The best walks and lookouts around Canberra

One of the quiet joys of life in Canberra is how easy it is to swap your desk for a ridge line. The city is ringed by nature reserves and threaded with shared paths, so a proper walk and a sweeping view are rarely more than a short drive or ride away. Getting outside is good for the body and the head, and these four routes are among the most rewarding the capital has to offer, whatever your fitness level.

Mount Ainslie

If you do only one Canberra climb, make it Mount Ainslie. The summit walk, also known as the Kokoda Track, starts behind the Australian War Memorial and runs about 4.5 kilometres return with a 250-metre ascent on a sealed, moderate-difficulty path. The reserve's summit sits at 842 metres above sea level, and the lookout at the top frames the city's grand axis perfectly, looking straight down Anzac Parade to the War Memorial, across Lake Burley Griffin to Parliament House, with the mountains of Namadgi National Park beyond. It is a favourite at sunrise and sunset, when the light softens and the city begins to glow.

Red Hill

On the southern side of the lake, Red Hill Nature Reserve offers a gentler reward for a similar payoff. Walking trails wind through native bushland to the lookout, which gives striking views across central Canberra, Lake Burley Griffin and Parliament House. The reserve is a haven for wildlife, and at dawn or dusk you can often spot eastern grey kangaroos grazing on the open grasslands, along with rosellas and other birdlife. Loop tracks of varying length mean you can keep it short or stretch it into a more solid circuit.

Lake Burley Griffin loop

For a flat, accessible option that suits walkers, runners and prams alike, nothing beats the lake. The National Capital Authority's self-guided shoreline route between Commonwealth Avenue Bridge and Kings Avenue Bridge covers roughly 5 kilometres and takes about one to two hours at an easy pace. Along the way you pass Commonwealth Park, the National Carillon, Reconciliation Place and a string of memorials and cultural institutions. Keen walkers can keep going well beyond the central basin, as the lake's recreational track follows a shoreline of more than 40 kilometres in total.

Black Mountain

To the west, Black Mountain rises to 812 metres and is one of the most biodiverse of Canberra's nature parks, home to hundreds of bird and plant species just a few kilometres from the city centre. The summit walk climbs through dry sclerophyll forest, often beginning near the Australian National Botanic Gardens, and finishes near the base of the landmark communications tower with views back over the lake and the inner north. It is a steady climb rather than a stroll, which makes the outlook at the top feel well earned.

A few sensible tips

• Carry water, especially in summer, as Canberra days can be hot and the climbs are exposed in places.
• Wear sturdy shoes for Mount Ainslie and Black Mountain, where the track turns to gravel and uneven ground.
• Dawn and dusk are the best times for wildlife, soft light and cooler temperatures, but take a torch if you plan to descend after dark.
• Keep dogs on leads where signs require it, and give kangaroos plenty of space.
• Check the relevant Parks ACT or National Capital Authority page before you set out, as tracks can close for maintenance or fire-risk reasons.

The beauty of these four is their variety. You can chase a sunrise from a ridge, wander a flat lakeside lap on your lunch break, or earn a forest summit on the weekend. Mix them through the seasons and you will come to know Canberra from every angle, which is one of the simplest and most reliable ways to feel well in this city.