Australian Parliament House Autumn Courtyard Tours
2026-05-01 10:00 - 2026-05-23 12:00 (Australia/Sydney) | Australian Parliament House, Parliament Drive, Canberra, ACT, Australia
Led by one of our knowledgeable guides, this walking tour offers a rare opportunity to explore courtyards not usually open to the public and view the renowned Budget Tree. This autumn, discover Parliament House not only as the home of Australia’s democracy, but as a landmark of landscape architecture and design.
Tour schedule
On Fridays and Saturdays from 1 to 23 May at 10:00 am, 11:00 am and 12:00 pm.
Accessibility friendly tours
On Friday 8 May and Friday 22 May at 10am. Please book via the Accessible Tour accessible tour link. For further details regarding accessibility at Parliament House, please contact us on 02 6277 5399.
Identification requirements
All participants must present valid photo identification. Without photo ID, a private areas pass cannot be issued and entry to the tour will be denied.
What to expect
This is a walking tour that travels through internal spaces and outdoor courtyards. Participants may encounter uneven surfaces and varying weather conditions. Comfortable footwear and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.
Please arrive at Parliament House 10 minutes before your tour, as the event will begin on time.
Optional refreshment package
You can add a refreshment package to your ticket, which includes a freshly baked scone and a hot beverage of your choice from Queen’s Terrace Café.
Bookings
Bookings are essential and can be made online at the Parliament House website

Bushland Nature Walk – Catch a View!
2026-05-23 09:30 - 11:30 | Visitor Centre, Australian National Botanic Gardens, Canberra, Australia
A special guided walk to explore the Gardens’ Bushland Precinct, across the Black Mountain road from the main part of the Gardens. The Bushland Nature Walk meanders through open forest and features expansive views to Canberra City and Parliament House. Some of the plants are labelled and you will find interpretive signs about the biodiversity, fire ecology and soil of the area. The walk culminates at a viewing platform offering spectacular views across Lake Burley Griffin. Return is via the same path.
The walk is easy to medium on uneven ground, with a few stairs and short steep sections. There are some places to rest along the way. Distance: 3.2 km
Wear a shady hat, sunscreen, and sturdy walking shoes and bring your bottle of water.
Date: Saturday 23 May
Time: 9.30 am to 11.30 am
Location: Meet at the Gardens Visitor Centre at 9.25 am
Bookings: https://www.trybooking.com/DLKGL
Enquiries: email events@friendsanbg.org.au or contact Linda on 0437 298 711.
Cost: $10 (towards projects in the Gardens)

Black Mountain Summit Ramble
2026-07-25 09:30 - 11:30 | Black Mountain Summit Terrace, Black Mountain Summit Trail, Black Mountain Drive, Canberra, ACT, Australia
The Summit Walk between the Summit of Black Mountain Nature Reserve to the Visitor Centre at the ANBG is a joint initiative between the ACT Government, the Australian National Botanic Gardens (ANBG) and Telstra and was officially opened in July 2000.
Dr Michael Doherty, a local plant ecologist, and ANBG Guide, will talk about winter colour among the plants down the north-eastern slope from the Summit of Black Mountain to the ANBG Visitor Centre. Michael will talk about the interesting variety of mechanisms through which the local flora copes with fire and drought and he will also be pointing out the characteristics of the different eucalypts found along the way, including some very old veteran scribbly gums with lumpy bumpy ‘elephants feet’!
** As we are walking down the track, it may be a good idea to arrange with a friend to take you back to your car at the top after the walk.
The Summit Walk has steep sections, so it is suitable for fit walkers (including children over the age of 12).
Meet: At the Summit Terrace, slightly uphill from the Tower on Black Mountain.
Bring: Friends, water, and snacks, if you wish.
Wear: Sturdy shoes, hat, and sun cream …and remember to dress for a walk in winter weather if it is cold.
Bookings essential: Places are limited on these very popular rambles, so please use the booking link to register for the walk.
Booking link: https://www.trybooking.com/DNNTX
It helps so that you can be contacted in case arrangements need to change (e.g. adverse weather).
Tickets are limited, so please notify us if you have booked but find you are unable to come, by email to friendsofblackmountain@gmail.com or phone 0437 298 711

Wake Up With the Birds
2026-10-03 08:30 - 10:30 | Visitor Centre, Australian National Botanic Gardens, Canberra, Australia
A wonderful opportunity to observe some of Canberra’s amazing birdlife in the beautiful surrounds of the Australian National Botanic Gardens.
In a small group, experience the Gardens early on a spring morning when the birds are nesting and at their most active.
Walks start at 8.30 am (Gates open at 8.15 am)
The event includes a 1 1/2 to 2 hour guided walk with an experienced guide.
Some binoculars will be provided, but bring your own if you have them.
Children attending the walks must be over the age of 8 and accompanied by an adult.
When: Saturday 3 October
Saturday 10 October
Saturday 17 October
Sunday 11 October
Where: Meet outside the Gardens Visitor Centre
Cost: Friends Members $15, Non-Members $20, Children (school age) $10
Bookings essential: https://www.trybooking.com/DNOXB
Enquiries: events@friendsanbg.org.au

Bushland Nature Walk
2026-10-24 09:30 - 12:00 | Visitor Centre, Australian National Botanic Gardens, Canberra, Australia
A special guided walk to explore the Gardens’ Bushland Precinct, across the Black Mountain road from the main part of the Gardens. The walk celebrates the official opening of the Walk ten years ago, in December 2016. We also celebrate the official opening of the Gardens in the month of October 1970.
The Bushland Nature Walk meanders through the Bushland Precinct of the ANBG, which is one of the few botanic gardens that has a section of original natural flora. The walk takes you through open forest and features expansive views to Canberra City and Parliament House. Some of the plants are labelled and you will find interpretive signs about the biodiversity, fire ecology and soil of the area. The walk culminates at a viewing platform offering spectacular views across Lake Burley Griffin. Return is via the same path.
Easy to medium on uneven ground, a few stairs and short steep sections. There are some places to rest along the way. Distance: 3.2 km
When: Saturday 24 October, 9.30 am
Where: Meet outside the Gardens Visitor Centre
Cost: $10 (All proceeds go towards projects in the Gardens)
Bookings essential: https://www.trybooking.com/DNRGK
Enquiries: events@friendsanbg.org.au
