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Key Takeaways: |
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• With mountains encircling the city, Canberra boasts lovely walking and hiking routes that will let you get closer to nature. • The ideal time to hike in Canberra falls within the shoulder seasons: April, May, September, and October. • Get ready to discover Canberra's best-kept hiking secrets with our ultimate guide to the top 10 hikes. We've handpicked each trail and added all the necessary details: locations, contact info, and website links. • As for your Canberra hiking, Jackery Explorer 300 Plus or 600 Plus is the ideal option since they are small enough to put in your backpack, especially for multi-day hiking. • Hiking tips are essential to guarantee you gain an incredible hiking experience and ensure your safety. |
Is Canberra Good for Hiking?
Canberra is the ideal location for you if you enjoy being outside. Canberra, sometimes referred to as the "bush capital" of Australia and the country's most sustainable metropolis, boasts breathtaking scenery and beautiful places for trekking and strolling.
With mountains encircling the city, Canberra boasts lovely walking and hiking routes that will let you get closer to nature. The vistas are also breathtaking. Nature reserves, mountain ranges, botanical gardens, and beautiful walking paths suitable for all fitness levels are among Canberra's most well-known features.
What Is The Best Time to Hike in Canberra?
The ideal time to hike in Canberra falls within the shoulder seasons: April, May, September, and October. The weather tends to be warm, experiencing fewer rain showers in contrast to the wet season (November to April) and the dry season (May to October).
The shoulder seasons see a decline in tourist numbers, allowing for a more tranquil experience on the trails. The skies frequently remain clear in the shoulder seasons, offering superb vistas of the nearby landscapes.
It is essential to recognise that even in the shoulder seasons, occasional rain showers may still occur. Checking the weather forecast before hiking is always a wise decision.
The wet season, from November to April, offers the perfect opportunity to witness waterfalls in their most spectacular form. Nonetheless, brace yourself for significant rainfall and the possibility of flash flooding.
Canberra Hiking Essentials
Regarding the essential items for hiking in Canberra, we have divided them into six categories: storage, sleep system, eating and drinking, cooking, safety, and navigation.
- Storage
As you embark on longer rides or treks, it's essential to consider acquiring a lightweight backpack or hydration pack. Look for a container holding at least two litres of water, snacks, and a jacket or jumper. Remember that you will need to carry everything you pack for the trip. Thus, consider the bag's weight and the items you place inside!
- Hiking Pack (40 – 70L)
- Pack Liner or Rain Cover
- Dry Bag(s)
- Mesh Organisers
- Clothing
If you're heading out for a hike, it's a great idea to pack a waterproof jacket! Being ready for the weather, like cooler temperatures or a surprise rain shower, can make your adventure more enjoyable. Why not go for a waterproof coat instead of just a shower-resistant one? It'll keep you dry if you find yourself in a downpour!
Choosing high-quality, well-fitting hiking boots can help you avoid issues like blisters and rolled ankles, especially if you enjoy longer hikes regularly. Along with helping you stay on the trail and have a great time, the extra grip and waterproof features will keep you from dealing with blisters or a sore backside from slipping on a tricky path or slippery descent.
- Waterproof Jacket
- Hiking Boots
- Hookers
- Base Layer
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Moisture-wicking & UV Protection Clothes
- Swimmers
- Food & Drinks
Hiking is a physically challenging endeavour that necessitates a continuous source of energy. Proper nutrition aids in preventing fatigue and guarantees that you can fully enjoy your hike. Following a difficult hike, your muscles require nutrients for repair and rebuilding. Consuming sufficient protein and carbohydrates aids in this process.
- Food (Meals & Snacks)
- Water Bottles or Water Bladders (Min 2L)
- Water Treatment System
- Fruits
- Energy Bar
- Dried Meats
- Safety
Even the most experienced walkers can have little accidents; it's something we only think about occasionally. So, remember to pack a first aid package whenever you're heading out for a half-day hike or longer! Including a fully charged portable charging device in your first-aid pack is a great idea, just in case your phone runs out of battery, and you need to reach out for help.
- Mobile Phone
- First Aid Kit
- Sunscreen, Hat & Insect Repellent
- Multi-Tool
- Extra Food
- Head Torch & Batteries
- Personal Locator Beacon (PLB)
- Mirror & Whistle
- Sun Protection
Due to the intense sunshine in Canberra, it is advisable to bring sunscreen that is water-resistant, broad-spectrum and has a high SPF. Sunglasses, long sleeves, and wide-brimmed hats provide additional defence against the sun's rays.
