Take a walk on the wild side at Wildbark, a sanctuary in the suburbs

Posted on
Nestled on the edge of Mulligan’s Flat Woodland Sanctuary, eating at Wildbark goes beyond appreciating a good meal—it’s all about enjoying the best of Canberra’s native wildlife.
Opening at the end of last year as the sister project to the Jerrabomberra Wetlands, the wildlife oasis is not only home to a dining venue with a view that looks out on Australia’s largest single Box Gum Grassy-woodland area, Wildbark is also a destination for the whole family that will take you back to when native animals were not threatened by extinction.
Boasting walks where you’ll have the opportunity to spot animals that haven’t existed in their natural habitat for centuries, cute little critters roaming around, and other tours and encounters—including meeting a rare Eastern Bettong—it’s the ultimate sanctuary in the suburbs.
At least that’s the sense we got when we sat down for lunch and looked out over the serene reserve —something which quickly changes once the sun dips below the horizon.
“If you look outside now and it seems almost baron, in the sense that you don’t see a lot going out there right now, but once it goes dark everything just comes to life,” explains Mulligans Flat community engagement manager, Lauren Brown.
“Because most of these animals are nocturnal, we head out at night to see them and it’s amazing how many animals we get to see. That’s why our Twilight Tours are our premium experience.”
The sanctuary itself is open (and free) to the public day and night, but it’s this tour the Wildbark team is most proud of. Taking place three nights a week, during the tour, you can explore some of this 1300-hectare oasis where you can witness Bettongs foraging or dainty sugar gliders atop the towering trees.
View this post on Instagram
And with floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over the sanctuary, we couldn’t imagine a better spot to sit back and enjoy a local wine as you watch the sun go to sleep and the park come to life.
Also offering plenty to keep the little ones entertained—like the Tales and Trails, a toddler-paced adventure with a ranger where you will get to explore the sanctuary, hear some Australian stories, and engage with nature-linked hands-on activities—both Lauren hopes that Wildbark will become a go-to destination for locals looking to get back to nature (without having to give up on my luxuries).
View this post on Instagram
After all, with flourishing flora, plenty of native wildlife and delicious local food this hidden gem will have you taking a walk on the wild side (in the best way possible).
THE ESSENTIALS
What: Wildbark Centre and Café
Where: 25 Rosenberg Street, Throsby
When: Monday to Sunday (the café is closed on Mondays) from 9 am – 2 pm
Web: wildbark.org
Images sourced from Wildbark