10 of our favourite Canberra walks
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We love the Bridge-to-Bridge, but if you’re looking for a change of scenery, these 10 walks deliver.
Why not shake up the same old and get out to explore a new side of the capital? Here are 10 pretty walks you may not have done before, perfect for spicing up your active agenda.
The Ginninderry Conservation Corridor
The Ginninderry Conservation Corridor has plenty to discover – including Canberra’s first swing bridges (which are 15m and 37m in length respectively).
Offering a range of distances to suit various fitness (and enthusiasm) levels, these trials offer some fresh excitement for those with an adventurous spirit. Building upon the popular Strathnairn to Shepherds Lookout Walk – taking the total distance of walking trails to over 13km – it’ll be a while before you get bored.
Mount Ainslie
One of the most popular walks among locals, the bush track behind the Australian War Memorial goes to the top of Mt Ainslie. It’s about 2km each way, there are plenty of steps and it’s steep in parts, so check your fitness level.
The views from the top, looking across to Old Parliament House and Parliament House, are well worth the effort. If you’re unable to walk up, you can ride your bike or cheat by driving up Mt Ainslie Drive.
There are plenty of rosellas and kangaroos in the area. The lookout at the summit is perfect for capturing sweeping shots of Canberra.
Kingston Foreshore to the NGA Sculpture Garden
For this walk start at the Kingston Foreshore, then head along the lake, past grassy Bowen Park and the swans that bob along at the water’s edge. Then, stop off to grab yourself a coffee from one of the many cafés nearby before you reach the National Gallery of Australia (NGA)’s iconic Sculpture Garden. This peaceful spot is perfect for when you want to move your body while learning something new as you wander around the 26 sculptures made by International and Australian artists.
Isaacs Pines
With varying terrain and stunning views west to the Brindabella Ranges, this pine plantation near Woden is perfect for all fitness levels. Walk down the multi-use trail – which is also used by runners and bike riders – and enjoy the shade of the pine forest (which was established in 1955). Dogs are also welcome on-leash, so don’t forget your four-legged friends.
Tuggeranong Hill Nature Reserve
For those located in the Outer South and looking a walk with scenic views of the Tuggeranong Valley, this beautiful reserve is the place to go. Take a hike to the hill summit to enjoy the best of the valley and the Bullen Range or if hills aren’t your thing ( understandable!) be sure to meander about the stunning woodlands.
The best part? You can bring your dog along with you, so pack that leash!
Tharwa Bridge
A riverside picnic area between the beautiful Murrumbidgee River and the historic town of Tharwa, this is a great location for families looking to entertain the kids with a whole day outside. Offering great river views, picnic tables and toilet facilities, you can walk own to the 19th-century De Salis Cemetery, learn about the rich Indigenous history of this region and the history of the iconic Tharwa Bridge. Just make sure to stay alert for slippery surfaces and trip hazards when walking or running near waterways.
Shepherd’s Lookout
Looking to get out of town? Shepherd’s Lookout offers breathtaking views across the Murrumbidgee, just 600 metres from the car park. Watch the river meander below, or the sun go down across the Brindabellas.
There are four great walks in the area and the lookout is the perfect way to feel immersed in nature– and it’s just a stone’s throw from the city, making it super convenient.
Yarralumla
One of our favourite pram-friendly walks is through Weston Park, Yarralumla. This beautiful walk has it all!
The route follows a wide, fairly flat and well-maintained path meandering around the outer edge of the Weston Park peninsula, and there are lovely views across the water and beyond to the city and Black Mountain.
Mount Painter
This hidden gem is a regular haunt for Belconnen locals, especially those living in Aranda and Cook.
Providing great views over both northern Canberra and the Molonglo River valley, it has a climb that’s almost flat in some sections and quite steep in others, but don’t worry – there are plenty of opportunities for a rest along the way, and the views from the top are sublime.
Googong Foreshore
Located across the border, it’s well worth making a trip to the Googong Foreshore for a walk filled with spotting native animals and learning about local history. At the northern end of the reserve (open 8 am – 8 pm during daylight savings time), you’ll not only find walking tracks, but picnic areas with barbecues and toilets – perfect for making a day of it.
At the southern end of the reserve (open 8 am – 7 pm during daylight savings time), you can visit the historic London Bridge Homestead, the Tin Hut picnic area – which has a wetland with bird-viewing facilities – and the London Bridge picnic area, which also features a historic woolshed and shearers’ quarters.