- Sunscreen
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Umbrella
- Long sleeves
- Navigation
Navigation tools are indispensable for any hiker, particularly when exploring unfamiliar or remote landscapes. They deliver essential insights to keep you on track, prevent disorientation, and guarantee your safety. Navigation tools such as maps, compasses, and GPS devices offer precise directions, ensuring you remain on the right path and steer clear of unknown or hazardous regions.
- Compass
- Map & Track Notes
- Waterproof Map Case & Pencil
- GPS
- Portable Power Station or Power Bank
A power station or power bank is crucial for hiking, allowing you to maintain the charge of your devices as you venture into the great outdoors. When choosing a power station for hiking, consider its capacity, size, and charging duration.
We suggest Jackery Portable Power Stations to elevate the hiking experience by supplying essential electricity, especially for overnight excursions. Consider bringing a compact power station like the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus or Explorer 600 Plus to ensure your electronics remain charged.
The Explorer 300 Plus or 600 Plus, with higher capacities of 288Wh and 632Wh, respectively, are ideal for charging devices during hikes.
Learn more details from our hiking essentials checklist guide.
Best 10 Hikes in Canberra
Let's explore the ten best hikes in Canberra with our blog, which has such beautiful natural scenery. We provide basic information about hiking routes for your hiking trip. Just read it, and you can always choose the path that suits you best.
1. Mount Arawang Summit Walk
Location: Cooleman Ridge Nature Reserve up to Mount Arawang (Open in Google Maps)
Website: Mount Arawang Summit Walk
Length: 1.3km
Hiking Time: 36 min
Difficulty: 3
From this point, you will embark on a brief walk, and just before reaching the upper management road, a left turn leads you up to the summit. This trail is straightforward to navigate, and as you ascend, you'll begin to enjoy views extending over both sides of the hill. As is familiar with many of Canberra's hills, a Trig Station is situated at the summit, indicating the highest point.
From the summit, you can see the southern and central parts of the city. If you know what to look for, you can also spot the hills in the northern areas of Canberra, including Mt Ainslie, Black Mountain, and Mt Majura, along with the central city regions.
2. Farrer Ridge Circuit
Location: Australian Capital Territory 2900, Australia (Open in Google Maps)
Website: Farrer Ridge Circuit
Length: 2.1km
Hiking Time: 1 hour 15 min
Grade: 3
The Farrer Ridge Walk can be done in several different ways. You can do this walk as a straight Summit Walk, returning the way you came, or turn this into a circuit by heading over the hill and turning left or right. The best option for doing a circuit is to go up and over the mountain, and as you head down, you will come across a small trail marker that points towards the right, and this is the way you want to head.
Taking the right-hand branch is because you quickly head into the denser bush, almost creating a feeling of remoteness. Once you have made your way through the bush, the trees open back out, and you end up back on the management road. Turn right at this stage, and you will return to the start of the Summit Walk and head back down.
3. Kokoda Track
Location: Owen Stanley Range in Papua New Guinea (Open in Google Maps)
Website: Kokoda Track
Length: 165km
Hiking Time: 4-12 days
Grade: 5
The trailhead can be found in Remembrance Park, situated at the back of the Australian War Memorial. It contains excellent interpretation material on its New Guinea name, including a 3D bronze relief that provides background. In addition, a series of plaques line the Trail up to the summit, providing information on critical sites.
With a couple of minor exceptions, this Trail has a hard-constructed surface, which consists of a series of switchbacks for most of the first half of the Trail. As you approach the summit, these switchbacks give way to a meandering route, with the most challenging part of this Walk being a long series of stone steps approximately 100meters from the summit that ends with an informal lookout that, in some ways, provides better views to the central part of the city than the main summit lookout.
4. Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve Bird Walk
Location: Wildbark/25 Rosenberg St, Throsby ACT 2914 (Open in Google Maps)
Website: Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve Bird Walk
Length: 7.6km
Hiking Time: 1 hour 52 min
Grade: 2
Numerous routes are etched into Mount Field's historic terrain, but the Rodway Range Circuit is a must-see. Compared to the more popular Tarn Shelf Circuit, it takes more time and expertise, but we promise the extra work is well worth it.
The 'Lion's Den,' where boulder hopping is necessary to access the deep valley dividing the Rodway Range from Mount Field West, the highest mountain in Mount Field National Park, is reached after ascending the Rodway Range above the Tarn Shelf.
