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If you love spending time outdoors, Canberra is the perfect place for you. Known as the Bush Capital, Canberra is famous for its nature reserves, mountain ranges, botanical gardens and scenic walking trails that cater to all fitness levels. With many of these nature walks located just a short drive from Deco Hotel Canberra, you absolutely must take advantage of Canberra’s great outdoors on your short or extended stay.
So if you’re looking to stretch your legs and take in some of Canberra’s natural beauty, here is a list of our 15 favourite nature walks within the area. Get those walking shoes on and experience the best of Canberra’s great outdoors. Mother Nature is calling!
Weston Park is located on the south side of Canberra. This 40-hectare urban park is the perfect choice if you’re looking for an easy stroll, or if you have young children. With a water playground and wading pool for the kids, a beach and swimming area, electric barbecues and picnic tables, Weston Park is a wonderful destination for a relaxed afternoon with the family.
A favourite route is to park at the end of Weston Road at Karrajong Point and follow the walkway towards West Yarralumla Peninsula. Continue on to The Pond, West Lane, The Ramble and take a short detour to the Yarralumla Nursery. When you’re done there, carry on towards Orawa Bay, East Bank, East Yarralumla Peninsula and finally back to Karrajong Point.
The easy, flat loop is approximately 4.2km and is suitable for prams and wheelchairs.
Located off Weston Road, Yarralumla ACT 2600
Open 8 am to 8 pm daily.
Top Tip: Visit the Yarralumla Gallery and Oaks Brasserie café near the Yarralumla Nursery (closed on Monday, open 8:30 am on Saturday and 10 am the rest of the week) if you prefer not to pack a picnic basket.
Distance: 4.2km loop
Time: Allow around 1 hour at a leisurely pace
Difficulty: Easy
Accessibility: Flat and suitable for prams and wheelchairs
Best for: Families, an easy stroll and accessible walking
Located at the base of Black Mountain and covering 35 hectares, the Australian National Botanic Garden features the world’s largest collection of native Australian flora. There are guided walks and group tours available every day, although you can choose to explore on your own.
Maps of all the trails are available from the visitor centre, with the Flower To Tower walk (5.4km return) being a favourite for avid walkers. This Grade 3 trail takes approximately two hours and climbs from the Gardens through Black Mountain bushland to the summit. For an easier option, the 1.4km Main Path Walk takes around 40 minutes and is a Grade 1, wheelchair-accessible loop.
The Interactive Children’s walk is a treat no matter how old your kids are, and the grownups will enjoy it just as much!
Located in Clunies Ross St, Acton ACT 2601
Opening hours: 8:30 am - 5 pm daily.
The Visitor Centre is open 9:30 am - 4:30 pm daily, except Christmas Day.
Top Tip: There are several wheelchair-friendly trails through the Gardens, although they are extensive and hilly in some parts. Stop at the visitors' centre first to find out which trails are best and to enquire about an electric wheelchair, which is available free of charge.
Featured walk: Flower to Tower Trail
Distance: 5.4km return
Time: Approximately 2 hours
Difficulty: Grade 3
Best for: A more challenging walk and panoramic Canberra views
Easy alternative: Main Path Walk - 1.4km loop, approximately 40 minutes, Grade 1 and wheelchair accessible.
Named after the Aboriginal word for mountain ranges that stretch across South-Western ACT, the Namadgi National Park is home to more than 160km of well-marked walking trails. The Namadgi Visitor Centre is within easy access of Canberra and features permanent displays that explain the geological history, flora and fauna you’ll find in the park. There is also information about the Ngunnawal people, who are the original inhabitants of the region.
With walks ranging from short trails to remote hikes, distance, duration and difficulty vary considerably throughout Namadgi. Check current track and road conditions with Parks ACT before setting out, particularly if you're planning a longer or more remote walk.
Located at Naas Rd, Tharwa ACT 2620
Hours are 9 am - 4 pm on weekdays and 9 am - 4:30 pm on weekends and public holidays (closed Christmas Day).
