ACT Council Delivers Free Senior Fitness Programs at Canberra Parks and Trails

The ACT Government launched additional free fitness sessions for seniors this month at venues including the shores of Lake Burley Griffin and the Tuggeranong Town Centre.

These programs arrive as national recession concerns ease and local health services report steady demand for preventive activities that keep older adults active without added expense. ACT Health data shows residents in the 60-plus age group make up a growing share of community program users, prompting the council to add slots at established outdoor sites rather than indoor facilities.

Classes at named Canberra spots

Walk-and-strength sessions meet every Tuesday and Thursday at 9.30am near the Kings Avenue Bridge on Lake Burley Griffin, where participants use park benches for balance work before a short loop along the shared path. A separate chair-based circuit runs Mondays at 10am in Tuggeranong’s central plaza on Anketell Street, coordinated through the local parkrun network and open to anyone with a Medicare card. Both locations sit within easy reach of bus stops on Northbourne Avenue and the Tuggeranong bus interchange.

Participation numbers and next steps

Records from the 2025-26 financial year show 1,842 individual attendances across the existing senior program, with an average class size of 18 people. No fees apply and bookings are taken by phone or through the ACT Government’s community portal. Residents can check updated timetables at the Dickson and Woden libraries or call Access Canberra on 13 22 81 for the current roster. Those new to exercise are advised to speak with their GP before joining, as the sessions are designed for gradual progression rather than high intensity.