{"id":165188,"date":"2023-07-24T09:27:58","date_gmt":"2023-07-23T23:27:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/?p=165188"},"modified":"2023-07-24T12:57:05","modified_gmt":"2023-07-24T02:57:05","slug":"canberra-walks","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.australiantraveller.com\/act\/canberra\/canberra-walks\/","title":{"rendered":"10 Canberra walks that will take your breath away"},"content":{"rendered":"
If you\u2019re looking to lift your spirits, and your heart rate, here are 10 of Canberra\u2019s best walks, the most wondrous wanderings for a bespoke weekend in the exhilarating ACT outdoors.<\/h5>\n

Canberra is \u201cbasically just one big national park,\u201d says local photographer Damian Breach. Despite the ultra-cool tide of urbanity seeping through the city, for walkers and mountain bikers such as Damian, Canberra is still the Bush Capital. In a few minutes you can leave the city behind to be a million miles away on a soundless bush trail, on one of the alluring hills that frame Canberra.<\/p>\n

The choice for wanderers, day-hikers and mountain bikers is perplexingly wide, but no fear, you will find what you\u2019re after in at least one of these 10 tantalising trails.<\/p>\n

The all-of-Canberra walk: The Centenary Trail<\/h2>\n

The Centenary Trail is an all-of-Canberra loop that sweeps near the NSW border to the north and dips its toes into the Murrumbidgee to the south. It threads into several urban highlights, such as Parliament House, then just as quickly retreats into secluded picnic nooks and relative wilderness. The challenge? Well, the trail is 145 kilometres long with no sections that loop around, so it\u2019s a point-to-point proposition.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause the trail ducks in and out of the suburbs and city, you can always pick up a drink or a snack \u2013 or stay the night somewhere,\u201d suggests Damian, who rode the entire loop in 10 hours, including \u201cstopping off for a beer and a burger\u201d. For mere mortals, though, it\u2019s best to try one or two sections at a time, including these three highlights below.<\/p>\n

\"bikers

It’s not all about walking, The Centenary Trail is also one of the most loved cycling routes. (Image: Damian Breach for VisitCanberra)<\/p><\/div>\n

1. Murrumbidgee Discovery Track<\/h3>\n

At the Centenary\u2019s southern end, the well-signposted Discovery Trail meanders through rolling fields and bushland, the deliciously flowing track a boon for walkers and mountain bikers of most levels. The section kicks off at mountain bike mecca Stromlo Forest Park.<\/p>\n

\"a

Hike to Red Rock Gorge to experience the geological wonder for yourself. (Image: We Are Explorers for VisitCanberra)<\/p><\/div>\n

This track runs for 27 kilometres all up, from Point Hut Crossing\u00a0to Casuarina Sands, but our favourite section passes by the vivid cliffs of Red Rock Gorge Lookout<\/a>. The churning rapids of the Murrumbidgee River below are your added pay-off for the 4.4-kilometre return journey, starting \u2013 or ending \u2013 near legendary local swimming hole Kambah Pools<\/a>, where you can cool down and chill out on the \u2018beach\u2019.<\/p>\n

\"a

The mighty Murrumbidgee flows through Red Rock Gorge.<\/p><\/div>\n

Where:<\/em><\/strong> End of Kambah Pool Road, near Gleneagles.<\/p>\n

2. One Tree Hill<\/h3>\n

Northern sections of the Centenary Trail can feel noticeably more remote, but find the right spot and all-encompassing city views unfold. One Tree Hill Lookout (90 minutes\u2019 return walk) presents Brindabella mountain range vistas, reminiscent of what Canberra\u2019s earliest inhabitants would have experienced, and the incline is mostly gentle on the way up.<\/p>\n

Where:\u00a0 <\/strong>Take the trail from the corner of Hall and Hoskins streets, Hall.<\/p>\n

3. National Arboretum Canberra<\/h3>\n

The trail passes by the nascent 250-hectare National Arboretum<\/a>, where a handful of intentionally meandering paths spread out over the slopes and soon-to-be forests. The 1.1-kilometre Himalayan Cedars Walk is a relaxing stroll of note \u2013 you\u2019ll feel like you\u2019re in a land far, far away.<\/p>\n

