20 ideas for Canberra walks (that aren’t the bridge to bridge)
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Sick of the same old trails? Meet 20 Canberra walks guaranteed to shake up your active agenda.
As much as we love the Bridge-to-Bridge, sometimes you need a change of scene. Try one of these walks to mix things up a little.
Belconnen
Gossan Hill
Say hello to wildflowers, parrots, and postcard-worthy views. You’ll find this 1.7-kilometre self-guided walk at Weatherburn Close in Bruce.
Mount Painter
This hidden gem is a regular haunt for Belconnen locals, especially those living in Aranda and Cook.
A climb that’s almost flat in some sections and quite steep others, the undulating nature of it means there are plenty of opportunities for a rest along the way—and the views from the top are sublime.
Lake Ginninderra
A scenic walk that loops around the lake, the start is located next to Belconnen town centre.
There are lovely parks, picnic areas, and man-made beaches along the way—but keep in mind that if you want to loop the whole lake, it’s around 7km.
Gungahlin
Mulligans Flat
Perhaps familiar to north siders, but less so to those who dwell south of Lake Burley Griffin. Mulligans Flat is a Woodland Sanctuary where you can catch unique wildlife and spectacular scenery.
The 40-minute Grassy Woodlands Trail is particularly lovely.
One Tree Hill
The walk from the corner of Hall and Hoskins streets in Hall to One Tree Hill is a bit like strolling through the English countryside.
The mostly-gentle walk takes around an hour each way, with with the only really testing part right at the end as you climb to the lookout.
Expect to see a variety of bird life, lots of kangaroos, and more. It’s a truly beautiful walk.
Weston Creek
Fetherston Gardens
Nestled away on Heysen Street in Weston Creek, you’ll find Canberra’s very own secret garden.
With 3.5 hectares of urban parkland, the Fetherston Gardens include a small arboretum, woodland gardens, a perfect spot for picnics and a network of pathways and trails that are ideal for a serene stroll.
Canberra Centenary Trail
For the hardcore walker, the 145-kilometre Canberra Centenary Trail passes many natural and man-made icons of the capital. You don’t have to do it all in one go, of course—it’s divided into sections so you can tackle it bit by bit, averaging 20 kilometers a day over a week.
Aside from bragging rights, this is the ultimate way to see Canberra, and in a way that few will. Combining urban and rural sights, it’s a walk for people of moderate ability that showcases the best of the Territory. You can also do the trail by bike.
There are plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife, so keep an eye out for wombats, echidnas and wedge-tailed eagles. If you see a platypus, you’re among the lucky ones, as they’re shy and nocturnal.
Inner North
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.
Hackett to Dickson
Why not map out your own path through northside suburbs?
You can go for a long walk through Hackett and Dickson where certain streets are well-known for their leafy displays.
Begin at the red oaks on Harris Street, see the claret ashes on Burn Street and Atherton Street, the liquid ambers on Bradfield Street, and the Chinese pistachios on Gardiner Street and Edkins Street, then wind your way down to the Dickson Shops where you can grab takeaway coffees and baked goods.
Inner South
Norgrove Park
You may have brunched on the Foreshore, but have you stopped to explore Norgrove Park?
Certainly not a long walk, but a delightful one nonetheless: meander stroll through the park and surrounding walkways to check out the eco-pond and wetlands.
suburbanland.act.gov.au/kingston/parks-and-recreation
Red Hill
There are a few ways to tackle this hill, but if you’re looking for a challenge, start at the bottom of the man-made wooden steps and walk all the way to the lookout at the top—guaranteed to raise a sweat!
From there, hit the undulating dirt tracks and head to the trig—the views and birdlife are amazing.
Kingston Foreshore to the NGA Sculpture Garden
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.
Pass under King’s Avenue Bridge until you reach the National Gallery of Australia (NGA)’s iconic Sculpture Garden. Here, wander around the 26 sculptures made by International and Australian artists, set in amongst hardy native plants—an interesting contrast to many of the deciduous trees along the lake’s promenade.
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.
The Red Track
Red Hill has walking trails of varying lengths and levels of difficulty to choose from but the popular Red Track is hard to beat.
People often start at the top on Red Hill Drive and loop all the way back around.
National Library of Australia to Lotus Bay
Start on the terrace of the National Library of Australia (NLA). From there you’ll get panoramic views across the rows of oaks that line the lake, all the way across the Kings Avenue Bridge—perfect for some autumnal Insta snaps.
Then, head straight down to the lake. Head along the edge of the lake, past the plinths to past Australians of the Year. Fun fact: their asymmetrical shape is because they form the musical notes to ‘Advance Australia Fair’.
Admire the ornamental pear trees on the promenade before you head under Commonwealth Avenue Bridge, then emerge into gorgeous Lennox Gardens.
Stroll along Lotus Bay, and then end your walk at the Southern Cross Yacht Club at Mariner Place, where a (socially-distanced) takeaway coffee or fish and chips from Snapper can be enjoyed on expansive lawns overlooking the lake.
Yarralumla Loop to Weston Park
Start at the Heritage Nursery Yarralumla on Weston Park Road.
Start the loop going clockwise, walking past the grazing kangaroos through Weston Park, to see the lake reflecting autumn colours.
Woden
Curtin
This pram-friendly walking route combines the best Curtin has to offer while still following a paved route all the way. The walk follows a circular route of approximately 4km which will take a bit over an hour to complete, including some dawdling time.
Directions and Google maps for this and other pram-friendly walks are available at Canberra Dog Walks.
Tuggeranong
Mount Taylor
Mount Taylor is a medium-level walk. The paths are well-defined but there are also steep slopes. From the summit, you have excellent views of Woden and Tuggeranong Valleys.
Walk down the mountain around sunset/twilight, and you’ll be surrounded by kangaroos!
Lake Tuggeranong
At a little over 6.5km, the Lake Tuggeranong Circuit is a great loop for walker, runners and cyclists alike and winds around the beautiful Lake Tuggeranong.
Flat paths, good signage and water birds along the way make this a really pleasant route.
