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Discover the Biggest Hiking Trail in Canberra, Australia

3 min read February 1, 2024

Canberra, Australia’s capital city, is surrounded by stunning natural landscapes that offer a variety of hiking trails for outdoor enthusiasts of all levels. From leisurely strolls through lush forests to challenging treks to mountain summits, Canberra’s hiking trails provide breathtaking views, unique wildlife encounters, and a chance to connect with nature.

Whether you’re seeking an easygoing walk with the family or an adrenaline-pumping adventure, Canberra’s hiking trails cater to every preference. Discover hidden waterfalls, ascend rugged peaks, and immerse yourself in the diverse flora and fauna that call this region home.

Top Hiking Trail in Canberra, Australia

Canberra ( KAN-bər-ə) is the capital city of Australia. Founded following the federation of the colonies of Australia as the seat of government for the new nation, it is Australia's largest inland city and the eighth-largest Australian city overall. The city is located at the northern end of the Australian Capital Territory at the northern tip of the Australian Alps, the country's highest mountain range. As of June 2022, Canberra's estimated population was 456,692.The area chosen for the capital had been inhabited by Aboriginal Australians for up to 21,000 years, by groups including the Ngunnawal, Ngunawal and Ngambri. European settlement commenced in the first half of the 19th century, as evidenced by surviving landmarks such as St John's Anglican Church and Blundells Cottage. On 1 January 1901, federation of the colonies of Australia was achieved. Following a long dispute over whether Sydney or Melbourne should be the national capital, a compromise was reached: the new capital would be built in New South Wales, so long as it was at least 100 mi (160 km) from Sydney. The capital city was founded and formally named as Canberra in 1913. A plan by the American architects Walter Burley Griffin and Marion Mahony Griffin was selected after an international design contest, and construction commenced in 1913. Unusual among Australian cities, it is an entirely planned city. The Griffins' plan featured geometric motifs and was centred on axes aligned with significant topographical landmarks such as Black Mountain, Mount Ainslie, Capital Hill and City Hill. Canberra's mountainous location makes it the only mainland Australian city where snow-capped mountains can be seen in winter; although snow in the city itself is uncommon. As the seat of the Government of Australia, Canberra is home to many important institutions of the federal government, national monuments and museums. This includes Parliament House, Government House, the High Court building and the headquarters of numerous government agencies. It is the location of many social and cultural institutions of national significance such as the Australian War Memorial, the Australian National University, the Royal Australian Mint, the Australian Institute of Sport, the National Gallery, the National Museum and the National Library. The city is home to many important institutions of the Australian Defence Force including the Royal Military College Duntroon and the Australian Defence Force Academy. It hosts all foreign embassies in Australia as well as regional headquarters of many international organisations, not-for-profit groups, lobbying groups and professional associations. Canberra has been ranked among the world's best cities to live in and visit. Although the Commonwealth Government remains the largest single employer in Canberra, it is no longer the majority employer. Other major industries have developed in the city, including in health care, professional services, education and training, retail, accommodation and food, and construction. Compared to the national averages, the unemployment rate is lower and the average income higher; tertiary education levels are higher, while the population is younger. At the 2016 Census, 32% of Canberra's inhabitants were reported as having been born overseas.Canberra's design is influenced by the garden city movement and incorporates significant areas of natural vegetation. Its design can be viewed from its highest point at the Telstra Tower and the summit of Mount Ainslie. Other notable features include the National Arboretum, born out of the 2003 Canberra bushfires, and Lake Burley Griffin, named for Walter Burley Griffin. Highlights in the annual calendar of cultural events include Floriade, the largest flower festival in the Southern Hemisphere, the Enlighten Festival, Skyfire, the National Multicultural Festival and Summernats. Canberra's main sporting venues are Canberra Stadium and Manuka Oval. The city is served with domestic and international flights at Canberra Airport, while interstate train and coach services depart from Canberra railway station and the Jolimont Centre respectively. City Interchange is the main hub of Canberra's bus and light rail transport network.

