Which Canberra walk suits your mood? Five walks for every kind of day
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Canberra is a city made for walking, and no two walks feel quite the same.
Some days you’ll want a challenge. Some days you’ll want silence. Other days, all you really need is fresh air and somewhere to stop for a flat white on the way home.
The good news? Whatever kind of day you’re having, there’s probably a Canberra walk that fits it perfectly. Here are five of them.
When you need to clear your head
Jerrabomberra Wetlands
If your brain feels like it has too many tabs open, head for the wetlands.
Just minutes from Kingston Foreshore, there’s no summit to conquer – just boardwalks, open skies and the sound of waterbirds going about their day.
Whether you’re watching black swans drift across the water or simply listening to the rustle of the reeds, it’s an easy escape for when you need to exhale.
When you want to drink in the views
Mount Painter
Everyone knows Mount Ainslie, but Mount Painter is popular with Canberrans who prefer their panoramic views with a little less company.
The climb is steady without being punishing, and the reward is a sweeping perspective across Belconnen and beyond. On a crisp winter morning or a golden afternoon, it’s a gorgeous spot with views for days.
When you’ve promised yourself coffee afterwards
Lake Burley Griffin (Central Basin)
There may be no better excuse for a weekend coffee than earning it first.
A stroll around part of the Central Basin gives you plenty of flexibility. Walk for 20 minutes or an hour before peeling off towards one of the many cafés around Kingston Foreshore, NewActon, Barton or Civic.
Perhaps a cheeky wine might be in order if you’re opting for an afternoon walk…
When you want to remember why you love living here
National Arboretum Canberra
Some places make you appreciate Canberra’s beauty.
The Arboretum offers winding paths, forests that feel worlds away from the city, and outlooks that remind you how stunning our landscape really is. One moment you’re walking beneath young forests from around the world; the next you’re looking back across Lake Burley Griffin towards Parliament House.
It’s the sort of walk that visitors love, but locals probably don’t do often enough.
When you can’t decide what kind of walk you want
Weston Park
Lake views? Check. Meandering paths? Check. Gorgeous trees and greenery? Also check.
Weston Park changes with the seasons – fresh greens in spring, long golden evenings in summer, and rich autumn colour later in the year. Add lakeside paths, established trees and plenty of places to pause, and it’s a walk that has something for everyone.
If you’re introducing someone to Canberra, this is a good place to start.
Feature image: Grant O’Loughlan for VisitCanberra