\"an

Breathtaking views make up the National Arboretum in Canberra. (Image: Tourism Australia)<\/p><\/div>\n

Where:<\/strong> Forest Drive, Weston Creek.<\/p>\n

Leisurely Lake Burley Griffin strolls<\/h2>\n

Lake Burley Griffin: it\u2019s an integral part of the landscape and a tranquil place to get away from it all, without getting away from it all. Choose the well-trodden path, or get off the beaten track through the wetlands.<\/p>\n

\"Lake

Lake Burley Griffin encompasses Mount Ainslie. (Image: VisitCanberra)<\/p><\/div>\n

4. The Central Basin<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s flat, almost impossible to get lost on, and ventures through serene public spaces, always with the mirror of the lake to reflect upon. Power through the five-kilometre walk in an hour, or pause at countless charms along the way, such as the many and various attractions, historical cottages, or just tick off the Australians of the Year Walk.<\/p>\n

Take a side trip at Reconciliation Place along pathways leading to the National Gallery of Australia et al. Linger longer here for a caffeine replenishment.<\/p>\n

Where:<\/strong> Start from the National Capital Exhibition. Trail loops from Commonwealth Bridge to Kings Avenue Bridge.<\/p>\n

5. Jerrabomberra Wetlands<\/h3>\n

Cloistered away on Lake Burley Griffin\u2019s eastern shore, the wetlands is a secluded slice of nature only 10 minutes\u2019 drive from where the politicians hang out. Five timber bird hides help you get intimate with Kellys Swamp\u2019s 200-plus bird species. Wander along the boardwalk, with popping frogs as your soundtrack, on the look-out for eastern long-necked tortoises, while Black Angus cows graze incongruently nearby.<\/p>\n

Where: <\/strong>Dairy Road, Fyshwick.<\/p>\n

Mountain hikes in the capital<\/h2>\n

Wildlife nestling into old-growth forest \u2013 not just nearby the city, but actually within it. We kid you not. Here are three ways to get close to the nature that\u2019s close to you.<\/p>\n

6. Mt Ainslie Summit Trail (Kokoda Track)<\/h3>\n

A rosy-cheek-producing walk (4.5 kilometres return), that rises up directly behind the Australian War Memorial. The steepish path winds up through a shrubby woodland of scribbly gums, charmed by intense birdsong and ever-present rosellas, before opening up to a 270-degree view over the Parliamentary Triangle.<\/p>\n

\"Enjoy

No trip to Canberra is complete without hiking to Mount Ainslie lookout. (Image: Richard Poulton for Visit Canberra)<\/p><\/div>\n

You\u2019ll probably stumble across hares, roos, lizards and maybe even a local politician, too. Don\u2019t forget to stop and look around on the way for candid views, plaques commemorating the Kokoda Track and a (sidetrack) memorial to Aboriginal soldiers.<\/p>\n

\"a

Fiery pastel hues paint the sky over Mount Ainslie at sunset. (Image: Tourism Australia)<\/p><\/div>\n

Where: <\/strong>Start in Remembrance Park, behind the Australian War Memorial in Campbell. You can drive to the lookout but, seriously, why would you?<\/p>\n

7. Black Mountain<\/h3>\n

West from Mt Ainslie, across the urban corridor, is her twin sister, Black Mountain, whose nature reserve is filigreed with excellently thought-through and maintained trails. Surrounded by other reserves, the bush here exudes a rainforest ambience, making it sublime for wildflower and orchid spotting. The Forest Track (one-hour loop) is blanketed in moss, ferns and lichens, with plenty of mammals and reptiles coming to the party, if you\u2019re stealthy enough.<\/p>\n

\"the

The hike to Telstra Tower will take you to the summit of Black Mountain. (Image: VisitCanberra)<\/p><\/div>\n

Where:<\/strong> Off Black Mountain Summit Road and Rani Road, Acton. Head towards Telstra Tower (on the summit).<\/p>\n

8. Australian National Botanic Gardens<\/h3>\n

For a manicured change of pace, the Australian National Botanic Gardens, directly to the east of Black Mountain, has plenty of passageways to explore throughout the 35-hectare \u2018living collection\u2019 (containing a third of Australia\u2019s plant species).<\/p>\n

