Things to do in Gungahlin

Home to some of Canberra's top attractions and steeped in Aboriginal and colonial heritage, scenic Gungahlin has plenty to offer visitors of all ages.

Wildlife encounters at Gold Creek Village

Many of Gungahlin's most popular tourist spots are located a short walk from each other in Gold Creek Village, including the region's most exciting wildlife attractions.

For those who love all things scaly and slimy, you can have close encounters with some of the world's biggest snakes, lizards and more fascinating cold-blooded creatures at the Australian Reptile Sanctuary, as well as get your photo taken with a mighty python.

If you prefer critters of the feathered variety, stroll through the 1,000-square-metre aviary at the Bird Walk on Federation Square and invite colourful parrots and finches to perch on your shoulder, or you can experience traditional sheep farming first-hand at Gold Creek Station.

Step back in time at Ginninderra Village

History buffs can find out more about Canberra's past when exploring the original settlement at Ginninderra Village, home to the region's first schoolhouse and a prosperous farming community.

As well as visiting heritage-listed buildings, including the oldest surviving blacksmith's workshop in the ACT, you can browse one of the largest collections of Indigenous art at the Ginninderra Galleries and Aboriginal Dreaming Gallery, refuel with lunch and tea at quaint cafes and shop for authentic, locally-made souvenirs at the specialty boutiques.

Prehistoric discovery at the National Dinosaur Museum

Travel back even further to the time when dinosaurs ruled the Earth at Australia's number one dinosaur and fossil collection.

One of Canberra's most popular attractions, the National Dinosaur Museum in Gungahlin has been enchanting visitors young and old for over 20 years, with interactive exhibits and guided tours taking you on a journey through the entire history of life on Earth.

Lose yourself at Cockington Green

A favourite day out for locals and visitors since 1979, Cockington Green is an authentic replica of a traditional English village with one major difference – it's built to one-twelfth the scale.

Kids will feel like giants as they stand over roofs and roads, while older visitors can't help but admire the effort and craftsmanship that went into bringing this ambitious project to life. When you've explored the model village, put your navigation skills to the test in Australia's only turf maze.

Get back to nature

Gungahlin's best attractions aren't all man-made, and you can make the most of the good weather by cycling around the lakes, teeing off at a championship golf course or fishing at Yerrabi Pond.

Yerrabi Park has plenty to keep the kids occupied too, whether they head straight to the swings or put their skills to the test at Canberra's leading skate park. For relaxing nature walks, Mulligan's Flat offers 765 acres of woodland, Aboriginal and colonial heritage sites and abundant flora and fauna.

Retail therapy at The Marketplace Gungahlin

Gungahlin is Canberra's northernmost town centre, as well as its most vibrant since the recent expansion of The Marketplace Gungahlin.

This new shopping, dining and entertainment district is a one-stop shop for fashion and accessories, gifts, fitness and wellbeing and other specialist services down its eclectic retail precinct, and you'll find all your favourite international cuisine at its wide selection of restaurants and cafes.