With more than half of the Australian Capital Territory protected as nature reserve, Canberra – otherwise known as the 'bush capital' – is the best city in Australia to experience the beauty of Australia's nature and wildlife.

Without needing to venture too far, you'll discover gorges, rivers, lookouts and snow-capped mountains, and Australian native animals and scenic flora and fauna are frequently encountered in our natural surrounds. Here are the top ways to experience Canberra's outdoors:

Explore Canberra's centrepiece, Lake Burley Griffin: Located in the heart of Canberra, Lake Burley Griffin provides a stunning centrepiece and a water playground for visitors to Canberra. Why not try pedal kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding or Go-boating atop the Lake, or cycling or walking around the 40km shoreline. Or join a SegGlideRide tour and zoom past many of the national attractions that are scattered along the Lake's foreshore.

Hike Mount Ainslie for the best views over the capital: Walk up Mount Ainslie, just 5 minutes' drive from the city centre, on a fresh autumn evening and watch the sun set in spectacular fashion, then see the city lights slowly come up as you descend. You'll catch a glimpse of the planned city right down Anzac Parade and across to Parliament House… and usually a few furry marsupial friends like kangaroos on the way. 

Picnic in one of Canberra's countless parks and nature reserves: If your idea of the outdoors is trying tasty food under the shade of a tree, we have good news for you – Canberra boasts countless beautiful picnic spots in and around the city. Try the Japanese Nara Peace Gardens for an oasis of calm, just minutes from the city on the shores of Lake Burley Griffin. Or drive just 40 minutes to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve where you'll picnic or hike beside many native Australian animals like kangaroos, koalas, platypus and echidna in their natural setting.

Experience a forest for the trees at the National Arboretum Canberra: Witness the Arboretum's 94 forests of rare, endangered and symbolic trees from Australian and the world. You'll be struck by the range of botanic beauty, including the living artworks in the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection. Enjoy free guided tours and self-guided tours, interactive displays and the café and shop. Kids will just love the Pod Playground, where they can hide in the acorn cubbies, clamber up the climbing nets and make music in the banksia cubbies.

Meet the Eastern Bettong and tiny sugar gliders at Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary: Experience a whole ecosystem brought to life – only minutes from Canberra's city centre at Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary. Home to Eastern Bettongs (extinct from mainland Australia for 100 years), Eastern Quolls, tiny sugar gliders and an abundance of native birdlife, Mulligans Flat offers a unique insight into what Australia looked like before the introduction of feral predators.

Escape the city at the Australian National Botanic Gardens: Just minutes' drive from the city centre, the Australian National Botanic Gardens offers a breathtaking array of native plants in a spectacular bushland setting – it's the only place in the world where you'll see the diversity of Australian native plants in one location.

Get an alpine experience at Corin Forest: Drive just 45 minutes from the heart of Canberra and in winter you can experience snow play at Corin Forest, or hiking and the exhilarating Alpine Slide in summer. During winter (when snow is sufficient) Corin Forest provides beginner skiing and snowboarding, with lessons from trained instructors available. You can also join snow play for tobogganing, making snowmen and of course, snowball fights. Afterwards, warm up with a hot chocolate and roast marshmallows by the roaring open fire in the lodge.

Get pedalling! Canberra is a bike riding mecca, with much of the city connected by bike paths. For keen mountain bike riders, Canberra has world-class mountain bike trails at Stromlo Forest Park, just 15 minutes' drive of the city centre. Or to explore the centre of Canberra by bike, you can take a 'Heart of Canberra' electric bike tour with Canberra Urban Adventures and get up close and personal with Parliament House, as well as explore Canberra's beautiful Lake Burley Griffin. Or why not explore the surrounding region by bike with Mulga Bicycle Tours, who offer fully supported overnight cycling holidays?

To find out more ways to explore Canberra's great outdoors, see visitcanberra.com.au