Best of Wildlife and Birds Tour
4.5
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About
Time and time again the Best of Wildlife tour impresses those who choose to take part. A half day, afternoon tour, we travel at the best time of the day to see some of Australia’s unique animals in the wild.
The tour begins with pickup at your accommodation before a half hour to 40-minute journey through the rural surrounds of Canberra to the Deep Space Tracking Station at Tidbinbilla. Here you’ll learn about the significant role played by our telescopes in the Apollo missions and first moon landing as well as current day deep space tracking.
From the Deep Space Tracking Station, we’ll travel the short distance to the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve where some of Australia’s most iconic native animals living in the wild. Through the reserve we’ll hopefully witness and get close to:
Kangaroos
Wallabies
Koalas
Platypus
Colourful parrots and other birds
Emus
After hopefully spotting platypus towards the end of the tour, you’ll enjoy the 30-40 minute tour back into your accommodation.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 12-95, max of 15 per group
Duration: 4h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Meets animal welfare guidelines
Live guide: English
More
- Expert Local Tour Guide
- Pickup in comfortable tour vehicle
- Entry to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
- Pickup at major hotel & motel chains
- Entry/Admission - Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
What's not included- Water & Snacks
- Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.
- 65 Northbourne Ave, Canberra ACT 2601, AustraliaJolimont Travel Centre - on the Northborne side, just in front of the Novotel. Curbside pickup.
Pickup details- We pickup at all Canberra hotels and all centrally located air-bnb etc. For visitors from outside town we pickup at the Jolimont Travel Centre in the City.
Hotel pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Not wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 137956P3- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Most travellers can participate
- This experience requires a minimum number of travellers. If it’s cancelled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travellers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 137956P3
From
AU$149.00
per adult
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- Lalith S0 contributionsWonderful day trip.5/5 Our tour guide Olek(?) was very knowledgeable about all places that we visited. Also, very polite throughout the trip.Written 8 January 2025
- Sal15020 contributionsInformative and Fun Day OutExcellent day out with our tour guide Bob. Informative and engaging, professional and very personable. We learned a lot and had fun along the way. Highly recommended! Sally & RogerWritten 30 December 2024
- Nada S0 contributionsI had awesome time I am very happy that I took Highlights of CanberraIt was great service and tour guide. He had great knowledge of Canberra. I enjoyed tour very much Thank you . Nada Wodonga VICWritten 19 December 2024
- barbaran6440 contributionsFlower lovers delightWe parked and walked. It was hot and there was a fair bit of construction in the area, but it was enjoyable. We also took the opportunity to walk over the bridge to the National Gallery.Written 11 December 2024
- Journey752990 contributionsA great Canberra tour!For anyone visiting Canberra for the first time, this is a great tour! Not only does it include many of the top sights of the city but because our guide Neil has extensive knowledge to share. Such a well spent day, we were lucky to also sight kangaroos along the way!Written 7 December 2024
- 121Elen0 contributionsEmbracing AustraliaThe tour itself was amazing. Neil also was the best tour guide ever. So engaging and transparent learned a lot about Australian history. Would totally recommend this tour to everyone!Written 7 December 2024
- claytonr5840 contributionsMy tour experienceThe is the best tour I have been on in Canberra. The places we visited were awesome and inspiring. The tour guide and driver was knowledgeable, helpful and friendly. All aspects of the tour are highly recommended.Written 21 November 2024
- Camper065396265640 contributionsAn excellent tourA thoroughly fantastic tour. Neil was extremely knowledgeable and informative. I would highly recommend this tour. A great way to see and learn about Canberra.Written 20 November 2024
