Canberra and the ACT offer a surprising depth of hiking for such a compact region. Within minutes of the city, walkers can access mountain ranges, bush reserves, riverside tracks and broad open landscapes that feel far removed from the capital’s urban core. From easy lakeside circuits and family-friendly nature walks to longer routes through Namadgi National Park, the ACT provides a wide range of walking experiences within a relatively small area.
What makes hiking here distinctive is the way natural and built landscapes sit side by side. One walk may pass major national institutions and wetlands, while the next heads into remote mountain country on the edge of the Brindabellas. For walkers based in Canberra or visiting the region, the ACT offers a highly accessible and varied network of trails.
Nature close to the city
One of Canberra’s great strengths as a hiking destination is how quickly you can move from the city into bushland and mountain country. Many walks begin only a short drive from the centre, with nature reserves and national park access points spread around the urban edge. Namadgi National Park, located on Ngunnawal Country, protects a large area of the southern ACT and offers hundreds of kilometres of tracks through eucalypt forest, granite country and high mountain terrain.
Walking through the heart of Canberra
Canberra’s walking opportunities are not limited to bushland. Some of the city’s most accessible trails also offer a strong sense of place, combining open green space with views of major civic landmarks. The loop around Lake Burley Griffin is a good example, linking shoreline paths, gardens and public spaces with views towards Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial and other well-known buildings. It is an easy walk that brings together the city’s natural setting and planned design.
Nearby, the Australian National Botanic Gardens offer another accessible walking option, with paths through collections of native plants from across the country. Combined with lakeside walking, these urban trails add a different dimension to hiking in Canberra.
Longer walks in Namadgi
For more experienced hikers, Namadgi National Park offers the ACT’s most substantial walking terrain. The Bimberi Walk is one of the region’s standout longer routes, covering around 50km through the Brindabella Range to Bimberi Peak, the highest point in the ACT. It is a demanding walk that requires planning, fitness and self-sufficiency, but it rewards the effort with expansive views and a strong sense of remoteness.
Walkers wanting to extend their time in the mountains can also consider nearby peaks such as Mount Gingera and Mount Tennent, which add further depth to the ACT’s high country walking options.
Exploring the ACT’s landscapes
The ACT packs a great deal of landscape variety into a small area. Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is one of the best examples, offering open grassland, forest, rocky slopes and elevated lookouts within easy reach of Canberra. The 8.2km Gibraltar Peak Walking Trail is one of the reserve’s best-known hikes, climbing steadily to panoramic views across the reserve and surrounding ranges.
Other worthwhile walks include the Camels Hump Hike, which follows a steep ridgeline, and the Western Foreshores Walk, which tracks along the Molonglo River and provides a quieter riverside experience. In Namadgi, the Stockyard Spur Track climbs through tall forest to snow gum country on the Brindabella Range, with distant views that can extend towards Mount Kosciuszko in clear conditions. The Brandy Flat Hike offers a more moderate option through dry forest and box woodland to Brandy Flat Hut.
Walks for every ability
The ACT caters well to walkers of different fitness levels and interests. The London Bridge Walk in Googong Foreshores is a good short walk for families, with a natural limestone arch and a manageable distance for younger walkers. The walking loop around Lake Burley Griffin also provides an easy option with opportunities to spot birds and enjoy the lakeside setting.
The Murrumbidgee Discovery Track adds further flexibility, with routes suited to both walkers and riders. The section from Kambah Pool to Pine Island is a good family-friendly option, while the full 27km route from Casuarina Sands to Point Hut Crossing offers a longer and more committing journey. The more challenging section from Casuarina Sands to Kambah Pool provides a quieter and more rugged experience.
Regardless of the walk you choose, it is worth checking trail difficulty, weather conditions and any current park alerts before setting out. Good safety preparation matters just as much on short urban-edge walks as it does in more remote mountain terrain.
Beyond the trails
Walking in Canberra can easily be combined with the broader attractions of the city and surrounding region. Guided experiences with a Ngunnawal ranger in Tidbinbilla can add cultural context to a walk, helping visitors understand the Traditional Owners’ long relationship with the land. After a day on the trail, Canberra also offers strong options for food, wine, museums, galleries and other city-based experiences that complement time spent outdoors.
This mix of accessible bushland, mountain terrain and city infrastructure is part of what makes hiking in the ACT distinctive. Few capitals offer this level of walking diversity so close to the centre.
Canberra and the ACT may be compact, but they offer a well-rounded hiking destination with far more variety than many visitors expect. From mountain summits and nature reserves to riverside tracks and urban walks, the region provides many ways to explore on foot.
Find the best hikes and walks in Australia’s Capital Territory here.
