The 12 best hikes in Canberra

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. 

Where: Starts at Dalsetta car park, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Drive time from CBD: 40 mins
Distance (return): 8.2km
Duration: 3-5 hrs 
Difficulty: Medium

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. 

Where: Starts at Remembrance Nature Park, Campbell
Drive time from CBD: 6 mins
Distance (return): 4.5km
Duration: 1.5 hr 
Difficulty: Moderate

Thanks to technological innovation, Canberra’s Telstra Tower was soon rendered obsolete 9and is currently closed to the public). It may not serve its initial purpose as a service provider, but it does stand as a pretty recognisable icon 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.

Where: Starts at ACTEW Electricity Sub Station on Frith Road, Acton
Drive time from CBD: 8 mins
Distance (return): 3.5km
Duration: 1.25 hr
Difficulty: Moderate

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. 

Where: Starts at the car park on Forest Drive, National Arboretum
Drive time from CBD: 9 mins
Distance (return): 1.6km
Duration: 30-40 mins
Difficulty: Easy

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.

Where: Starts at Booroomba Rocks car park, Namadgi National Park
Drive time from CBD: 1 hr 20 mins
Distance (return): 4km
Duration: 1.25 hr
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

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. 

Where: Start anywhere around the lake, like Commonwealth Park, Regatta Place
Drive time from CBD: 2 mins
Distance (loop): 5km
Duration: 1 hr
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. 

Where: Starts at Visitor Centre, Namadgi National Park 
Drive time from CBD: 40 mins
Distance (return): 14.4km
Duration: 6 hr
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. 

Where: Starts on corner of Hoskins and Hall Streets, Hall
Drive time from CBD: 25 mins
Distance (return): 8.4km
Duration: 2 hr
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. 

Where: Starts at Kambah Pool Beach car park
Drive time from CBD: 20 mins
Distance (return): 7km 
Duration: 3.5 hr
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. 

Where: Starts from car park off Mt Franklin Road, Brindabella
Drive time from CBD: 1.5 hr
Distance (return): 2.1km
Duration: 1 hr
Difficulty: Easy

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.

Where: Starts at the trailhead on Bindubi Street, Cook
Drive time from CBD: 15 mins
Distance (return): 3.7km
Duration: 1 hour
Difficulty: Moderate

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. 

Where: Starts at Brayshaws Hut, Namadgi National Park
Drive time from CBD: 1 hr 20 mins
Distance (return): 6-9km
Duration: 2.5-3.5 hr
Difficulty: Easy