- Shellyt10 contributionsA brilliant tour and one definitely not to be missed.We had a fantastic day with Bob our tour guide and driver. I would highly recommend it. Bob had so much knowledge about Canberra and it certainly was incredibly informative. Even though it was an 8 hour day, the day actually went very quickly as we went from one attraction to another, learning all the time. Learning about layout of Canberra itself was so fascinating. I couldn't help but think that perhaps Canberra as a city is Australia's best kept secret . Bob also was a happy person with a good sense of humour. I highly recommend this tour and I am looking forward to coming back to Canberra and doing it all over again. Thank you for taking such good care of us too. Kay and John TileyWritten 21 October 2024
- SharonR21570 contributionsFloriade 2024Everything was amazing. Neil and Margaret were amazing tour guides. Nice relaxing day and the Floriade was good and also the tulip farm was excellentWritten 10 October 2024
- Elizabeth G0 contributionsExtremely enjoyable tour of CanberraReally enjoyed the tour especially the War Memorial and the Last Post ceremony The view from Mount Ainslie was incredible and the narrative re the establishment of Canberra and the Burley Griffin story given by Bob was extremely informative Bob was vey personable Would highly recommendWritten 8 October 2024
- Sally T0 contributionsNo show!!!!Did not pitch up! Booked this via Viator well in advance. Kept getting notifications regarding pick up and time. We arrived half an hour early and waited for 2 hours!!! No response from them via phone or email. Even Viator couldn’t contact them. Over a week later and still no response or apology. Not happy!!!!Written 6 October 2024
- islandboi60 contributionsJust the Best!This would be one of the best city tours ever .. what an amazing day spent with Neil. So much to see and do in one day ... everything you could want to see in Canberra and more ... felt like a kid on a school excursion at the end of the day .. tired but happy!Written 5 October 2024
- 785SarahG0 contributionsExcellent , relaxed and informative.Neil was an excellent informative tour guide. Relaxed and enjoyable tour. Arboretum was so much better with a guide. Especially enjoyed Tip Top Tulips.Written 4 October 2024
- Trek111895272920 contributionsA fun and relaxing dayThe Gardens we toured were amazing tour guide was very helpful and knowledgeable nothing was too much trouble for him thank you for an enjoyable dayWritten 30 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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4.5
24 reviews
Excellent
18
Very good
2
Average
0
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1
Terrible
3
Sianin
Smithers, Canada166 contributions
Very knowledgeable and personable guide who literally wrote the book on birds. Everything ran on time, Neil catered to each person's needs and interests. He went above and beyond. I would absolutely recommend this tour.
Written 24 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kiki j
4 contributions
Feb 2023 • Solo
One of the best tours I've ever been on. Neil, the guide, was very personable and super knowledgeable. He worked in wildlife management as a career and published a book on Australian birds, so he really knows his stuff. He promised us we would see over 50 kangaroos and a 90% chance that we would see a platypus. We saw both, plus a rednecked wallaby, potoroo (that grazed just 2 feet from us for five minutes), koalas, several species of parrots, and numerous other birds. I couldn't have been happier and would HIGHLY recommend this tour.
Written 25 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for taking the time to leave us such an amazing and detailed review!
We're thrilled to hear that you had a great time with Neil, that he was able to share his extensive knowledge with you, and that you were able to see so many amazing animals in the wild. We appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back on another tour with us in the future!
Written 22 March 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Martin
2 contributions
Sept 2022 • Couples
Just came back from the tour with Neil. The guy is awesome. Not only he is really friendly and funny, he also tries really hard to make you see as many animals as you can.
The argentine couple 🇦🇷
The argentine couple 🇦🇷
Written 13 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello Martin! We're so grateful that you took the time to share your feedback with us. It’s our pleasure to serve customers like you. Glad we got to see all the native animals with you. Have a wonderful day!
Thanks,
Neil
Written 21 September 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
riffle694
Singapore, Singapore8 contributions
Feb 2023
The tour guided by Neil was everything we hoped for and more. We saw amazing animals and especially loved the kangaroos and koalas. Neil provided a wealth of information about the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, a gem not far from Canberra's center. Neil also provided local history and even explained Aussie football to the delight of my husband. Book early. For good reason, the tour fills quickly.
