There are a number of interesting parks and reserves that are hidden away in the suburbs. The ACT Government does a good job of maintaining these nature areas and making them accessible to the public.
In reality, these range from well-maintained to near-jungle. Sometimes parks are well-maintained in one part and jungle in another. The jungles are great for those that like to explore. Just make sure you've got water and some hiking boots!
There is a small reserve that straddles Ginninderra Creek in Evatt. There are opportunities for photos of both the creek and the adjoining flora. It is simple to walk around and explore, with different types of environments. A good place for an hour or two hike.
This is another reserve straddling Ginninderra Creek, but by comparison to Evatt, this one is far more wild. You might feel lost sometimes, but Google Maps will always show you the way. This has a small wood, and adjoins an artificial wetlands that is probably pretty good when there's water around.
This isn't really a park, but just an old wooden bridge crossing the river. Good for photos though.
This is a relatively large park in Latham near to Kippax. There is a network of bitumen paths that are used by joggers and cyclists. There is a creek that crosses from one end to the other, with some good photo opportunities if you are prepared to leave the paths and head cross-country.
This is a group of woods in Giralang, next to the Barton Highway. The woods are primarily pine trees, with very little underbrush and lots of criss-crossing trails. As a result, it is very accessible and sheltered from the sun. There are lots of bike-jumps that have been created by locals.
This is a small-to-medium reserve that seems to be mainly a re-forestation with gum trees. There are paths and trails criss-crossing the reserve, with little to no underbrush to stop you wandering.
This is a park where a historical village of Palmerville once existed. Good for a walk and tree photograpy.
This is a narrow grassland corridor that holds part of the Bicentennial National Trail. It stretches from the suburb of Fraser to Dunlop. There isn't a lot here to photograph but seems more popular with off-road cyclists and maybe horse riding.
This is a nice reserve that borders the suburb of Crace. There is plenty of forest to explore and photograph here, with good paths to follow. There is a hill in the middle to provide some variety, however the walk up and down isn't difficult. On the far side, the reserve is bordered by radio stations.
This is just simple area to explore at the intersection of the Barton Highway and Gundaroo Drive. It adjoins the big roundabout. A nice place to walk in the late afternoon with the opportunity for some interesting photography as the sun sets.
This is a small reserve at Hall. It is typical Canberra woodland, with gum trees and grass. An easy walk around. There are cows grazing in the reserve.
A nature reserve in Bruce that covers most of the hill overlooking the suburb. An easy walk with good tracks to follow. Very little scrub under the treees.
A nature reserve mainly for trail bike riders. Not a lot to photograph unless you want pictures of cyclists and cycle-trails. A bit of a climb to the top of the ridge, but good fire trails that criss-cross the reserve.