Black Mountain Nature Park

Black Mountain Nature Reserve is a 434-hectare protected area on Lake Burley Griffin's northern shore. The reserve is dominated by Black Mountain, a towering hill 812 meters above sea level capped by a 195-meter tower. The reserve includes numerous walking trails with views of the bush capital.

Black Mountain Nature Reserve is part of a large region of woodland vegetation that includes the nature reserves of Aranda Bushland, O'Connor Ridge, Bruce Ridge, Mount Painter, and The Pinnacle. These reserves connect, allowing animals to travel through to the Molonglo and Murrumbidgee rivers.

Walking routes wind through the forest, where you can spot many different types of local birds and fauna, including wallabies. The popular 2.7-kilometer (one-way) Black Mountain Summit Trail leads to Telstra Tower, where you may enjoy panoramic views of the city. The Australian Institute of Sport, located at the foot of Black Mountain, is a training facility for Australia's top athletes, complete with a swimming stadium and tennis center.

Google rating: 4.5/5.0

Location: Black Mountain Drive, Acton

Official site: parks.act.gov.au/find-a-park/canberra-nature-park/black-mountain-nature-reserve