The Australian National University

The sprawling Acton campus of The Australian National University (ANU) has some of them. The campus has over 10,000 trees, including approximately 500 considered to be of exceptional significance because of their age, history or species. Around 300 trees predate European occupation of the area.

If you are in Sullivan’s Creek or on University Avenue near Kambri, you’ll feel like you’re in a nature park. You can take a walking tour, ride a bike or relax in the sun in the middle of the lush greens and beautiful landscapes overlooked by Black Mountain.

The self-guided walking trails across the campus enjoy breathtaking views over Canberra, including the Mt Stromlo heritage and Acton heritage trails.

Walk along the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage trail and find out the cultural significance of Sullivan’s Creek to the Indigenous people of the Canberra region.

ANU is located in the heart of Canberra and is a short drive from many of the popular walking and hiking tracks that will help you unwind and recharge.

Black Mountain

Now that we've piqued your interest in walking and hiking in Canberra, just a few steps away from the western edge of the Acton campus is the Black Mountain Nature Reserve, one of the most diverse reserves of its kind in Canberra. As well-known locally as the Telstra Tower atop it is nationally, the reserve is home to 100 species of birds, 500 species of plants and 5000 species of insects.

Black Mountain has many walking tracks, including the Black Mountain Forest Track (3.5km return), the Bushland Walk (2.2 kilometres return) and the Black Mountain Summit Trail (3.5km). After your trek, pop into the Australian National Botanic Gardens for a coffee and a walk through the misty rainforest, or take a short hike with a picnic hamper up to the Apricot Lawn.

Mt Ainslie

Known as the "Kokoda Trail at Ainslie" is a 4.5 kilometre walk through the Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve to the pinnacle that starts behind the Australian War Memorial. For Canberra locals and visitors, it’s a must-do experience. Once you’re at the top, you’ll see the city's iconic views and vistas of the Brindabella Mountains, Lake Burley Griffin and Parliament House.

The Mount Ainslie track is popular among locals and tourists and is visited by thousands of people from around the world every month.

Brindabella Nature Reserve

A short drive from Canberra, the Brindabella National Park forms the northern section of the Australian Alps' national parks corridor.

A haven for bushwalkers, the park has alpine tracks for trail bikes and four-wheel drives. While walking down these trails, look for large mammals, like kangaroos, wallabies and wombats.

If you’re a bird watcher, don’t forget to pack your binoculars as the Brindabellas are home to over 80 species of birds, including several threatened species like the powerful owl.

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

The Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve offers outstanding natural experiences with wetlands, grasslands and woodlands. It has 24 marked trails ranging from 15-minute walks to full-day hikes.

Don’t be surprised if you see koalas, kangaroos, birds and reptiles while you’re out enjoying the natural landscape.

Namadgi National Park

A protected area in the south-west of the Australian Capital Territory, Namadgi National Park is on Ngunnawal country and has a number of short and long walking tracks across the ancient landscape that are loved by many.

The tracks take in Gibraltar Falls, Booroomba Rocks, Square Rock and include the Australian Alps Walking Track. If the idea of resting up at the end of a day of trekking appeals, plan ahead and book a night or a few at Honeysuckle Campground or Ready Cut Cottage. Sleeping eight, Ready Cut cottage is an early example of a pre-fabricated home in the Gudgenby Valley and makes the perfect base for a trekking holiday.

National Arboretum

Explore over 20 kilometres of family-friendly walking or cycling tracks while enjoying the stunning forest views at the National Arboretum. With an amazing gumnut-themed playground, bonsai garden and much more, this national attraction connects Stromlo Forest Park and Black Mountain/north Canberra.