Walking in Canberra: 10 of the best

Posted on 28 November, 2015

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 opportunities 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 10 of our favourites.

Centenary Trail

A legacy of our first 100 years, Canberra’s Centenary Trail weaves its way around iconic sites, hidden treasures and national institutions, the 145km self-guided trail showcasing the true ‘Bush Capital’.  Now, you don’t need to walk the entire thing (although, if you have a week to spare…) The Centenary Trail is divided into sections, spaced for walkers and bike riders and users are able to join or leave the trail in many locations. It’s also the course for the CBR100 Challenge, which participants can tackle in distances of 25km, 50km or 100km.

Bridge to Bridge – Lake Burley Griffin

It’s the quintessential Canberra walk, and on any given morning, lunchtime, evening (or any time on the weekend), you’ll see hordes of walkers, runners, cyclists, skaters – and even segway riders – making their way from Bridge to Bridge.

The most popular place to start this 5km-ish trail is at Reconciliation Place, near the flags. It takes you across Commonwealth Bridge, past Regatta Point and across Rond Terrace, past the National Carillon, across Kings Avenue Bridge, along the edge of the National Gallery of Australia’s Sculpture Garden, and back to where you started. It’s not only a great easy walk for all ages, but you get to take in some of the most iconic views in Canberra. Try not to sigh with contentment as you gaze across the lake on a sunny, warm day.

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!

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 for the trig – the views and bird life are amazing.

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 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.

Gibraltar Peak

Another walk at Tidbinbilla, this is a hard walk, the most direct route to Gibraltar Peak starting from Dalsetta, passing through open grassland before climbing to Eliza Saddle. From here, the trail traverses for a short distance featuring some fantastic views. After a steep climb, the imposing Gibraltar Peak is reached. Return via the same route or take the longer route via Eliza Saddle, Birrigai Time Trail, the Visiro Centre and Congwarra Trail.

Want more?

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 and the Canberra Walking Meetup group.