In brief:

• This article lists lesser-known walks in the ACT.
• This article lists easy, moderate and more difficult walks.

Canberrans are lucky to live among so many reserves, parks and green spaces.

Tucked away in these spaces are great walking trails that you may not have discovered yet.

Whether you’re an avid hiker or like to catch up with friends while taking a stroll, we’ve rounded up 10 lesser-known local walks to try.

Church Rock Heritage Loop

This 2.5km (one hour) signed heritage walk is in Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.

Start your adventure at Flints picnic area, where you will walk through Flints homestead site and around Church Rock.

The walk has short steep hill sections, a rough surface and many steps. It’s suitable for most ages and fitness levels, but some bushwalking experience is recommended.

London Bridge Walk

This easy 4.5km circuit is in the Googong Foreshores area.

The track takes you through the woodlands to the London Bridge Arch – an incredible geological formation that’s over 20,000 years old – before following the valley to London Bridge Homestead.

Both the arch and the homestead are heritage-listed sites, so remember not to climb on the arch, enter the caves or swim in the surrounding creek.

Start your walk at the London Bridge Woolshed carpark.

Mount Arawang Loop

This is a short 3.5km (one hour) return walk on the Canberra Centenary Trail.

Mount Arawang is the highest point on Cooleman Ridge. Ascend through bird-rich bushland before reaching the trig point, which has beautiful views of Brindabella Mountains.

The walk requires no experience and has a formed track but has short steep sections and many steps.

Start the loop at the Namatjira Drive entry to Cooleman Ridge Park at Ballarat Street for easy access.

Mount Gingera

This walking track is in Namadgi National Park. At 1,847 metres, Mount Gingera is ACT’s second highest peak.

This walk is difficult and recommended for experienced bushwalkers. The uphill walk is worth it, rewarding hikers with beautiful views at the top.

We recommend not attempting the walk during winter as weather can change quickly in the mountains and access roads may be closed or become unsafe.

Distance:

• 14.5 km return from Mt Franklin Road (six hours)
• If walking via Stockyard Spur, start on Corin Road (eight to nine hours).

^{Image: Molonglo Gorge}

Molonglo Gorge

The Molonglo Gorge is 3km long and 15-million years old, and you can walk its full length.

The 6.5km (return) track climbs cliffs and skirts waterline to the Blue Tiles picnic area.

The gorge is also an important wildlife corridor, so keep an eye out for rare woodland birds.

Enter from the picnic area off Sutton Road, with parking available at the Molonglo Gorge recreation area.

Mount McDonald Summit Track

Discover a new side of the Cotter.

This moderate track curves through open woodlands to the summit of Mount McDonald. At the top, you will be rewarded with great views of Canberra, the Murrumbidgee River and Brindabella Range.

Distance:

• 3.8km return via Cotter Catchment Lookout Track (two hours)
• 5.2 km return via management trail (three hours)

^{Image: Settlers Track}

Settlers Track

Located in the Namadgi National Park, this track takes walkers back in time.

Experience huts, homesteads and other historic sites from the 19th and 20th centuries.

We recommend not attempting the walk during winter as weather can change quickly in the mountains and access roads may be closed or become unsafe.

Distance:

• 6km loop from Boboyan Road (four hours)
• 9km loop via Waterhole Hut from Boboyan Road (five hours).

This walk is suitable for most ages and fitness levels, though some bushwalking experience is recommended.

^{Image: Tong's Hole}

Tong’s Hole

This walk is a hidden secret down the road from Shepherd’s Lookout.

The trail starts at the end of Stockdill Drive and takes you down through stands of Black Cypress Pine to the scenic Molonglo River.

It’s a great spot to see raptors and stunning river views.

This moderate 1km return walk takes about one hour. It’s easily accessible from Stockdill Drive, 3km south-west from Ginninderry.

Oakey Hill Nature Reserve Loop

Enjoy an easy 2.4-km loop walk through Oakey Hill Nature Reserve.

The reserve is a 65-hectare protected area between the suburbs of Lyons and Weston in the Woden Valley.

You can access the reserve:

• on its western side via an underpass beneath the Tuggeranong Parkway
• on its northern side from Heysen Street
• on its eastern side from numerous points in Lyons.

^{Image: Wanniassa Hills}

Wanniassa Hills Nature Reserve Track

This hidden gem is just down the road from Mount Taylor.

The walk up the mountain is 2.62km return and has great sweeping views at the top.

It is accessible from Erindale Drive and from the suburbs of Fadden and Macarthur.

The reserve is great for:

• birdwatching
• views of southern Canberra
• wildflower displays especially in spring.

Before you go

Respect reserves by:

• staying on the tracks to minimise your impact
• taking your rubbish home with you
• leaving what you find, including plants, animals, rocks and timber (dead and alive)
• respecting the area’s heritage – leave cultural sites undisturbed
• collecting and responsibly disposing of your dog's droppings (where dogs are permitted)
• cleaning your outdoor gear, including bicycles, to avoid spreading weeds and disease.

Stay safe by:

• bringing your own drinking water
• dressing appropriately for the weather- making sure you rug up if it’s cold or layering clothing
• carrying a mobile phone, especially if you are on your own
• letting someone know where you are going and when you'll return
• being weather alert – reserves and roads may close if there are severe weather conditions. Check the Parks ACT website before travelling.

Read more like this:

• Ten free or low-cost ways to get active in Canberra
• Canberra’s top spots for sunrises and sunsets

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