A Unique Immersive Experience

Canberra’s Walk-In Aviary’s immersive design sets it apart from other bird sanctuaries. Rather than viewing birds from behind enclosures, visitors are invited to enter the aviary, creating an intimate and interactive experience. As you walk through the large, open space, birds fly freely around you, often perching on branches or landing on you to feed from your hand.

As soon as you step into the aviary, you’ll be given a small dish of delicious bird food—usually a mix of seeds, fruits, and even mealworms! This tasty treat encourages the birds to come up close and personal. Many of these feathered friends are quite comfortable around people and will happily nibble from your dish or even your hand. It’s a fantastic chance to snap some amazing photos as colourful parrots, lorikeets, and other lovely birds gently land on your arm or shoulder. Enjoy the experience!

A Diverse Range of Birdlife

One of the most appealing aspects of the Canberra Walk-In Aviary is the diversity of bird species that inhabit it. With over 60 species from Australia, Asia, and beyond, visitors have the opportunity to see a wide range of birds. Some of the most notable residents are:

• Rainbow Lorikeets: Known for their striking, multi-coloured plumage, rainbow lorikeets are a favourite among visitors. These playful and curious birds love to interact with guests, often flocking around those carrying food dishes. Their vibrant colours and cheeky personalities make them a highlight of any visit.
• King Parrots: Native to Australia, these birds are known for their bright red and green feathers. The males boast a brilliant red head and breast, while the females display a more subdued green. King parrots are often shy but can be lured out with patience and a food offering.
• Zebra Finches: With their delicate size and intricate patterns, zebra finches add a charming touch to the aviary’s landscape. These small birds can often be seen flitting between the foliage or resting on low branches. Their cheerful, melodic chirps create a serene backdrop to the aviary experience.
• Eclectus Parrots: Another standout species, Eclectus parrots are known for their dramatic sexual dimorphism. Males are a vivid green, while females are strikingly red and blue. These parrots are known for their intelligence and can be seen exploring the aviary with keen curiosity.

In addition to the popular species, the aviary is home to a delightful variety of doves, cockatiels, budgerigars, and even some exotic birds! For bird lovers, spending time here to watch and learn about all these amazing creatures in their natural habitat is truly a rewarding experience.

The Aviary’s Tranquil Environment

Canberra’s Walk-In Aviary is designed to mimic a natural habitat with lush vegetation. It has cascading water features and strategically placed perches and feeding stations. The environment is beautiful and provides the birds with plenty of places to rest, explore, and hide if they desire more privacy.

Walking through the aviary feels like stepping into a green oasis. The tall trees provide shade, while the smaller shrubs make perfect little hideouts for the birds. You can hear the leaves rustling, birds chirping, and the soft sound of water trickling from the fountains—it all adds up to a really chill vibe. It’s a great spot to kick back and enjoy nature.

The aviary is also carefully maintained to ensure the well-being of its avian residents. It’s kept clean, and the birds can access fresh water and a diet that meets their needs. This attention to detail ensures that the birds remain healthy and active, providing visitors with a lively and engaging experience.

Practical Information for Visitors

If you’re planning a visit to Canberra’s Walk-In Aviary, there are a few things to remember to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. The aviary is open daily, typically from 10 AM to 4 PM. However, it’s always a good idea to check their website or call ahead in case of special events or closures. Admission fees are reasonable and help support the care and maintenance of the birds and their habitat.

Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking on natural terrain. Consider bringing a hat and sunscreen during the warmer months, as parts of the aviary are open to the sun. It’s also worth noting that while the birds are friendly, it’s best to approach them calmly and gently to avoid startling them.

Many visitors love spending an hour or two in the aviary. It’s a wonderful chance to explore, feed the birds, and soak in the peaceful atmosphere. Plus, you’ll find several cosy cafes and shops just a short stroll away in Gold Creek Village. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy a leisurely lunch or do some local shopping after your visit!