Top Tip: Look out for Spencer the sleepy python at the visitors' centre, and for wombats while you’re out on your walk.
Distance: Varies by trail
Time: Varies by trail
Difficulty: Easy to challenging
Best for: Bushwalking, mountain scenery, wildlife and longer hikes
Take the scenic walk around Canberra’s man-made Lake Burley Griffin that skirts the edge of the city centre. With the Bridge to Bridge walk, you’ll get to see a variety of national monuments, views of Mount Ainslie, Black Mountain and the Brindabellas, which are home to some of the highest peaks in Australia.
Commonwealth Bridge is located at Commonwealth Avenue, Canberra ACT 2600.
Top Tip: Turn your walk into an all-day adventure by exploring the many attractions along the route. We suggest the National Museum of Australia, National Gallery of Australia, High Court of Australia and the Carillon.
Distance: 5km loop
Time: Approximately 2 hours at a leisurely pace
Difficulty: Easy
Best for: Sightseeing, an easy city walk and first-time Canberra visitors
Also known as the Kokoda Memorial Trail, the Mount Ainslie Summit Walk begins behind the Australian War Memorial in Remembrance Park. The 4.5km walk is a test of fitness, approximately 250 metres to the summit and includes steep sections, steps and uneven ground. The beauty along the way and the reward at the top are a large part of its popularity, but the fact that it is a paved path doesn’t hurt either!
At the start of the trail, you’ll find a memorial plaque explaining where the Mt Ainslie Summit track got its name. You'll also encounter other informative signage along the route.
Dogs are also permitted on-leash at all times, provided you remain on the track or trail. Bring water for your furry companion, as water sources along the track are limited.
Located at Remembrance Park, Campbell ACT 2612
There are no set hours for this track, but avoid the midday heat if possible.
Top Tip: Mount Ainslie is the second highest peak within the city itself.
Distance: 4.5km return
Ascent: Approximately 250m
Difficulty: Moderate
Track: Sealed, with steep sections, steps and some uneven ground
Best for: City views and a moderately challenging workout
One Tree Hill Summit is a winding 9km trail that's located in the village of Hall, and, thanks to its spectacular views, is one of the most frequented trails in Canberra. It also forms part of the 145km Canberra Centenary Trail and is a great introduction to what you might experience along this renowned route.
There's plenty of birdlife to enjoy as you make your way gradually upwards, and once you descend, head into the picturesque village of Hall for a bite to eat.
Trailhead located at Hoskins Street, Hall ACT 2618
The trail is open 24 hours but is closed when there's a total fire ban.
Top Tip: Keep an eye out for the critically endangered Orange Sunshine Moth once you reach the summit.
Distance: 9km return
Time: Approximately 3 hours
Difficulty: Grade 3
Best for: Bushwalking, birdlife and views from Canberra’s northern edge
Located in Namadgi National Park, Booroomba Rocks offers a breathtaking look at the Brindabella Range and provides some of the best views of Canberra. You’ll be walking through tall forests with brooding granite cliffs looming overhead, where you might spot a rock climber or two. Visit during spring if you want to enjoy the abundance of wildflowers found in this area.
There are two different trails to take advantage of here: a 2.5km trail that starts at the Booroomba Rocks car park or the longer 11.5km return trip that begins just off the Honeysuckle Creek Campground.
Located at Namadgi National Park, Tharwa ACT 2620
The park is open 24 hours, 7 days a week.
The Namadgi Visitor Centre is open from 9 am - 4 pm on weekdays and 9 am - 4:30 pm on weekends and public holidays (closed Christmas Day).
Top Tip: The views can be blocked by heavy cloud cover or fog during high rainfall periods and early winter mornings, so plan your trip based on the weather!