Top Hiking Trail in Canberra, Australia

Black Mountain Nature Reserve

  • Address: Mitchell ACT 2911, Australia
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.4 (2044)
  • Website:
  • Opening hours:
    Monday: Open 24 hours
    Tuesday: Open 24 hours
    Wednesday: Open 24 hours
    Thursday: Open 24 hours
    Friday: Open 24 hours
    Saturday: Open 24 hours
    Sunday: Open 24 hours
Urambi Hills Nature Reserve in Canberra, Australia
Urambi Hills Nature Reserve in Canberra, Australia

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The 10 Best Hiking Trail near Canberra, Australia

Urambi Hills Nature Reserve in Canberra, Australia
Urambi Hills Nature Reserve in Canberra, Australia

Mount Taylor Nature Reserve

  • Address: Kambah ACT 2902, Australia
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.6 (671)
  • Phone: +61 132281
  • Website:
  • Opening hours:
    Monday: Open 24 hours
    Tuesday: Open 24 hours
    Wednesday: Open 24 hours
    Thursday: Open 24 hours
    Friday: Open 24 hours
    Saturday: Open 24 hours
    Sunday: Open 24 hours
  • Reviews:
    Shimon Firman✭✭✭✭✭
    a month ago
    I ran the trail to the peak, while on a business trip to Canberra. It was great! I’ve seen some kangaroos and the view from the top of the mountain was amazing! Great trail run.
    Nina Beilby✭✭✭✭
    9 months ago
    Pretty wild and rough, which is good for wildlife lovers. I found loads of bird species, some kangaroo and other plenty of others that I could hear but just didn’t have enough time to stop and find.

    The trails are not clearly marked, so you’ll have to use landmarks to remember which way you came in.

    Chris✭✭✭✭✭
    11 months ago
    The Mount Taylor Nature Reserve is beautiful, with panoramic views of Woden Valley to the north, the Tuggeranong Valley to the south and the Brindabella Range to the west (I’m sure there’s something to the east too).

    Named after James Taylor – not the guy who sings ‘Fire and Rain’, but a squatter, who with his partner Robert Johnson established a sheep run on the Molonglo River in the early 1800s (thanks to Dave’s ACT blog for this info)

    There are several ways to get to the top, and as you make your way up, don’t forget to pause to catch your breath (necessary in parts) and perhaps catch sight of some kangaroos, and a variety of birds and reptiles.

    Your heart will certainly be pumping by the time you reach the top. However, if you are looking for a little more, someone has gaffa taped a piece of wood on the cross beam to make chin-ups more comfortable.

    Finally, don’t forget to bring water. There is a bowl for the dogs, but not for the humans. Although I’ve lobbied for a cafe/ice-cream shop at the top for years, my calls have gone unanswered.

    Agyat Luitel✭✭✭✭✭
    2 years ago
    Mount Taylor is one of the famous landmark of Canberra. The walking trail consists of multiple routes with steep and rocky path. You can walk up-to the hill with Kangaroos on your side.

    From the top, you can see beautiful South Canberra.

    Kia✭✭✭✭✭
    a year ago
    Rain, hail or shine! Great hike! The view at the top makes it all better to catch your breath and soak in the beauty of south Canberra

Red Hill Nature Reserve

  • Address: Red Hill ACT 2603, Australia
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.5 (600)
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Mount Painter Nature Reserve

  • Address: Booth Cres, Cook ACT 2614, Australia
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.6 (298)

Bruce Ridge Nature Reserve

  • Address: Bruce ACT 2677, Australia
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.5 (268)

Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve

  • Address: Australian Capital Territory 2609, Australia
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.7 (201)

Tuggeranong Hill Nature Reserve

  • Address: Canberra ACT 2600, Australia
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.5 (197)

Urambi Hills Nature Reserve

  • Address: Kambah ACT 2902, Australia
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.4 (183)

Mount Majura Walking and Riding Trail

  • Address: 332 Antill St, Hackett ACT 2602, Australia
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.7 (164)
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Farrer Ridge Nature Reserve

  • Address: Australian Capital Territory, Australia
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.5 (148)

Cooleman Ridge Nature Track

  • Address: 3 Lincoln Pl, Chapman ACT 2611, Australia
  • Map: Click here
  • Rating: 4.6 (133)

Thank you for reading! If you have any additional information on the best Hiking Trail in Canberra, Australia, please leave a comment above. We would love to hear from you!

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Syarif Muhamad

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5 Replies to Discover the Biggest Hiking Trail in Canberra, Australia

  1. The reserve was good
    Plenty of walking tracks.
    There is an info sign in the car park that shows different trials around Canberra to do.
    The Telstra tower has seen better days.
    Very sad that its not open
    There are small pockets of areas that provide a view over Canberra.
    Caution for bike riders either going and especially driving down.
    Overall still worth a visit.

    Reply

  2. Wish the tower was open. No real views since you can’t go higher than the trees. Telstra really needs to do the renovations on the tower so us tourists can view that wonderful scenery again.

    Reply

  4. OMG what a sad thing it is that everyone involved in maintaining this area has just left it to ruin! Every lookout area was overgrown and the paths are hard to find for the plants. The Telstra tower was boarded up like a prison and you can’t even see out from the trees to the view at all!

    Don’t bother going up this lookout.

    The one behind the war memorial is a better view and nice.

    Reply

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