Beyond Canberra there is space galore

Fascinating destinations, space centres, galleries, theme villages and historic homesteads, are all only an hour's drive from central Canberra.

Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex
One of just three tracking stations in the world linked to NASA's Deep Space control centre, the complex has several giant antennae to pick up outer space transmissions. A piece of the moon is on display at the visitors' information centre and you can also see other space memorabilia, a collection of models and a display on the history of space exploration. Admission is free. The Moon Rock Cafe offers refreshments.
Discovery Drive, Tidbinbilla;
Open daily 9am-5pm
Ph: 6201 7880

Cuppacumbalong
Located only 30 minutes drive from Canberra City, Cuppacumbalong provides visitors with historical ambience, arts and crafts, picturesque gardens, events and functions, and a fully licensed restaurant.
Naas Road, Tharwa;
Sat & Sun 11am-5pm until 17 October.
Functions all year by appointment
Ph: 6237 5195
www.cuppacumbalong.com.au

Lanyon Homestead
The dairy, workers' barracks, storerooms and kitchen were built from stone and wood, cut and quarried on the property by convict labour in the 1830s. The homestead itself was built later in 1859, then added to in 1905, and is a simple and elegant example of colonial architecture. Each section of the interior is being restored and furnished in the style of the time when it was built.
Tharwa Drive, Tharwa;
Tue-Sun 10am-4pm, weekends 10am-5pm
Ph: 6237 5136

Nolan Gallery
Located on the grounds of historic Lanyon Homestead, 30km south of Canberra, the gallery houses a collection of paintings by Sir Sidney Nolan. Paintings from the 1940s and 1950s include his Ned Kelly images and other works. There is also an exhibition program that presents the best of 20th century Australian art.
Tharwa Drive, Tharwa;
Tue-Sun 10am-4pm weekends 10am-5pm
Ph: 6237 5192

Not far from central Canberra are mountain forest parks, wetlands, walking trails and some spectacular gorges.

Black Mountain
At Black Mountain you'll find marked walking trails where it is possible to see a wide range of native plants and animals.
Off Black Mountain Summit Road and Rani Road, Acton
Ph: 6207 2113

Canberra Nature Park
The Park consists of 27 separate native bushland and grassland reserves scattered throughout urban Canberra. Some of the areas that make up the park are: Remembrance Nature Park, Black Mountain, Mulligans Flat, Mt Ainslie. Some areas of the Park were burnt in the January 2003 bushfires - please take care when walking in affected areas.
Ph: 6207 2113

Cotter Reserve and Cotter Camping Area
The Cotter Reserve has reopened and visitors are welcome to picnic, walk and camp.
For further information contact the Environment ACT Helpline on 6207 9777

Jerrabomberra Wetlands
Jerrabomberra Wetlands, located on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin, are the largest wetlands in the ACT. This wildlife refuge is one of the most important habitats in the region for 77 species of water birds, some migrating from as far as Japan and China.
Dairy Flat Rd, Fyshwick
Ph: 6207 2087

Mount Ainslie & Remembrance Nature Park
At the summit of Mount Ainslie begins the interpretive walking that leads through Remembrance Nature Park to the Australian War Memorial. The trail is sealed, well signposted and provides various lookout stops. Remembrance Nature Park commemorates both the signing of the Armistice in 1918 and the Aboriginal people who served in the armed forces.
Slopes of Mt Ainslie
Ph: 6207 2113

Namadgi National Park
Namadgi National Park is located at the northern end of the Australian Alps, 45 minutes drive from Canberra city. Venture into Namadgi to discover its Aboriginal heritage. Experience wonderful bird life, picnic and fishing spots and fantastic bushwalks with scenic views. Enjoy ranger guided walks or escape into the rugged Bimberi wilderness. Horse riding and mountain biking is permitted on some of the fire trails while campgrounds are located in pleasant bushland settings - ask at the Visitor Centre.
Visitor Information Centre: Mon-Fri 9am-4pm, Weekends & Public holidays 9am-4.30pm. Ph: 6207 2900

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
The ACT's Parks and Reserves are springing back to life after the 2003 bushfires. See Lucky the koala - find out about her survival from the fires and her amazing recovery. Contact the Visitor Information Centre at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve (45 minutes drive from Canberra city) for details of the various walks and ranger-guided activities within this 5500ha reserve. Walk among native plants and animals including kangaroos, emus, wallabies and birds in their natural habitat. Flint's Picnic Area, Church Rock Heritage Loop and Turkey Hill Trail are open to the public along with the Ring Road, giving access to the lookout. Enjoy secluded picnic and BBQ facilities.
Visitor Information Centre: Mon-Fri: 9am-4.30pm, Weekends & Public holidays: 9am-5.30pm. Ph: 6205 1233
Nature Reserve hours: 9pm-6pm