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Mountain bike rider at Stromlo Forest Park

Woden, Weston Creek and Molonglo

Geographically in the middle of Canberra and developed in the early 1960s, Woden is a thriving business district and shopping precinct, home to Westfield Woden and Canberra Hospital. To its west are the residential areas of Weston Creek and the newer Molonglo Valley, close to mountain bike mecca Stromlo Forest Park.

Highlights of the area

Mall shopping and more

Westfield Woden is a long-established shopping mall with a vibrant dining precinct. Nearby Phillip Is a mix of car yards and specialty shops selling everything from bikes to lights.

Suburban dining gems

The Woden Valley has a variety of hidden dining gems, from Rama's Fijian Indian restaurant in Pearce to A Bite to Eat in Chifley.

Mountain bike trails

Behind the newly developed suburbs in Molonglo is popular multi-use recreation facility Stromlo Forest Park. It features a criterium cycling circuit, mountain bike trails, cross-country track and swimming pool.

Three friends riding mountain bikes with Telstra Tower and parks in the background.
Featured

Stromlo Forest Park

Whatever your passion – running, walking, mountain biking, cycling or horse-riding – Stromlo Forest Park has you covered. Challenge yourself to try all the routes that form The Vapour Trail network from the top to the bottom of the mountain.

With trails and tracks for all levels, as well as a criterium cycling circuit and event pavilion, Stromlo Forest Park is perfect for professionals and rookies alike. Bring a picnic or drop by Handlebar Cafe to make a day of it.

Get the most out of your visit with the Mt Stromlo Shuttle Service with 11 runs per day and over 15 ways to descend the mountain.

Stromlo Forest Park
Easy loading shuttle trailers

Stromlo Shuttle – Mountain Bike Uplift Experience

TripAdvisor rating177 reviews
Wright, ACT
2 Guests and 2 zookeepers partaking in a Cheetah Encounter at the National Zoo and Aquarium

National Zoo & Aquarium

TripAdvisor rating1628 reviews
Weston Creek, ACT
Aerial Shot Village Centre

National Arboretum Canberra

TripAdvisor rating1571 reviews
Molonglo Valley, ACT
Three large oversized acorn cubbies

POD Playground at the National Arboretum Canberra

TripAdvisor rating1571 reviews
Molonglo Valley, ACT
Image of trees on grass hill, leaves have autumn colours, trees are backlit by sun and blue sky.

Seasonal Long Forest Walks

by National Arboretum Canberra Guided Forest Walks

TripAdvisor rating1571 reviews
Molonglo Valley, ACT
Forest Walk

National Arboretum Canberra Guided Forest Walks

TripAdvisor rating1571 reviews
Molonglo Valley, ACT
Guided walk in the forests of the Arboretum

Guided Forest Walks

by National Arboretum Canberra Guided Forest Walks

TripAdvisor rating1571 reviews
Molonglo Valley, ACT
A man riding a mountain bike at Stromlo Forest Park

Stromlo Forest Park

TripAdvisor rating109 reviews
Wright, ACT
Canberra Cake

Cafe at the Arboretum

TripAdvisor rating144 reviews
Molonglo Valley, ACT
Between $20 and $30
Mt Stromlo at night

Mount Stromlo Observatory

TripAdvisor rating45 reviews
Weston Creek, ACT
A young girl plays with wooden mandala shapes on a leafy forest floor
19 Jun – 27 Jul 2026

Nature Play at the Arboretum - Winter in the Woods

National Arboretum Canberra, Molonglo
Next on 24 Jul 2026 from 10:00am to 12:00pm
UC Stromlo
26–27 Sep 2026

2026 AusCycling Marathon National Championships

Stromlo Forest Park, Wright
Next on 26 Sep 2026 from 12:00pm to 4:00pm
childs cup hands holding acorns and a fairy
4–20 Jul 2026

Family Fun - Winter in the Woods - Winter School Holidays

National Arboretum Canberra, Molonglo Valley
Next on today from 9:00am to 5:30pm
The Arboretum Village Centre with stars in the night sky.
4 Jul – 8 Aug 2026

Stargazing

National Arboretum Canberra, Molonglo
Next on 17 Jul 2026 from 6:15pm to 7:45pm
Grey ceramic jelly mould hanging planter in the foreground with botanical print ceramic hanging ...

The Curatoreum - National Arboretum

Molonglo Valley, ACT
A landscape with forests and mountains in the distance.
4 Jul – 8 Aug 2026

Winter in the Woods | Southern Forest Bus Tours

National Arboretum Canberra, Molonglo
Next on 17 Jul 2026 from 10:00am to 11:00am
A selection of leaves, nuts and berries are displayed on a traditional wooden vessel
10 Jul – 9 Aug 2026

Cultural Connections - Winter in the Woods

National Arboretum Canberra, Molonglo Valley
Next on 9 Aug 2026 from 10:00am to 12:00pm
A forest of tree trunks, each wrapped with several brightly coloured scarves
26 Jun – 9 Aug 2026

Winter in the Woods

National Arboretum Canberra, Molonglo
Next on today from 9:00am to 4:00pm
A large collection of bonsai plants are displayed at night under feature spotlights
10–19 Jul 2026

Arboretum After Dark - Winter in the Woods

National Arboretum Canberra, Molonglo
Next on 17 Jul 2026 from 4:00pm to 7:30pm
The Nest

Forest Sculpture Gallery

Molonglo Valley, ACT
A landscape image shows a row of food vans and vendor stalls with lots of people of all ages
10–19 Jul 2026

The Village - Winter in the Woods

National Arboretum Canberra, Molonglo
Next on today from 10:00am to 5:30pm
Volunteer guide talking with visitor in a wheelchair

National Bonsai & Penjing Collection of Australia

Molonglo Valley, ACT
Stromlo Running Festival
14–15 Nov 2026

17th Stromlo Running Festival

Stromlo Forest Park, Wright
Next on 14 Nov 2026 from 5:50am to 11:00am
Mountain bike racing
26–27 Sep 2026

Shimano 100 Mountain Bike Marathon | Stromlo ACT

Stromlo Forest Park, Wright
Next on 26 Sep 2026 from 12:00pm to 5:00pm
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