Southern Parks

There are many parks in the south of Canberra that are popular with locals and visitors alike. One is Eddison Park. The design of this park borrows from the neighbouring cemetery. A fountain lies at the hub of the radial cemetery design, echoed by the ornamental pond at the centre of the park. These two hubs are linked with a common axis, which in turn extends to the main park entrance on Launceston Street. As the development on the common axis matures, the pond and its associated memorial elements are becoming a focus for public use. Aquatic birds have taken up residence around the ornamental pond. Annual Anzac Day memorial services commenced in 1992 and attract up to 4000 school children. Among the park's growing natural beauty and memorial elements there are important messages of peace.

Cooleman Ridge Park has been grazed by sheep and cattle for over 100 years and consequently has many exotic grasses and weeds. There is only a few scattered trees left now. Walk a trail of 2.7km to see some of the interesting features of the reserve and the observant visitor may find some pleasant surprises in this area.

Mulligans Flat Nature Park is a low lying area with grassland, woodland and open forest, Mulligans Flat is an exciting combination of habitat areas with a rich history of Aboriginal and European use as well as many rare and unusual plants and animals. Bring binoculars to enjoy the wonderful views and see the birds and animals 'close-up' such as the long-nosed tortoise, the most common species of tortoise in the area.

Urambi Hills Nature Park is a mixture of open spaces and more heavily wooded areas provides habitats for a variety of amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals, and invertebrates. Although Urambi Hills has been subjected to clearing and grazing for over 100 years, some of the original vegetation still remains. Discover this remaining unique landscape along the Urambi Hills Nature Trail, a 4-kilometre trail that varies from relatively flat sections to steeper climbs to the twin peaks which form Urambi Hills.