If you’re eyeing a trip to Canberra and want to experience something beyond the city streets, this Nature Tour with Lunch by Sapphire Nature Tours might catch your interest. It promises a blend of wildlife spotting, scenic walks, and visits to some of the most beautiful reserves around the city—all led by an experienced guide. While we haven’t experienced it ourselves, reviews and tour details paint a picture of an engaging trip packed with genuine nature encounters.
What we really like about this tour is its focus on native wildlife and old-growth forests—things that usually don’t get the spotlight in more urban-focused tours. Plus, the inclusion of a visit to the Canberra Deep Space Communication Centre adds a unique tech twist to the natural adventure. On the downside, it’s not ideal for those with mobility issues or very young children, as some walking is involved and the tour isn’t suited for under 5s.
This experience seems best suited for those who want a comprehensive, guided snapshot of Canberra’s bushland and native species without the hassle of planning it all themselves. Nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and curious travelers who enjoy a good walk and some insider knowledge should find plenty to enjoy here.
Key Points
- Focus on native Australian wildlife and forests with a professional guide.
- Includes a visit to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and the Canberra Deep Space Centre.
- A full-day experience with about 6 km of walking, suited for active travelers.
- Comfortable, small group tours ensure personalized attention.
- Lunch and drinks are included, adding value and convenience.
- Suitable for those without mobility challenges or very young children.
If you’re the kind of traveler who’s looking to go beyond the typical city tour and actually spend meaningful time in nature, this Canberra experience might be just what you need. The tour lasts around 7 hours, beginning with a handy hotel pickup—either from your hotel within an 8 km radius in Canberra or from the airport—making logistics straightforward and stress-free. Small groups, limited to just 10 participants, promise a more intimate vibe, and that’s often a real plus when exploring natural environments.
You can check availability for your dates here:The Itinerary and What to Expect
The tour kicks off with a brief scenic drive from the city, stopping at a couple of local spots that help set the mood for the day. These initial stops are mainly photo opportunities and quick sightseeing, giving you a taste of the landscape before diving into the reserves.
The real highlight begins at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve—the flagship of the tour. Here, you’ll spend roughly three hours exploring some of the best wild areas around Canberra. Expect to walk through ancient forests of Blakely’s ghostly gum trees—a fantastic opportunity to see some of the oldest and most intriguing plant life in the region. The terrain involves up to 6 km of walking, but if walking isn’t your thing, remember you can opt for less, as not every part of the reserve necessarily requires a full trek.
During this time, you’ll have plenty of chances to spot wildlife. Reviews highlight sightings of kangaroos, emus, swamp wallabies, and various bird species like gang gang cockatoos, eastern rosellas, and superb parrots. One review specifically notes that kangaroo sightings are guaranteed, which is a real plus if you’re after iconic Aussie animal experiences. Other animals, like echidnas and potoroos, may show themselves, although sightings can’t be 100% assured.
The guided aspect really enhances the experience—your guide will share insights about the flora and fauna, making each sighting more meaningful. The guide seems to have a knack for spotting and identifying wildlife, which adds a layer of enjoyment for nature buffs.
Visiting the Canberra Deep Space Communication Centre
A unique feature of this tour is the stop at the Canberra Deep Space Communication Centre. While it’s a brief visit—about 45 minutes—it lends a fascinating contrast to the natural focus of the day. If you’re into space, science, or just curious about NASA’s deep space missions, this part of the trip offers a glimpse into Australia’s role in space exploration.
Food and Comfort
Lunch is included—usually at a local café—and features a non-alcoholic drink. While the menu options aren’t detailed, reviews seem to mention that the meal is straightforward but satisfying. It’s a good chance to relax and chat about what you’ve seen so far, especially after a morning of walking and wildlife spotting.
Comfort-wise, the tour recommends wearing comfortable shoes and being prepared for up to 6 km of walking. It’s not a strenuous hike per se, but enough that you’ll want to be ready for some active exploration. The tour avoids high heels, sandals, or flip-flops, emphasizing practicality.
Who Might Not Love This Tour?
It’s worth noting that this experience isn’t suitable for children under 5, or those with mobility impairments, since some walking is involved and the terrain might be uneven. Also, it’s not a good fit for anyone who might want a very relaxed, sit-back kind of day—this is active and outdoors, with some exposure to the elements.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Practicalities
Pricing seems reasonable for what’s involved, especially considering the inclusion of lunch, entry fees, and a guided experience. For travelers seeking a more personalized and informative nature outing, the small group size helps ensure you get a lot of attention and tailored insights.
The tour operates in English and offers a flexible cancellation policy—up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund—which is quite handy if your plans change unexpectedly.
Canberra: Nature Tour with Lunch
Final Thoughts
This Canberra nature tour strikes a good balance between wildlife, scenic landscapes, and a touch of science with the space centre visit. It’s a solid choice for outdoor lovers, wildlife watchers, and those keen to see more of the bush capital’s nature reserves without the stress of organizing individual excursions.
You’ll appreciate that the tour is thoughtfully designed to maximize variety—forests, animals, and even space exploration—while keeping the group small enough for a personal experience. It’s not a tour for those with limited mobility or very young kids, but if you enjoy walking and want an active day immersed in nature, this could be just right.
If you’re after a chance to see native Australian wildlife like kangaroos and emus in their natural habitat, this tour offers guaranteed sightings. Nature enthusiasts who love walking, birdwatching, or learning about the environment will find a lot to enjoy here. Plus, the unique visit to the Deep Space Communication Centre adds a special touch for those interested in science and space.
However, if you prefer a more relaxed or indoor experience, or have young children or mobility challenges, you might want to consider other options or tailor your plans accordingly. Overall, it’s an honest, engaging look at Canberra’s wild side—done well, with plenty of opportunities to connect with Australia’s natural heritage.
What is included in the tour?
The tour includes guided visits to reserves and sites, entry fees, a scenic drive, lunch, and a non-alcoholic drink at a local café. You’ll also get to visit the Canberra Deep Space Communication Centre.
How long is the total walking?
The total walking distance can be up to 6 km, spread throughout the day. Some walks are optional, and shorter options are available if you’re not up for a full trek.
Is wildlife guaranteed?
Kangaroo sightings are guaranteed, but other wildlife sightings, like emus or parrots, depend on luck and wildlife activity on the day. The guide’s expertise helps maximize your chances.
What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are a must. Depending on the weather, consider bringing sun protection, a hat, water, and maybe binoculars for wildlife viewing.
Can children join this tour?
Not really. It’s not suitable for children under 5 or those with mobility impairments, as some walking and uneven terrain are involved.
What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility if plans change unexpectedly.
Is the tour suitable for space enthusiasts?
Yes, the visit to the Canberra Deep Space Communication Centre offers a fascinating glimpse into space exploration efforts, which many find quite interesting.
If you’re eager to explore Canberra’s outdoor side, enjoy wildlife, and appreciate a well-guided, small-group experience, this tour offers a balanced and authentic day out. Just make sure you’re ready for some walking, and you’ll get a genuine taste of the bush capital’s natural beauty.
You can check availability for your dates here: