The 12 best hikes in Canberra

One of Canberra’s biggest flexes is that you can drive 15 minutes from the CBD and find yourself surrounded by bushland. This urban hike might be underwhelming at first, but stick with it – the summit views are worth every puff. There are three separate lookouts offering stunning views of the Brindabella Ranges, with Mount Ainslie and Black Mountain in the distance. For something a little shorter, you can also start the trail from Coulter Drive.

Start: Trailhead on Bindubi Street in Cook

Drive time from CBD: 15 minutes

Distance: 3.7 kilometres return

Duration: One hour

Difficulty: Moderate

This is one of Canberra’s best-known and beloved walks for a reason. While most hikers commence the walk from Booroomba Rocks car park, those seeking a longer (11.6-kilometre return) option can start at the old Honeysuckle campground. No matter how you get there, you’ll be rewarded with uninterrupted summit views of the Brindabella Ranges, stretching all the way to the city skyline. But here’s a hot tip: the summit area isn’t actually the highest point. Walk an extra 400 metres and you’ll really feel on top of the world.

Start: Booroomba Rocks car park, Namadgi National Park

Drive time from CBD: One hour and 20 minutes

Distance: Four kilometres return

Duration: 1.25 hours

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

The National Arboretum Canberra is home to more than 20 kilometres of walking tracks and trails. With so many options to choose from, we narrowed it down to this nifty little track that leads you to one of Canberra’s most famous lookouts. Dairy Farmers Hill is a super romantic spot for picnics, so wrap up those sammies, ready for munching while you admire the lush green views. 

Start: Car park on Forest Drive, National Arboretum

Drive time from CBD: Nine minutes

Distance: 1.6 kilometres return

Duration: 30 to 40 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

At the rate that our technology evolves, it didn’t take long for Canberra’s Telstra Tower to be rendered obsolete. It may not serve its initial purpose as a service provider, but it does stand as a pretty recognisable member of Canberra’s skyline. The steep walk up to the tower (812 metres above sea level) rewards you with beautiful panoramas of Canberra's skyline and beyond.

Start: ACTEW Electricity Sub Station, Frith Road

Drive time from CBD: Eight minutes

Distance: 3.5 kilometres return

Duration: 1.25 hours

Difficulty: Moderate

If you so happen to venture to the rear of one of Canberra’s most highly sought-after museums (AKA the Australian War Memorial), you’ll find yourself at the trailhead of the popular Kokoda Track up Mount Ainslie. Due to its location, the walk was named after the Australian wartime efforts in Papua New Guinea’s Kokoda Trail. Enjoy summit views that stretch right down the parade to Parliament House. 

Start: Remembrance Park

Drive time from CBD: Six minutes

Distance: 4.5 kilometre return

Duration: 1.5 hours 

Difficulty: Moderate

This neat hike, coming in at just over eight kilometres, is one of Canberra’s gems, and the car park goes to show it. Arrive early to secure your spot. Make sure you have your eyes peeled at the start of the trail where you need to turn left towards the brown signpost for Gibraltar Peak. When you arrive at the top to extensive panoramas, you'll understand why the walk is so acclaimed. 

Start: Dalsetta car park, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

Drive time from CBD: 40 minutes

Distance: 8.2 kilometres

Duration: Three to four hours

Difficulty: Medium

It's not a trip to Canberra without marvelling at the whopping body of water that divides the CBD in two. While there are many walks you can take to tour the lake, the ‘bridge-to-bridge’ loop that connects the city is the most popular. Stops on the walk include the National Library, the National Museum and many adorable cafès. 

Start: Anywhere around the lake, like Commonwealth Park, Regatta Place

Drive time from CBD: Two minutes

Distance: Five-kilometre loop

Duration: One hour

Difficulty: Easy

This hike is highly rated, and not for its leisurely pace. Part of the Australian Alps Walking Track that begins all the way over in Victoria, the Mount Tennent Trail has a steep rocky climb to the summit with lots of steps. It begins at the Namadgi National Park Visitor Centre, so parking is a breeze. 

Start: Namadgi National Park Visitor Centre

Drive time from CBD: 40 minutes

Distance: 14.4 kilometres return

Duration: Six hours

Difficulty: Hard

This trail sees many a hiking boot trod on each year, and for that reason, it’s incredibly well-maintained. It’s part of the impressive 145-kilometre Canberra Centenary Trail, so you can enjoy the incredible summit views without committing to the multi-day walk. If you’re having too much fun and want to extend your walk though, there’s a campsite for an overnight stay. 

Start: Corner of Hoskins and Hall Streets in Hall

Drive time from CBD: 25 minutes

Distance: 8.4 kilometres return

Duration: Two hours

Difficulty: Medium

It all begins at the car park by Kambah Pools. If it’s an easy hike you’re after, an open trail amidst fields of spinifex will lead you to a quaint lookout of the gorge and river. If it’s off the beaten track that you wish to venture, take the detour on your right about three kilometres from the start of the hike. After some rock traversing, you'll find yourself before some incredible rock formations and flowing water. 

Start: Kambah Pool Beach car park

Drive time from CBD: 20 minutes

Distance: Seven kilometres return

Duration: 3.5 hours

Difficulty: Easy to medium

With the main access road being dirt and inaccessible in periods of snow or fire danger, this path is certainly one off the beaten track. Once you've got the green light on driving into the car park off Mount Franklin Road, embark on a walk that gives you multi-state views. You’ll spot peaks in both ACT and NSW from the lookout partway up and at the summit. 

Start: Car park off Mt Franklin Road, Brindabella

Drive time from CBD: 1.5 hours

Distance: 2.1 kilometres return

Duration: One hour

Difficulty: Easy

There’s a ‘long’ and ‘short’ version of the Settlers Track, with the former coming in at nine kilometres, while the latter is about three kilometres shorter. As this walk is a little further out of the city, it’s likely you’ll get a lot more peace and quiet while you marvel at your surroundings. While there is gorgeous nature (and snow in the wintertime), the highlight of this walk is the historic huts and cottages that line the way. 

Start: Brayshaws Hut, Namadgi National Park

Drive time from CBD: One hour and 20 minutes

Distance: Six to nine kilometres return

Duration: 2.5 to 3.5 hours

Difficulty: Easy