5 nature walks to try in (and around) Canberra
By Madeleine Johns
Canberra isn’t called the Bush Capital for nothing; there are an endless amount of gorgeous hikes around, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker. If you need an escape from studying and want some fresh air and sunshine, then look no further than these beautiful nature walks:
1. Booroomba Rocks, Namadgi National Park
Namadgi National Park is around a 30-minute drive from Civic, and Booroomba Rocks has a few different routes to walk. The shortest and longest are 2.5 and 10.5 kilometres, respectively. At the top of Booroomba Rocks, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views across the Brindabella Ranges, definitely worth the walk! The walks are a low to moderate level of difficulty.
2. Himalayan Cedar Trail at National Arboretum
The Himalayan Cedar Trail is at the National Arboretum and is a 2-kilometre stretch of low-level difficulty, so everyone should be able to enjoy this one regardless of their fitness levels. The walk will take you past the Wide Brown Land sculpture and into the Himalayan Cedar Forest – one of the oldest woodland areas planted at the Arboretum between 1917-1930. There is a picnic and barbeque area in the forest, nestled among the trees, so you can always turn this into a leisurely afternoon filled with good food and cold drinks after the picturesque walk.
3. Mount Ainslie
One of the most popular walks in Canberra is Mount Ainslie. You can walk, cycle or drive up to the lookout at the top. Beautiful views across Canberra, including Lake Burley Griffin, Parliament House, the National Library of Australia, the War Memorial and many more, all framed by mountain ranges. Mount Ainslie Summit Trail begins behind the Australian War Memorial and is 4 kilometres long and moderate-level difficulty.
4. Gibraltar Peak, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is around a 20-minute drive from Tuggeranong, or 40 minutes from Civic, but it’s well worth the trip! The Gibraltar Peak walking trail is around 8 kilometres long, with magnificent views at the top. This is a moderate to hard walk. While you’re there, check out the rest of Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, which is full of wildlife and natural beauty.
5. The Centenary Trail
If you’re feeling like a challenge, The Centenary Trail is a 145-kilometre-long trail for walkers and cyclists. You can join and leave the trail at many locations along the way. The trail takes seven days to complete if you walk 20 kilometres per day. But don’t worry, it can be done as a 3-day ride by walking around 45 kilometres per day. Anyone feeling adventurous?
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