Canberra is not called the bush capital for nothing. With nature reserves, green corridors, lakes, rivers, bushland, hills, mountains, and about 40% of the ACT taken up by Namadgi National Park, there are certainly plenty of opportunites for Canberrans to get out and about and enjoy our natural treasures.

According to Marion Stuart, author of the excellent ‘Canberra’s Best Bush, Park and City Walks’, Canberra is “the best served of any city in Australia for walking.”  Whether you choose to walk alone or with a group, Canberra certainly has some great walks. Here are five of my favourites.

Mount Ainslie

A medium-level walk. The path can be rather steep in parts, but it’s well-marked and winds its way through beautiful woodland. It’s well worth reaching the summit because the views of Canberra are spectacular.

Tidbinbilla Sanctuary

An easy walk with plenty of information along the way, located at Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. The Sanctuary is home to a variety of native animals, and there are five ponds which are home to many different kinds of water birds. There is also a weir where you can try and spot a platypus from a viewing platform. Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve has twenty other walks ranging from Easy (the Sanctuary Walk and Birrigai Time Trail) to Hard (Gibraltar Rocks).

Molonglo Gorge

A medium level walk located within the Kowen Pine Forest, about 15 minutes from Canberra’s city centre and 10 minutes from Queanbeyan. The high and narrow trail winds it way through woodland and follows the Molonglo River. Take care when walking with children!

Lake Ginninderra. 

This is a pleasant, easy walk that loops around the lake, located next to Belconnen town centre. There are lovely parks, picnic areas, and man-made beaches. Early Sunday morning walks are a lot less crowded here than at Lake Burley Griffin!

Mount Taylor

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 kangaroo mobs!

For more information on these and many other exciting walks in and around Canberra, go to www.tams.act.gov.au , www.canwalk.org.au, or get a copy of Marion Stuart’s ‘Canberra’s Best Bush, Park and City Walks’ (Woodslane Press, 2010). Marion lists over 40 walks, including the best walks for families and children.

You can also join one of the many walking groups in Canberra such as ACT Walking for Pleasure, CANWalk, Canberra Walks, Best of Canberra 100 Walking and Culture Group, and the Canberra Walking Meetup group.

I love walking in Canberra. It’s a great way to keep fit, make new, likeminded friends, and enjoy what our bush capital has to offer!