Short walk
Distance: 2.5km return
Time: Approximately 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Grade 4
Long walk from Honeysuckle Campground
Distance: 11.5km return
Time: Approximately 5.5 hours
Difficulty: Grade 4
Best for: Granite scenery, mountain views and experienced bushwalkers
When it comes to stunning rural walks close to urban areas, Australia’s Bush Capital has been blessed with some of the best. One of the easiest yet most rewarding hikes is the Mount Painter Summit Walk. A comfortable but quick pace will get you to the top in roughly 20 minutes, and from there you can enjoy 360-degree views of everything from Lake Burley Griffin to the Brindabellas.
Dogs are permitted on-leash on tracks and trails. Cycling is only permitted on management trails and sealed shared trails. Bring your own drinking water and check Parks ACT alerts before visiting.
Located at Canberra Nature Park, Cook ACT 2614
The trail is open 24 hours.
Top Tip: There are several routes to the top of Mount Painter and the trailheads can be hard to spot as they look like driveways. The one between houses 20 and 22 in Booth Crescent is a local favourite starting point, while the trailhead that is easiest to locate is the one on Bindubi Street.
Distance: Varies depending on your chosen access point and route
Time: Allow approximately 1 hour for a short summit outing
Difficulty: Moderate, with uphill sections
Best for: A shorter suburban bushwalk and panoramic views
Images via Urban Adventures | High Country Online | Weekend Notes
The Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is located just 45 minutes’ drive from the Canberra CBD and is home to 22 marked trails that range from a quick 15-minute walk to a full-day hike. The longest walk is the 8.2km Gibraltar Peak Trail, and there are also regular guided activities that cover a variety of topics about the park. The quick Hanging Rock Trail will take you to a massive boulder, once used as shelter, that seems to be suspended in midair.
Located at Paddys River Rd, Paddys River ACT 2620
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is open daily from 7:30 am - 6 pm AEST / Winter. Open daily from 7:30 am - 8 pm AEDT / Summer.
Tidbinbilla Visitor Centre hours: 9 am - 5 pm daily, closed Christmas Day and during Total Fire Bans.
Top Tip: The Gibraltar Peak Trail sign telling you which way to travel is rather small, but it’s ok if you miss it; you’ll just end up on the Xanthorrhoea Loop Trail instead, which will still take you to Gibraltar Peak.
Featured walk: Gibraltar Peak
Distance: 8.2km return
Time: 3 - 4 hours
Difficulty: Grade 4
Elevation gain: Approximately 320m
Best for: Experienced walkers, mountain scenery and panoramic views
Of all Canberra’s nature parks, Black Mountain is the most diverse. While exploring this park, you can encounter 100 species of birds, 500 species of plants and as many as 5000 species of insects. There are not many other places where you’ll get to see as many as 60 species of orchids!
Some trails you might want to consider are the Black Mountain Forest Track (3.5km return), the Bushland Nature Walk (2.2km return), or the Black Mountain Summit Trail (3.5km).
The Forest Loop Walk also makes for an easy-to-moderate 2km circuit around the summit of Black Mountain. The track follows the contours of the mountain, offering views through the trees without the steep climb of some of the reserve’s other trails.
Located at Mitchell, Canberra
Black Mountain Nature Reserve is open 24 hours.
Top Tip: Several of the trailheads for the tracks around Black Mountain can be found just off the Australian National Botanic Garden’s carpark.
Featured walk: Forest Loop Walk
Distance: 2km return
Time: Approximately 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Best for: Native bushland, birdlife, views and a shorter nature walk
The Murrumbidgee Discovery Track is a river walk that will take you from Point Hut Crossing in the South, through Pine Island and Kambah Pool all the way to Casuarina Sands in the North. The entire trail covers 27km, but many turn this into a series of day trips, with the 7km Kambah Pool to Pine Island trek being a particular favourite.
Located in Paddys River, Canberra
The trail is open 24 hours.
Top Tip: There are several great swimming spots along the route.
Full track
Distance: 27km one way
Time: Approximately 12 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Kambah Pool to Pine Island section
Distance: 7km one way
Time: Approximately 3 hours
Best for: River scenery, longer hikes and exploring the Murrumbidgee River Corridor.
