Enjoy luxury under the stars these school holidays at Tidbinbilla

Posted on 25 September, 2018

As we emerge from a frosty winter, the upcoming school holidays present the perfect opportunity to head outdoors, breathe fresh air and escape the daily grind.

Here in Canberra, we’re lucky to be surrounded by gorgeous natural scenery, including the beautiful mountain ranges, foothill valleys, sheltered streams and exposed granite tors of Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.

While Tidbinbilla has long been a go-to day trip for those looking to get immersed in its breathtaking landscape, these school holidays will be the first time ‘glamping’ tent accommodation is available on the reserve.

Wake up in the wild and experience Tidbinbilla like never before as WILDfest holds its inaugural Pop Up Wilderness Family Camp this spring, in addition to the festival’s existing free or low-cost school holiday programs.

What better way to explore the flora, fauna and history of this vast nature reserve than under the stars with an itinerary of exciting new activities to boot?

“The luxury glamping is an alternative to families using our public campsites, these are new ways to educate kids on the park, the staff, the animals and their habitat in really engaging and entertaining ways,” says WILDfest Festival Director, Amanda Fry.

“We want to create memories for our overnight guests and we are delighted that we have been able to craft such a unique offer at Tidbinbilla.”

Say goodbye to rolling out the sleeping bag and hello to a luxurious mattress with glamping accommodation that boasts an immersive experience without camping’s pesky inconveniences. Think generous five or six metre bell tents decked out with real beds, quality linen, a luggage rack, and bedside tables complete with solar lights. Dinner and breakfast are also provided, with hot showers are on hand to keep you feeling fresh throughout.

But it’s not just stunning surrounds and luxe accommodation – the family wilderness camp also offers a range of activities to help you (and the kids) make the most of Tidbinbilla’s vast reserve. Itineraries are designed with families in mind, choc-a-bloc full of exciting day and night wildlife encounters.

Solve clues and hunt for the predator who has stolen one of the potaroos from the Eucalypt forest and learn more about the predators of Tidbinbilla with a ‘CSI’ style investigations; head off on an early morning walk and use different technologies (including infrared cameras and night vision goggles) to monitor koalas, bandicoots and more; or join in on a campfire singalong complete with bush damper and toasted marshmallows.

Join the ACT Parks Wildlife Officers to see native Australia wildlife in their natural habitat and take a walk with Park Rangers to uncover the magical home of 160 bird species, 30 reptile species and 34 mammal species.

The fun doesn’t stop at checkout either. Packages include a day pass so you can spend the rest of the day exploring the wildlife sanctuary even further. With 16 hiking trails, a rich Aboriginal history and Canberra’s Deep Space Communication Complex nearby, there’s endless fun to be had at Tidbinbilla these school holidays.

the essentials

What: WILDfest at Tidbinbilla
Where: Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
When: 28 September – 13 October
Tickets: Children: $195 per night Adults: $295 per night. Book here
More information: here