5. Mount Painter Summit Walk
Location: Australian Capital Territory 2611, Australia (Open in Google Maps)
Website: Mount Painter Summit Walk
Length: 3.7km
Hiking Time: 1 hour 12 min
Grade: 2
Once you go past the water tanks, the rewards for your minimal effort start to come. Your first spectacular view is across Mount Ainslie and Black Mountain; the Walk even provides a seat to take in the scenery. From this point, you go through another gate, and shortly after, you reach the first of the lookouts highlighting Canberra's western sections towards the Brindabella ranges.
At this lookout and others, there is excellent interpretive signage. From the first lookout, you head towards the summit proper, where the steepest section of the Walk is. This Walk is easy; even with little hiking, this Trail will present a manageable physical challenge.
6. Weston Park Peninsula Loop
Location: Weston Road, Yarralumla ACT 2600 (Open in Google Maps)
Website: Weston Park
Length: 4km
Hiking Time: 52 min
Grade: 2
Located on Canberra's southern edge, 40-hectare Weston Park is an ideal urban park for families with little children or those seeking a stroll. Weston Park has everything a family could want for a carefree afternoon: picnic tables, electric barbeques, a beach, a wading pool, and a water playground for the little ones.
Usually, this 4 km walk takes 45 minutes or less. One of the most popular routes is to park at Kurrajong Point at the end of Weston Road and walk along the walkway towards the West Yarralumla Peninsula.
7. Mount Ainslie Summit Trail
Location: Australian Capital Territory 2609, Australia (Open in Google Maps)
Website: Mount Ainslie Summit Trail
Length: 4.5km
Hiking Time: 1 hour 36 min
Grade: 3
Discover a captivating 2.7-mile out-and-back trail located near Canberra, Australian Capital Territory. This route is typically viewed as moderately challenging, with an average hiking time of 1 hour and 36 minutes.
This area is a hotspot for birding, hiking, and running, ensuring you'll come across fellow enthusiasts during your adventures. The trail welcomes visitors throughout the year, offering stunning views regardless of season. We love having dogs around! Just a friendly reminder that they need to be on a leash while enjoying our space.
8. Murrumbidgee Discovery Track
Location: H3G3+F4, Greenway ACT 2900, Australia (Open in Google Maps)
Website: Murrumbidgee Discovery Track
Length: 27.6km
Hiking Time: 8 hours
Grade: 4
The Murrumbidgee Discovery Track is a river walk from Point Hut Crossing in the south, which travels north to Casuarina Sands via Pine Island and Kambah Pool. The 27-kilometre track can be divided into several day hikes; one popular route is the 7-kilometre Walk from Kambah Pool to Pine Island.
9. Centenary Trail
Location: Australian Capital Territory 2900, Australia (Open in Google Maps)
Website: Centenary Trail
Length: 145km
Hiking Time: 7 days
Grade: 3
On 27 October 2013, Katy Gallagher, the Chief Minister of the Australian Capital Territory, officially inaugurated the Canberra Centenary Trail. The Trail spans 145 km in a self-guided loop designed for enthusiastic cyclists and walkers. However, due to limited camping facilities, most individuals experience this journey as a section hike.
The ideal moments to explore the central Canberra area are during spring and autumn when the ornamental flowering trees are either in full bloom or showcasing stunning autumn hues.
10. The Central Basin
Location: Barrine Dr, Parkes ACT 2600, Australia (Open in Google Maps)
Website: The Central Basin
Length: 5km
Hiking Time: 1 hour
Grade: 2
It's flat, nearly hard to get lost on, and winds through quiet public areas with the lake's mirror as a constant reflection source. Walk the five kilometres in an hour, or take a break to see the many attractions and historical cottages along the way. You can also do the Australians of the Year Walk. At Reconciliation Place, go down the paths that lead to the National Gallery of Australia and other locations. Stay a while longer to replenish your coffee intake.
Jackery Portable Power Stations for Hiking
Enhance your Canberra hiking with Jackery Portable Power Stations. Jackery Portable Power Stations cater to those who appreciate nature and value eco-friendliness alongside personal convenience. Your devices gain a reliable way to access power as you travel.
Jackery ensures that their Portable Power Stations use lithium-ion and LiFePO4 batteries for a dependable power source. By incorporating Jackery Solar Panels, these generators can capture solar energy. This establishes them as a viable energy solution for the breathtaking scenery of the Cairns.
We recommend the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus and 600 Plus for hiking trips because of their portability, compact size, and impressive power. By utilising them, you can be confident that electricity will always be available.
Jackery Explorer 300 Plus
Introducing the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus, the ultimate hiking charging companion, featuring a remarkable 288Wh capacity and a robust 300W output. Featuring two PD ports that can deliver an impressive 100W each, this device simultaneously provides flexible charging solutions and swift power for multiple devices.
