
We blend independent signals — Google star ratings and review counts, popularity, the quality of available information and freshness — into a single Spot Score out of 100. It's an editorial score, not a paid placement.
Can I filter parks by suburb or price?+
Yes. Use the filters to narrow by suburb, minimum rating, price level, whether a place is open now, and features like dog-friendly or outdoor seating.
How many parks are listed in Canberra?+
We currently feature 107 parks across Canberra and surrounding suburbs, and we add and re-check venues regularly.