Canberra Centenary Trail is a 145km, grade 3 hike located in the Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. The hike should take around 7 days to complete.

Length: 145km

Duration: 7 days

Grade: 3

Style: Circuit

Start: Parliament House

End: Parliament House

Location: Canberra

Closest town: Canberra

Australian Capital Territory

From state capital: 0km

Longitude: 149.122853

Latitude: -35.304758

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Hike overview

The Canberra Centenary Trail is a 145 kilometre self-guided, non-motorised loop trail for walkers and touring cyclists that showcases Canberra and takes users on a journey between urban and rural environments past iconic sites and hidden treasures.

The Centenary Trail is divided into daily sections, spaced for walkers and bike riders. Users are able to join or leave the trail in many locations.

The Centenary Trail is:

a seven day walk, averaging just over 20 kilometres per day or
a three day ride, averaging just over 45 kilometres per day.

The trail is designed to be accessible for as many walkers and cyclists as possible. It follows fire trails, walking tracks and shared paths in urban and natural areas and is open to everyone. The trail is designed for low intensity use by all walkers and cyclists of moderate ability and is generally less than 10 percent gradient.

Trail Sections

Section 1 - Parliament House to Watson
Section 2 - Watson to Northern Border Campsite
Section 3 - Northern Border Campsite to Hall Village
Section 4 - Hall Village to Black Mountain
Section 5 - Black Mountain to Stromlo Forest Park
Section 6 - Stromlo Forest Park to Tuggeranong Town Centre*
Section 7 - Tuggeranong Town Centre to Parliament House

*There are some steeper sections of track along Section 6 that may be unsuitable for younger or less skilled cyclists. The majority of this section of trail along the Murrumbidgee River has a difficulty rating, under the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) Trail Difficulty Rating System, of easy with some sections of intermediate. Intermediate trails are described under the rating system as having some steep sections of maximum 20% grade and some sections of rocky or loose tread. In these areas a good standard of fitness is required. Consider your ability and that of your group before heading out and be prepared to dismount if concerned about the trail grade.

There are also a number of locked gates within the reserve area along the Murrumbidgee River and cyclists are required to lift their bikes over the gates at these points. The number of locked gates required in this section is currently under review.

Route and GPX file

Total distance: 143736 m
Max elevation: 875 m
Min elevation: 527 m
Total climbing: 3199 m
Total descent: -3199 m

Download file: Canberra-Centenary-Trail.gpx

Trail features

Gravel Path
Rough Trail

Trail location

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About the region

Canberra might be smaller than Sydney to its north and Melbourne to its south, but there's still plenty to discover. The small town vibe means it's easy to get around and the locals are eager to share the best of their food, wine, beer and attractions. Within the city limits you'll find museums, galleries, breweries and modern architecture, but just minutes away lies the quiet nature of mountains, valleys and everything in between. It's no wonder the locals here love the lifestyle and landscape.

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Acknowledgement of Country

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.