HerCanberra’s favourite walks
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If there’s one thing that we can count on when it comes to sharing content across our social media channels it is this: Canberrans bloody love a walk.
Whether we’re talking about walks with dogs, walks with pretty autumn leaves or walks that connect kids playgrounds with coffee shops, Canberrans are here for it.
So for a fresh perspective, we decided to look inward – into our office, that is. Here are our team’s favourite walks – from local strolls with the dog to epic half-day treks with a few cute coffee spots chucked into the mix because…why not?
Beatrice Smith, Managing Editor
Wetland Wander (Two-ish hours)
The rather confusingly named Jerrabomberra Wetlands (poised between Kingston and Fyshwick, rather than in NSW) are a walker’s dream. Perfect for when you want a solid chunk of time with a good friend or have little ones in tow, this walk starts with a strawberry matcha latte (yum) and includes ramen and deep fried cheese, so honestly, why wouldn’t you want to do this?
Start your walk at the recently opened Good Neighbour cafe on Eastlake Parade in Kingston. Parking around there will be easy, and you can fuel up for your stroll. Might we suggest the strawberry matcha iced latte? I’ve finally tried it and it’s as good as the photos.
Then, make your way through the Kingston Foreshore to the Jerrabomberra Wetlands and meander through the lush pathways along the river to the bottom of Dairy Road. GoogleMaps suggests this will take you a solid 45 minutes – the perfect time to work upan appetite.
Make your way up to the Dairy Road Precinct and grab a seat at Canteen, one of Canberra’s most delish ramen joints. If you’re just after a snack, I highly recommend the Mozzarella Sando, which is a piece of deep-fried mozzarella in a sandwich which you could split it with your friend but honestly, why would you want to? Other food options include Brodburger at Capital Brewing Co. or if you’re feeling fancy, lunch at Contentious Character.
Once you’re finished, re-trace your steps, wending your way back through the Wetlands and if you’re lucky you might even catch the sun setting across Canberra.
Erin Cross, Online Editor
Lake Burley Griffin (Two-ish hours)
Okay, okay it’s the most basic walk in Canberra – but it’s iconic for a reason. And with plenty of locations to stop for a hot drink and a snack, it’s great for a scenic stroll while you debrief with your friends.
Start at Margot Bar at Queen Elizabeth Terrace to grab yourself a coffee and pastry, or (if you go early on a Saturday morning) take a leisurely wander through The Little Burley Markets to find yourself some sustenance. Looking for an alternative route? Park your car in Commonwealth Park and grab some pre-walk brunch at Walter Café before setting off for the day.
Then (whichever direction you choose to walk in), make your way around the lake and make the most of the stunning views and scenery. From spotting Go Boats and Love Boats to watching the Captain James Cook Memorial Fountain, checking out the local landmarks or just enjoying some sun, no matter the time of year this loop is always beautiful.
Keep an eye out for some little coffee stops along the way – The Griff Coffee Bar and Curio Press Espresso Bar are both located on the northern side of the lake while The Jetty is perfect if you’re craving a cold drink after a few hours of walking and talking. To me, the bridge-to-bridge is never boring.
Dion Pretorius, Contributor
The Murrumbidgee Discovery Track (Two hours to a full day)
I find this part of the ACT to be one of the most beautiful – we’ve done so many variations of this track depending on how much time we have available. Be it Kambah Pool to Pine Island (roughly 10km), Point Hut Crossing to Pine Island (3.4km), or exploring the nearby Urambi Hills Reserve and the Tuggeranong Stone Wall Paddock (a really exciting spot to discover for the first time!). If you do these tracks in the opposite direction, it also feels like a completely new hike – the views, vistas and experiences are really diverse.
When it comes to food and drink, we usually bring a picnic or hiking snacks to enjoy along the way, but occasionally we’ll spoil ourselves with a coffee and brekkie from Two Before Ten Greenway (just a few minutes from the Pine Island car park) or Café Blanco (just five mins from Kambah Pool).
The bird life and flowering natives in spring are next level, but honestly it’s beautiful year round. The tracks are often quieter in winter, which gives you that magical experience unique to Canberra: stepping out just minutes from one of our town centres into wonderfully rugged bush, undisturbed by traffic and crowds, with only the sounds of nature to enjoy.
Emma Macdonald, Associate Editor
Mount Ainslie, up or around depending on how keen you are (At least one hour)
This is a walking track which promises lots of options and a high likelihood you will bump into someone you know, and/or a Member of Parliament (for some reason they all seem to do an early morning walk up Mount Ainslie on a sitting day).
You can choose from the long and winding paved path to the summit or bush-bash your way up on any one of a number of cross-country routes. If you prefer something flatter and less challenging you can meander along one of the ring roads around the base of the mountain (you can pick from sticky-beaking into the backyards of Duffy Street residents or walk a bit further and enjoy the bush setting).
Once you reach the War Memorial you can cut through to Braddon and grab a toasted cheese sandwich and a coffee from Barrio or somewhere else close by in the city, which makes the walk all the sweeter.
Sammy Rose, Contributor
Yerrabi Pond (Just under an hour)
One for the Northsiders, a lovely place for a stroll is Yerrabi Pond. It’s a great place to exercise with your furry companion, or a walk with friends. There’s paved walkways around the pond, with multiple routes and shortcuts depending on your schedule. The typical 4km loop takes just under an hour. There’s usually a few birds in the pond, and a playground close to multiple car parks for families.
There’s also allocated sides for cyclists, and pedestrians along the paths, making it safer and a bit less stressful for those of us on foot.