The National Arboretum is a visionary destination that showcases Australia’s commitment to sustainability and a greener future in the best possible way. Here, you will find over 44,000 rare, endangered and symbolic trees from more than 100 countries spread over 250 hectares.
Home to the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection, the one-of-a-kind Pod Playground and walking or riding trails ranging from 20 to 90 minutes long, there's something for everyone to enjoy here!
Located at Forest Drive, Molonglo Valley ACT 2611
The Arboretum Grounds and POD Playground are open daily from 7 am - 5:30 pm (AEST) and 6 am - 8:30 pm (AEDT).
Top Tip: Two of the forests are over 100 years old, but many of the trees in the rest of the arboretum are still young.
Easy option: STEP Track - 1km return, easy
Popular option: Himalayan Cedar Track - 2.1km return, moderate
Lookout option: Dairy Farmers Hill Track - 2.3km return, moderate
Longer option: Explorer Track - 7.2km return, easy
Difficulty: Easy to moderate/hard depending on route
Best for: Families, walking, cycling, forests and panoramic views
Just minutes from the city, Red Hill Nature Reserve rewards you with sweeping views across Canberra, Parliament House and the Brindabellas. Choose from gentle fire trails or take a short, steeper climb to the Red Hill Lookout before continuing along the ridgeline to Davidson Hill. Sunrise and sunset are spectacular here - perfect for golden-hour photos.
Dogs are permitted on‑leash. There's limited shade on the ridge, so bring water and sun protection.
Located at Red Hill Drive / Mugga Way trailheads, Red Hill ACT 2603
Hours: Open daily (daylight access recommended).
Top Tip: Grab a table with a view at the summit café when it’s operating, or plan a post‑walk drink back at Restaurant Two14.
Featured walk: Red Track
Distance: 3.2km loop
Time: Approximately 1 hour
Difficulty: Moderate, with some steep and uneven sections
Best for: A shorter nature walk, birdwatching and Canberra views
For an immersive wildlife experience, Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary is a predator‑free reserve protecting critically endangered box‑gum grassy woodlands. Walk the well‑signed trails by day, or book a guided Twilight Tour to spot nocturnal residents like eastern bettongs and (with luck) eastern quolls and bush stone‑curlews.
Location: Main access via Wildbark Visitor Centre, 25 Rosenberg St, Throsby ACT 2914
Hours: Sanctuary walking tracks open 24/7; Guided tours run on select evenings (pre‑book).
Good to know: No dogs or pets allowed inside the sanctuary. Free entry for self‑guided visits; parking at Wildbark.
Top Tip: Start at Wildbark for coffee, maps and local tips, then choose an easy loop for families or linger on dusk for wildlife viewing.
Distance: Varies by chosen trail
Time: Allow approximately 1–2 hours for a self-guided visit, depending on your chosen route
Difficulty: Generally easy to moderate, depending on route
Best for: Wildlife, birdwatching and native woodland
On the southern edge of the ACT, Gigerline Nature Reserve combines rugged gorge scenery with sandy river beaches along the Murrumbidgee. It’s a quieter alternative to the city‑side reserves, with clear water at Angle Crossing, picnic spots at Tharwa Sandwash and excellent birdwatching (more than 200 species recorded).
Location: Tharwa Sandwash (end of Tharwa Sandwash Rd, Tharwa) and Angle Crossing (via Angle Crossing Rd off the Monaro Hwy near Williamsdale, or Smiths Rd off Naas Rd)
Hours: Open year‑round; check Parks ACT for any flood/fire closures and current river conditions.
No dogs are allowed within the reserve (including Tharwa Sandwash and Angle Crossing).
Top Tip: Visit late afternoon for golden light on Mount Tennent, then detour through historic Tharwa Village
Featured walk: Angle Crossing River Track
Distance: 800m loop
Time: Approximately 30 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Best for: River views, birdwatching and a short nature walk
