🌿 A ripper spot for a chill arvo bushwalk with kangaroos and birdies, mate!

Canberra Nature Park O'Connor Ridge - Peaceful Bushwalks & Wildlife Spotting - Main park image showing the beautiful facilities and surroundings

Canberra Nature Park at O'Connor Ridge is a peaceful natural reserve perfect for families and outdoor lovers keen on bushwalking, wildlife spotting, and mountain biking. The park features well-maintained walking and riding trails winding through native vegetation, offering occasional vistas over northern Canberra. Visitors often spot kangaroos and abundant birdlife like magpies and parrots. While close to the city, the nearby highway noise means it’s best for those who appreciate nature walks rather than complete quiet. Dog owners should keep pups on leash, and mountain bikers are welcome on designated trails.

📍 Park Information

📍 Address	O'Connor ACT 2602, Australia
⭐ Rating	4.5/5 (42 reviews)
🏙️ City	Australia
🗺️ Coordinates	Google Map Link
🏗️ Facilities	parking walk run path bicycle path

🕐 Opening Hours

Day	Hours
Thursday	Open 24 hours
Friday	Open 24 hours
Saturday	Open 24 hours
Sunday	Open 24 hours
Monday	Open 24 hours
Tuesday	Open 24 hours
Wednesday	Open 24 hours

⭐ What Makes This Park Special

Family Bushwalks & Wildlife Spotting 🦘✅

This nature park is a beaut spot for families who love a good bushwalk with the kids. The well-maintained trails are easy to navigate and perfect for little legs wanting to explore native Aussie bush. Keep your eyes peeled for kangaroos and a variety of birdlife like magpies and parrots, which the kids will reckon as a real treat. Just remember dogs need to be on a leash here, so it’s a safe environment for all. It’s a great way to get the young ones outdoors, spotting wildlife and enjoying fresh air without having to travel far from the city.

Beautiful Views That'll Take Your Breath Away 🌅

O'Connor Ridge offers some cracking views over northern Canberra, especially on clear days. The ridge is dotted with native vegetation that fills the air with fresh bush scents, making your walk a real sensory treat. While foggy or overcast weather softens the vistas, it still adds a peaceful vibe to your arvo stroll. The park’s natural setting provides a lovely backdrop for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle but still be close to the city. Just a heads up, the nearby highway can be a bit noisy, but it doesn’t take away from the overall beauty of the place.

Trails for Walkers & Mountain Bikers 🚴‍♀️🏃‍♀️

If you’re into a bit of exercise, Canberra Nature Park at O'Connor Ridge has you covered with plenty of walking and riding trails. The paths are well maintained and suitable for both walkers and mountain bikers, with bike trails mainly on the western slope heading towards Belconnen. It’s a top spot for getting some cardio in while surrounded by native bushland. Just watch out for brown snakes basking on the tracks during warm days, and keep your dog on a leash if you bring them along.

Spot Kangaroos & Native Birds in the Bush 🦘🐦

One of the standout features of O'Connor Ridge is the chance to see native Aussie wildlife up close. Visitors often come across mobs of kangaroos grazing peacefully, which is a real highlight for families and nature lovers alike. The park also hosts a variety of birdlife including magpies, parrots, and choughs, making it a great spot for birdwatching. The natural native vegetation supports this wildlife, creating a genuine bushland experience right near the city.

💬 What Visitors Are Saying

Quite a nice spot, good for a chill afterwork hike.
Came to see kangaroos. Luckily I came across a pack of them.
Very nice and peaceful nature park, features lots of well maintained paths around a very peaceful peice of bush
Beautiful walking and riding trails
Very walkable. Lots of Birdlife (Chuffs, Magpies Parrot etc).
A seldom walked Ridgeway above Lyneham with some occasional vistas over the northern inner Canberra.
Dogs must be on leash in this natural setting. But mountain bikers allowed.
The highway nearby is quite loud.
Surrounded by natural native vegetation smells so good.
Be wary, the area has a few brown snakes that like to laze on the tracks when the sun is warm