Written 14 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for taking the time to share your experience on the Best of Wildlife and Birds Tour with Neil.
We're glad that you enjoyed seeing the amazing animals in the wild and learning about the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, as well as some context on Australian football.
You're right, booking early is highly recommended as our tours fill up quickly. Again, we appreciate your feedback and look forward to having you join us again on another tour in the future.
Written 21 February 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Bridget R
3 contributions
Aug 2022 • Solo
Neil was so incredible! Very kind, funny, friendly and knowledgeable. Great guide, greater tour!! He went out of his way to help me get great pictures, answered any questions I had, you could tell he really loved his work. He's also a professional ornithologist so bird lovers this is the tour for you! I had an amazing time, please consider giving him your business if you'd like a personal guide to the wilds of Australia!
Written 2 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks so much for sharing your feedback about our Best of Wildlife Tour. We’re glad to hear that our team’s performance exceeded your expectations, and we’ll make sure that Neil receives the recognition they deserve. Thank you again, Bridget, have a great day!
Written 7 August 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Paul G
San Francisco, CA7 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
The guide was very personable and patient. The coach was adequate, but not the most comfortable and spacious. The ride was long and seemed to take longer than it did because of the lack of information provided by the guide. He said a few things about Canberra, but it was a wildlife tour, not a Canberra tour. He provided very little information about the animals we were trying to observe. We expected information about life cycle, habitat, food, reproduction, and how they behave during each season. We received none of that. He merely pointed out kangaroos in a field and in a park, and koalas in an enclosure. We expected something more than a ride to and through the national park. We could have hired a car, driven there and seen exactly the same animals and birds on our own without a "guide."
Written 11 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Małgorzata G
1 contribution
July 2023 • Solo
The tour was amazing! Neil has hudge knowledge on Australian wildlife and is happy to share it! He kindly answered all our questions. The atmosphere was fantastic and the tour was a great opportunity to learn more about Australian wildlife and spot such icons as a kangaroos and koalas but also smaller animals and many fascinating birds. Neil shared some tips how not to scare the animals and come closer, which was great. The park itself is also very much worth seeing, especially with an experienced guide as Neil is. I would highly recommend that tour to both solo travelers and groups!
Written 10 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Glad you had an amazing time with Neil at the tour and that you were able to learn more about the native animals of Canberra. Nature and wildlife in Canberra are truly spectacular.
If you want to see something more vibrant, we highly recommend booking the highly awaited Canberra Floriade Tour happening this September-October, which showcases the best of Canberra during springtime. 🌷
Written 18 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Eleanor H
1 contribution
Dec 2023 • Family
We had this tour booked as visitors from the UK. We waited to be collected from the hotel as arranged, and no one came to collect us. We waited for over half an hour. Attempted to contact the tour company no response. I have since sent emails, attempted to phone and contact them on their website for a refund. I’ve had no contact back. We’ve missed out on a lot of money. I don’t know if this is a scam or just terrible customer service. Don’t bother booking.
Written 1 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
martha s
1 contribution
I can see why this tour is frequently sold out. It was EXCELLENT! Especially appreciated the stop at NASA site and guides’ thorough knowledge of all things Canberra. A perfect way to start a visit to this city. Lovely outing.
Written 22 April 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
fradus
Port Pirie, Australia132 contributions
July 2023 • Family
Great tour with the highlight being - visiting the Koala enclosure at the sanctuary. The Koalas were very active and provided for excellent up-close photography. The tour bus picked us up and dropped us off at our lodgings too - Alivio Tourist Park.
Written 14 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you fradus from Alivio Tourist Park for the feedback. Glad you had a great time at the tour and that you were able to catch a great view of the Koalas. Nature and wildlife in Canberra are truly spectacular.
If you want to see something more vibrant, we highly recommend booking the highly awaited Canberra Floriade Tour happening this September-October, which showcases the best of Canberra during springtime. 🌷
Written 18 July 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
No questions have been asked about this experience
Top rated
*Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.