\"two

The National Botanic Gardens is home to diverse flora and fauna. (Image: Tourism Australia)<\/p><\/div>\n

Where:<\/strong> At the foot of Black Mountain, Clunies Ross Street, Acton.<\/p>\n

Doable day trips into Canberra’s wilderness<\/h2>\n

The weekend adventurer\u2019s fundamental questions: how much time and energy do I have to burn? If your answer runs to slightly more generous amounts, envelope yourself in some national park adventure at one of these two outstanding day trip options, a little further out from the CBD:<\/p>\n

\"native

See native wildlife across Canberra’s outback bush walks. (Image: Tourism Australia)<\/p><\/div>\n

9. Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve<\/h3>\n

Forty kilometres west of the city, the wetlands, grasslands and woodlands of sub-alpine Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve beckon.<\/p>\n

\"a

Depart early to time your arrival at Gibraltar Peak with the sunrise or sunset. (Image: Richard Poulton for VisitCanberra)<\/p><\/div>\n

The pick of the 20 or so marked, verdant valley walks is the moderate-to-hard trek (three to four hours) up to the glorious, house-sized boulders of Gibraltar Peak.<\/p>\n

\"a

Traverse the verdant trail to Gibraltar Peak. (Image: Richard Poulton for VisitCanberra)<\/p><\/div>\n

Expect to see glades interrupted by spiky grass trees, barely babbling creeks, plus impressively expansive views, once you reach the somewhat phallic boulders at the summit.<\/p>\n

\"large

Gibraltar Peak in Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is a local favourite. (Image: VisitCanberra)<\/p><\/div>\n

Tidbinbilla is well known for excellent opportunities to view wildlife in situ, such as mobs of curious kangaroos, emus and the endangered southern brush-tailed rock wallaby, throughout the reserve\u2019s 14 protected habitats.<\/p>\n

\"two

The trail takes hikers from tree-hugged trails and open fields to mountain peaks.\u00a0(Image: Tourism Australia)<\/p><\/div>\n

Where:<\/strong> The 8.2-kilometre return walk starts at Tidbinbilla Visitors Centre or Dalsetta. Mountain biking is allowed on formed trails.<\/p>\n

10. Namadgi National Park<\/h3>\n

Just south of Tidbinbilla, the 106,000-hectare Namadgi National Park, which borders Kosciuszko, is a trekker\u2019s dream day trip. Taking up almost half the ACT\u2019s land area, it offers a selection of short and long hikes (up to seven-hour treks) through alpine meadows and snow gum forest.<\/p>\n

\"the

Namadgi National Park is a protected area managed by the Ngunnawal people. (Image: We Are Explorers for VisitCanberra)<\/p><\/div>\n

Yankee Hat Rock Shelter (six kilometres return, two-and-a-half hours) beelines towards an indigenous rock art site (protected by the Ngunnawal people) that was the first-ever identified in the ACT.<\/p>\n

\"a

Visit Yankee Hat Rock to see the incredible Indigenous rock art. (Image: Tourism Australia)<\/p><\/div>\n

Sheltered granite hides small red (ochre) and white (clay) figures \u2013 dingoes, turtles and kangaroos \u2013 and abstract, human-like figures.<\/p>\n

Where:<\/strong> Yankee Hat trail walk is 65 kilometres south of Canberra, via the Namadgi Visitors Centre in Tharwa.<\/p>\n

When the walk is over… Here is what else to do in Canberra.<\/a><\/h5>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

If you\u2019re looking to lift your spirits, and your heart rate, here are 10 of Canberra\u2019s best walks, the most wondrous wanderings for a bespoke weekend in the exhilarating ACT outdoors. Canberra is \u201cbasically just one big national park,\u201d says local photographer Damian Breach. Despite the ultra-cool tide of urbanity seeping through the city, for […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":125,"featured_media":383869,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"article.php","format":"standard","meta":{"_expiration-date-status":"","_expiration-date":0,"_expiration-date-type":"","_expiration-date-categories":[],"_expiration-date-options":[]},"categories":[889],"tags":[5576,5399,6473,4403,4393,5713,1653,4628],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n10 Canberra Walks That Will Take Your Breath Away<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Want to see Canberra from above, walk among the alpine forests, or experience some Australian history? 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