HomeArticles > Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Image of a woman in a light puffer jacket and hat walking the Cascade Trail through trees in Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. | © We Are Explorers

A day in the life of a Tidbinbilla Threatened Species Officer

Updated 28 Mar 2024

Meet Sophie Bean, a life-saving legend at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.

Just a 45-minute drive from the city centre you’ll find Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. Known for its amazing views and walks, the reserve also manages conservation programs to assist the recovery of critically endangered wildlife. Threatened Species Officer, Sophie Bean, shares tips on when and where to spot animals in the reserve.

Sophie Bean, a Threatened Species Officer at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, with a Corroboree Frog.
Koala in the =at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
See native animals with Canberra Guided Tours.

"Visitors can expect to see a variety of Australian fauna and flora when visiting the reserve, including sighting critically endangered species such as the southern Brush-tailed Rock-wallaby. Within the sanctuary visitors can expect to hear the calls of Yellow-tailed Black Cockatoos flying overhead and are likely to sight Southern Brown Bandicoots rustling through the undergrowth as they forage for insects and fungi. Visitors can also see platypus in the sanctuary ponds and listen to the calls of native frog species such as the Peron’s Tree Frog and Eastern Banjo Frog.

"Winter is a great time to see Superb Lyrebirds at Tidbinbilla as this is their breeding season. Male lyrebirds can be observed singing to females during their courtship displays throughout the winter months. You are also likely to spot some critically endangered southern Brush-tailed Rock-wallabies as they bask in the late morning winter sun on the rocky outcrops within the sanctuary."

 

Explore the area with an expert of a Canberra Guided Tour.
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

"Protecting endangered species is vital in safeguarding these species from extinction. All species play an important ecological role in the ecosystems to which they belong and so maintaining biodiverse ecosystems ensures that the environment remains resilient and healthy. My primary responsibility is managing the captive breeding colony of critically endangered Grassland Earless Dragons here at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.

"My favourite spot would have to be the Eucalypt Forest at Tidbinbilla. This wet sclerophyll forest ecosystem is home to an abundance of native species such as Long-nosed potoroos, kookaburras, and koalas, which makes it a beautiful place to relax and explore."

TIDBINBILLA NATURE RESERVE

Plan your getaway today

Man and two women looking at native plant.

Richie Allan's insights into Ngunnawal cultural tours

Tim leading a tour with a flashlight in hand

Step off the beaten track with these unique tours of Canberra

Two women sit outside and a man stands and high fives a young boy at the National Museum of Australia.

Top 10 things to do in Canberra

A group of friends sitting down at a table on a truffle farm

What's on in Canberra this winter

10 must-do outdoor adventures

Featured

Accommodation deals

Special Offer
$233

Spring into Summer Package - Executive Studio @ Abode Kingston

Kingston
From $233 (inc. GST)
Book Now
Special Offer
$439

VIP Kids Package - Two Bedroom Apartment @ Burbury Hotel

Barton
From $439 (inc. GST)
Book Now
Special Offer
$251.45

Couple's Package - One Bedroom Apartment @ Deco Hotel Canberra

Braddon
From $251.45 (inc. GST)
Book Now
Special Offer
$401.85

Chandon Celebration @ Pavilion on Northbourne

Dickson
From $401.85 (inc. GST)
Book Now
Special Offer
$197

Standard Room with Buffet Breakfast @ Mercure Canberra

Braddon
From $197 (inc. GST)
Book Now