Our popular field guides are available for sale through some ACT bookshops including at the Botanic Gardens, the Arboretum and the National Library. There are also several reports, monographs and fact sheets available for download.
Click to go to your area of interest below:
Field guides
Field Guide to the Birds of the ACT
Field Guide to the Birds of the ACT
$27.50
Birds seen in the ACT are described briefly together with colour illustrations and icons to indicate status, breeding, seasons when present, habitat and size. There are notes on how to use the field guide, descriptions of habitat types, a map with favourite bird watching locations, tips for better bird watching and a species list of common and scientific names.
Author: McComas Taylor, Illustrations by Nicolas Day. First published 1993, second edition 2013.
ISBN 978-0-9802854-7-5 96 pages, 10.5 X 21 cm
Field Guide to the Native Trees of the ACT
Field Guide to the Native Trees of the ACT
$27.50
What are the trees growing in the park near your house, on Black Mountain or down by the lake? Trees put the bush into the bush capital. This book describes trees indigenous to the Australian Capital Territory. From Snow Gums high in the Brindabellas to Apple Box in the disappearing woodlands and Black Cypress by the Murrumbidgee River, they are all here. Have you ever wondered at the difference between a Red Gum and a Red Box? This book can tell you. You can identify trees easily with: colour photographs, botanical drawings, location tips, thumbnail maps for less common trees, a key for determining the species.
Authors: Laurie Adams, Roger Farrow, John Hook, Peter Ormay and Andrew Slee Illustrations by Betsy Jane Osborne, Christine Payne and Maria Boreham. First published 1983, second edition 2007, third edition 2017.
ISBN 978-0-9802854-9-9 103 pages, 11 X 21 cm
Field Guide to the Butterflies of the ACT
Field Guide to the Butterflies of the ACT
$30
The 87 butterflies known to inhabit or visit the ACT, each stage of their life cycle where known, their size, flight and behaviour, similar species, status and distribution maps, preferred habitat, larval food plants and life cycle are described and illustrated with photographs. This guide will help you differentiate between moths and butterflies and enable you to identify any butterfly species you are likely to see in the ACT and nearby regions.
Author Suzi Bond, with Steve Holliday and John Stein. Published in 2016.
ISBN 978-0-9802854-8-2 232 pages, 14.5 x 21 cm
Reptiles and Frogs
of the ACT
Reptiles and Frogs
of the ACT
$27.50
The book combines concise descriptions with superb photography to allow accurate identification of all fifty-two reptiles and fifteen frogs found in the region. Additional information describes their distribution and gives an insight into their private and often complex life histories. This book is an essential addition to the library, glovebox or backpack of anyone who has an opportunity to explore the world of reptiles and frogs, from Canberra's suburban gardens to the peaks of the Brindabella Ranges.
Author: Ross Bennett. Photographs by Ross Bennett, Don Dencio, David Hunter, Robert Jenkins, Will Osborne and John Wombey. First published 1997, second edition 2011.
ISBN 0-9598267-9-3 88 pages, 15 x 21 cm
Field Guide to the Orchids of the ACT
Field Guide to the Orchids of the ACT
$30
Principal author David Jones is a respected authority on Australian orchids. He has made a special study of the orchids of the local region, describing many new species. This book contains excellent colour photos, large botanical illustrations and full descriptions of the 121 species found in the ACT.
Author: David L. Jones. Original drawings by David L. Jones, digital enhancement of drawings by Jean Egan, principal photographer Tony Wood. Published in 2008.
ISBN 0-6464474-7-5 288 pages, 21x12 cm
Online publications click title below to download pdf or open article
Namadgi 40th anniversary supplementThis special feature celebrating the 40th anniversary of the gazettal of Namadgi National Park on 3 October 1984 was published in the September 2024 NPA Bulletin. The supplement was supported by funding from the ACT Government’s 2024 – 25 Environmental Grants Program.
Twelve historic sites in Glenburn and Burbong areas of the Kowen Forest, Australian Capital Territory
Reports and monographs click title below to download pdf or open article
Distribution and status of the Australian water-rat/rakali (hydromys chrysogaster) in the greater ACT regionBushfire management: balancing the risks
Proceedings from a 2017 symposium to discuss research, strategies and expectations for fire management in the ACT in a changing climate.
Fact sheets click title below to download pdf
Atkinson TrigColliers Homestead Site and Orchard
Colverwell Graves
Coppins Homestead Ruins
Curleys Homestead Site
Glenburn Homestead
Glenburn Shearing Shed