Located at 18 – 26 O’Hanlon Place, Gold Creek Village
Nicholls ACT 2913

Entry:
Children 4-16 $13
Adults $18
Concession and seniors $16

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The Walk

The swan lake trail is slightly undulating and a pleasant stroll, thus making it ideal for prams and wheelchairs. It is also bicycle-friendly, and picnic tables are provided. The gravel path weaves through open bushland and gives way to a boardwalk across ecologically sensitive areas as it nears the lake edge. Next to the boardwalk are two bird hides.

Historically, Swan Lake was a significant food source for the Bunurong Aboriginal people. Historians believe the Bunurong people previously lived in the area and fed on the wetland birds, fish, eels and plants, as evidenced by the ‘Middens’ items made from shells and charcoal that have been found there.

wildlife

On the day we visited, apart from the Black Swans, we also saw Cape Barron Geese, various ducks and Welcome Swallows. The Welcome Swallows were abundant in the trees alongside one of the hides. They also had a nest in the corner of the door leading into a bird hide. Watching them, they darted around and stopped to perch on the branches for us. Very accommodating of them. We also spotted a Swamp Wallaby as we continued our walk.

Getting There

The reserve is located on Ventnor Road. Keep an eye out for the Swan Lake guest house as you approach the penguin parade carpark. The carpark is situated to the left, before the penguin parade carpark and just a few metres past the guest house. Swan Lake is open daily.

NOTE

Unfortunately, Swan Lake has no toilets, and dogs are not permitted. The track also offers no shade, save for when in the bird hides, so a hat, sunscreen and insect repellant are recommended (though the mosquitos weren’t as bad as elsewhere on the island)

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Serendip Sanctuary features open grassy woodlands and wetlands of the western volcanic plains.  Four interconnecting trails meander the sanctuary with predator-proof fencing providing a safe haven.  The trails start at the information centre; each path is no longer than 2km.

History

In the 1860s, George Fairbairn Snr, one of Australia’s most successful pastoralists, established Serendip as a premier sheep stud.  He named it ‘Woodlands’ before changing it to ‘Windemere’ in 1880. Unfortunately, the grasslands vanished with the land cleared, driving all wildlife from the area. The Victorian Government purchased the property in the early 1900s.  However, the Lara Inebriates Institution took over the homestead and 258 hectares.  In 1930, James McDonald bought the land when the Inebriates Institution closed. He then turned it into a crop and sheep farm and leased the original homestead to the State Tobacco Company.  

Oscar and Edna Mendelsohn bought the property when the Tobacco company folded in 1948. They named the property Serendip and established an almond orchard. In addition, the water reservoir was proclaimed a wildlife sanctuary for birdlife. Finally, in 1959, the Mendelsohns sold the land to the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. The Department assumed control of the 240 hectares surrounding the wildlife sanctuary.

Wildlife Walk

The wildlife walk is the most popular and allows visitors to experience a close encounter with wildlife.  This walk takes you past grazing Eastern Grey Kangaroos, then through a series of bird hides, viewing areas and finally into free-flight aviaries.

Wildlife

Over time, attracted by the wetlands, the number of species breeding there increased from 40 in 1959 to 150 in 2021.  Cape barren geese, magpie geese and yellow-billed spoonbills thrive in the shallow freshwater wetland. Additionally, the marshland is home to many ducks and white-faced herons, nankeen night herons, black swans and grebes. Honeyeaters and wattlebirds feed on the nectar and insects in the trees around Lake Serendip while Whistling and Black kites soar and swoop overhead, looking for small prey on the ground.

The Billabong habitat is home to Ducks, swamphens, moorhens, frogs, water rats, and snakes. In contrast, the north arm is a permanent wetland with reliable fish populations providing food for pelicans and cormorants. 

Protected Species

Australian Bustards and Bush Stone Curlew are two rare Victorian birds that were once common on the western plains.  As the Brolgas and Australian bustards were on the verge of extinction, they were selected for the captive breeding program.  The success of the program has since received international recognition.

Australia’s rarest waterfowl, the Freckled Duck, is also on display at Serendip, along with the most secretive of owls, the Masked Owl. Pademelons can be seen at the sanctuary but are now extinct in the wild in Victoria.

Where is it?

100 Windermere Road, Lara

Open 8 am to 4 pm.  Closed Christmas Day and Good Friday

Entry is free

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