Step on it
Walking in Canberra is a breath of fresh air. Australia's capital has a great network of walking paths and trails, and there are bushwalking options galore. From lakeside parks to nature reserves and forests, walking comes naturally in the bush capital. Don’t forget to pack your walking shoes!
Lap it up at Lake Burley Griffin
Stroll around Lake Burley Griffin and enjoy the national attractions, cafes and parks you’ll find along the way. Do as the locals do and do the 5 km ‘bridge to bridge’ walk (Commonwealth Bridge to Kings Avenue Bridge), then make your way to Commonwealth Park, the home to the flower festival Floriade in spring, but perfect for visiting at any time of year.
Long walks, hikes and bushwalking
With so many nature reserves, parks and forests, it’s easy to get off the beaten track in Canberra. For adventurous day walks or overnight hikes, check out the Canberra Centenary Trail for the ultimate way to see Canberra. Or venture out to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and Namadgi National Park and challenge yourself to a range of overnight and multi-day hikes.
A picturesque walk up Mount Ainslie, on a track directly behind the Australian War Memorial, is one of the most popular walks amongst locals. This 4km walk is steep in some parts, but the views up the top are well worth the hike.
Go bush in Canberra Nature Park
Canberra Nature Park is an extensive network of reserves throughout the city and suburbs featuring abundant native flora and fauna. You’ll see why Canberra is called the bush capital!
Say hello to kangaroos, marvel at the abundant birdlife, and you may even see reptiles, wombats and echidnas. Highlights include the Black Mountain Reserve, Mount Ainslie Reserve, Mulligan’s Flat, Jerrabomberra Wetlands and the Murrumbidgee River Corridor.
Canberra self-guided tourist walks
Walk your way around Canberra and choose from the many self guided walking tours below.
- Anzac Parade Self-Guided Walking Tour: Learn about the symbolism and stories behind the memorials lining Anzac Parade
- Australians of the Year Walk: Walk along the Lake Burley Griffin foreshore and find the series of plaques, plinths, seats and lighting dedicated to Australians of the Year.
- Lake Burley Griffin Self-Guided Walking Tour: This walk takes you through Commonwealth Park and along the Lake Burley Griffin foreshore to Blundells’ Cottage, then back to the Canberra and Region Visitors Centre.
- Magna Carta Walk: Walk from the steps of Old Parliament House around the democratic heart of Australia. Wander through the National Rose Garden, take in the National Archives of Australia and visit Constitution Place.
- Old Parliament House Gardens Walk: Learn about the garden's history, meander among manicured lawns and trimmed hedges, and enjoy the scents of the senate rose gardens.
- R G Menzies Walk: Walk along the northern shore of Lake Burley Griffin and discover plaques outlining Menzies' career.
Grab your walking shoes and get set for an active visit to Canberra. Download our official Canberra Visitor Guide and starting planning today.