- Small Size Big Power: Weighing just 75 kilogrammes, the Jackery Explorer 300 Plus is effortlessly portable, making it a perfect fit for your hiking backpack. The 288Wh capacity and 300W output allow impressive usage: a 150W GPS device can operate for 1.5 hours, while a 20W headlamp can run for 14 hours.
- Safe to Use: The Jackery Explorer 300 Plus safeguards your electrical devices with reliable voltage and pure sine wave It features a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery designed for a remarkable lifespan of ten years. The cutting-edge ChargeShield technology and reliable power source protect your equipment from damage.
- Resistant to Any Weather: The Explorer 300 Plus is designed to withstand rain, wind, heat, snow, and extreme temperatures. It can function reliably even during storms or other adverse weather events. So you can take it to any place for hiking.
Jackery Explorer 600 Plus
The Jackery Explorer 600 Plus offers a remarkable output of 800W and features a strong capacity of 632Wh. Effortlessly power your essential hiking electronics, including mobile phones, communication tools, navigation devices, and camping lights. Make sure you possess all the essentials for a smooth journey.
- Multiple Charging Methods: The Explorer 600 Plus fully recharges in just 6 hours when connected to a wall outlet. Utilise the energy of the sun with SolarSaga 100W solar panels. Complete a full charge in only 4.3 hourswith two panels, or opt for a single panel and take 8.5 hours. The system provides car charging capabilities, taking about 7.5 hours to finish.
- Lightweight and Portable: This power station is remarkably lightweight at just 3 kg(16.1 lbs), offering an outstanding portable option for its power capacity. The sleek design includes a foldable handle, providing easy portability and convenient storage.
- Safety & Compatibility: This power station incorporates the ChargeShield 2.0algorithm, crafted to improve charging efficiency and reduce the time needed to recharge the power station. The Explorer 600 Plus offers multiple output options, including AC outlets, USB-A, and USB-C, all crafted to integrate effortlessly with different hiking devices.
Canberra Hiking Tips
This section summarises five tips for hiking in Canberra, which can help you prepare adequately and develop the most suitable hiking plan.
Prepare: Make sure you get fitted for appropriate walking footwear, take a backpack, and, if you're just getting started, consider using a hiking stick or pole to assist you in navigating more challenging terrain (particularly if you have knee problems).
Carry food and water with you. Carry plenty with you to sustain your energy and fluid levels during the hike.
Choose a hike that suits your skill level. We advise against taking the most mountainous route available if you are starting. Try a short track or a stroll through a natural reserve before attempting K2 or Everest (you need extra preparation for these, by the way!).
Find a relative or friend with you. While spending time alone is beneficial occasionally, hiking is best done in pairs. A support system ensures you won't be able to handle hurt or need assistance. Remember that specific hikes can take place in places with spotty cell service.
Notifying someone about your departure is safer. You should notify a neighbour or someone at home. Another safety precaution worth putting in place is telling someone where you are going and when you intend to return because the outdoors may be unpredictable.
Canberra Hiking FAQs
The following are the frequently asked questions about the best hiking in Canberra:
- How long does it take to walk up to Mount Taylor?
The time it takes to walk up to Mount Taylor can vary depending on your fitness level and the Trail you choose. On average, it takes about 1-1.5 hours to reach the summit via the main walking track from Sulwood Drive car park.
- How long is the Canberra Centenary Trail?
The Canberra Centenary Trail is approximately 145 kilometres (90 miles) long and encircles the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). It is typically completed over several days, with hikers covering different sections of the Trail daily.
- How long is the Shepherd's Lookout Walk?
The Shepherd's Lookout Walk is a short and easy walking track approximately 1.2 kilometres (0.75 miles) long, taking around 30 minutes to complete. It offers scenic views of the Molonglo River and the surrounding countryside.
- Where to walk around Canberra?
Both locals and visitors may enjoy Canberra's many walking trails and outdoor areas. Lake Burley Gryphon, Mount Ainslie, Black Mountain, and the Australian National Botanic Gardens are a few of the well-liked walking destinations. Furthermore, a lengthier journey along the Canberra Centenary Trail offers the chance to discover the area's natural beauty and cultural sites.
Final Thoughts
Being the "Bush Capital," Canberra is a fantastic area to experience hiking because it doesn't require you to travel too far from home. What are you waiting for? Try beginning here with our list of the top ten hikes in Canberra. Explore the world and take in all it has to offer. Make sure you take the time to appreciate the beauty of our planet and enhance your well-being in the process.
