Frequently Asked Questions

Wildbark is Canberra’s newest nature-based learning centre providing a gateway into Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary. Visit us to reconnect with nature and learn how we are pro-actively restoring Australian native woodlands. Take a walk on one of our trails, join a tour to see our unique wildlife or enjoy the view at the Wildbark Cafe.

ENTRY IS FREE.

Drop into Wildbark to pick up a free copy of the Sanctuary map. During your visit, please remember:

  • Respect the natural environment and other visitors

  • Do not feed or touch any animals

  • Take all rubbish with you

  • Leave your pets at home

  • Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

    Wildbark Visitors Centre is open 7 days a week:

    Monday to Thursday: 8am to 2pm (Cafe Closes 3pm)

    Friday to Saturday: 8am - 8.00pm

    Sunday: 8am - 3pm

    Please note: Wildbark may occasionally close for private functions. Please check our social media for closure announcements.

    The Sanctuary may be closed on days of total fire ban, severe weather events or management requirements.

  • The trails in the Sanctuary can be accessed for free through Wildbark on Rosenberg Street in Throsby where free parking is available.

    The Sanctuary can also be accessed from the suburbs of Forde and Throsby through pedestrian gates in the Sanctuary’s predator-proof fence. Public parking is available on Amy Ackman Street and Eric Wright Street in Forde with a short walk to the pedestrian gates.

    Walkers, joggers and cyclists are welcome to use the trail network however in order to protect the critically endangered woodland and our animals, cycling is only permitted on certain tracks.

    View our Sanctuary map for more information.

  • In order to protect our critically endangered woodland and our animals, the public is not permitted to drive in the Sanctuary.

  • Wildbark is a mobility friendly venue with access to all areas of the facility and its gardens accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. A boardwalk extends from Wildbark out to our large dam and wheelchairs and strollers are welcome to enjoy it. Please note the boardwalk finishes before the dam, there is a small section of dirt trail to view the dam.

  • Wildbark is a welcoming and inspiring space for people of all ages. We provide daily engagement activities for children. For more information on our programs please visit https://www.wildbark.org/whats-on

    Our nature playground is fun for all ages with seating and shade for parents to supervise.

  • Visitors are welcome to bring their own food and picnic in the Sanctuary. There are limited picnic tables in the Sanctuary or you are welcome to put your picnic blanket down in a spot that suits you. Please remain close to the main trails and avoid disrupting the flora and fauna.

    Portable BBQ’s and campfires are not permitted in the Sanctuary.

    Alcohol may be brought and consumed in a responsible manner in any outdoor areas. BYO alcohol is not permitted inside Wildbark or our licenced cafe.

    The Wildbark cafe provides a range of food and catering can be pre-ordered, for menu options visit https://www.wildbark.org/eat-1

    Dining tables are restricted for use by patrons and you cannot consume your own food at these tables.

    Please take all rubbish with you and keep our sanctuary tidy and safe for our animals.

  • Small informal activities such as picnics and children’s birthday parties are welcome in the Sanctuary. Please remain in areas near our main trails, respect our unique flora and fauna and take all rubbish with you.

    The Sanctuary is not a place for large events such as large outdoor weddings, community days and sporting events. Marquees are not permitted in the Sanctuary. The Sanctuary is a place of research and education where protecting the wildlife and land will always be our priority.

    Events such as wedding receptions, corporate functions and birthday parties can be held at Wildbark with catering provided through the Wildbark cafe. For more information on our venue and bookings, visit https://www.wildbark.org/hire

  • For all emergencies please dial 000.

    Mobile reception is available throughout the Sanctuary. If walking alone, please take your own first aid kit, know your capabilities and advise a friend or family member of your plans and approximate return time. If Wildbark is open, feel free to check in with a staff member and leave your mobile number.

    We recommend the Emergency Plus app be installed on your smart phone. This provides a GPS of your location and has a button to dial 000.

    All Wildbark staff are first aid trained and there are first aid kits and a defibrillator onsite.

  • Free parking is available at Wildbark on Rosenberg Street in Throsby. Public parking near the Woodland Gate and Yellow Box Gate at Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary is available on both Amy Ackman Street and Eric Wright Streets in Forde.

    Download our Sanctuary map here.

    Public transport to Wildbark:

    ACTION Bus routes 21 and 22 pass along Bettong Avenue regularly, 7 days a week. From there it’s a 3 minute walk to Wildbark. You can connect to these buses from the Light Rail along Flemington Road in Mitchell and Harrison. For up-to-date timetables, visit https://www.transport.act.gov.au/

  • Fishing, fishing activities, nets and cages in any of the dams and waterways is not permitted at the Sanctuary.

  • In order to protect this unique woodland ecosystem, horses and horse riding is not permitted in the Sanctuary.

  • In the interests of public safety and to protect our wildlife the Sanctuary is a no-drone-zone for recreational users. Drones can adversely impact wildlife and impact on the privacy and enjoyment of visitors.

    Drone use for research and commercial purposes may be permitted with prior approval from management.

  • Ball sport games and related activities such as frisbee throwing are not permitted in the interests of the public and our wildlife. The Sanctuary is a place of research and education where protecting the wildlife and land will always be our priority.

  • All onsite events, activities and tours at Wildbark or in the Sanctuary need to be pre-approved and booked through Wildbark. In order to protect this unique woodland ecosystem, yoga and sporting classes are not permitted inside the Sanctuary however may be booked to be run in one of our indoor or outdoor spaces at Wildbark.

    As with other Canberra Nature Parks, large events such as orienteering or mountain bike races in the Sanctuary will need to be approved through ACT Parks and Conservation.

    For more information email admin_support@wildbark.org

  • Dogs and other domestic pets are not permitted in the Sanctuary or inside Wildbark. There is a dog friendly table at the entrance to Wildbark for cafe users.

    The Sanctuary is a place of research and education where protecting the wildlife and land will always be our priority.

  • Taking photos of the Sanctuary and wildlife for personal use is fine. Please avoid taking photos of other visitors for privacy reasons.

    Photography for advertising, promotional or commercial purposes must have prior approval from management.

    Email admin_support@wildbark.org for more information.

  • Filming the Sanctuary and wildlife for personal use is fine. Please avoid filming other visitors for privacy reasons.

    Filming for advertising, promotional or commercial purposes must have prior approval from management.

    Email admin_support@wildbark.org for more information.

  • In order to protect this unique woodland ecosystem camping is not permitted inside the Sanctuary.

  • In order to protect this unique woodland ecosystem, the removal of rocks, fallen timber, living plants or animals is strictly prohibited.