Five hidden Canberra walks to discover this summer
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The summer holidays are the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy some of the ACT’s beautiful national parks and nature reserves.
Whether you’re after a gentle stroll, a scenic lookout, or a family-friendly bushwalk, there are a number of trails across the territory to explore – from easy loop walks to relaxing riverside tracks.
Here are some of the ACT’s most underrated trails.
Church Rock Heritage Loop (Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve)
A signed 2.5 km heritage walk featuring short steep sections, rough surface and steps. Suitable for most fitness levels, it offers a fascinating look into Tidbinbilla’s natural and cultural past.
Start from Flints picnic area, where you will walk through Flints homestead site and around Church Rock.
London Bridge Walk (Googong Foreshores)
An easy 4.5 km circuit through woodlands to the iconic 20,000-year-old London Bridge Arch and the heritage-listed London Bridge Homestead.
Start from the London Bridge Woolshed carpark.
Mount Arawang Loop (Canberra Centenary Trail)
A short 3.5 km return walk to the highest point on Cooleman Ridge, with spectacular views to the Brindabellas.
Start the loop at the Namatjira Drive entry to Cooleman Ridge Park at Ballarat Street.
Molonglo Gorge Track
A striking 6.5 km return walk along the 15-million-year-old gorge, climbing cliffs and skirting the river’s edge. The area is an important wildlife corridor, perfect for spotting rare woodland birds.
Enter from the picnic area off Sutton Road, with parking available at the Molonglo Gorge recreation area.
Tong’s Hole
A hidden gem with river views near Shepherd’s Lookout. The trail starts at the end of Stockdill Drive and takes you down through stands of Black Cypress Pine to the scenic Molonglo River.
This moderate 1km return walk takes about one hour. It’s easily accessible from Stockdill Drive, 3km south-west from Ginninderry.
Before you go
Whether you’re heading out for a short stroll or a half-day adventure, preparation is essential.
Make sure you let someone know your plans, avoid walking alone, and record your party’s details in trailhead registers where available.
Before you head out, research your walk, check weather conditions and choose an activity that matches your experience level.
Carry plenty of water, wear sturdy footwear, pack sun protection and warm layers, and download offline maps. Conditions in our parks can change quickly.
Also, be sure to stick to marked tracks, obey all closures, and avoid entering parks or reserves on Extreme or Catastrophic fire danger days, during Total Fire Bans, or during an active bushfire.
Mobile phone reception may be unreliable, so you shouldn’t rely solely on phones or GPS. Personal locator beacons are available for hire at the Tidbinbilla and Namadgi Visitor Centres, and emergency phones are located at Cotter Campground and Casuarina Sands.
