Choose your own walking adventure

If there are no events on this weekend, and you can’t afford to get away, why not get out and explore some of Canberra’s trails. Aside from the fresh air and fitness benefits, it’s also an opportunity to take a few awesome photos to diversify your social media.

Here are five trails around Canberra that you might want to try:

Booroomba Rocks

Booroomba Rocks is about an hour’s drive from Canberra in the Namadgi National Park. The best thing about this place is the view from the top overlooking the Brindabella Ranges. The granite cliffs and giant rocks are also pretty spectacular with the scenery screaming for a selfie.

The 2.5 kilometre track is unsealed but well maintained. The walk takes about 1.5 hours return. There are only a few short inclines that will get your heart rate up. There is also a longer 10.5 kilometre track if you’re feeling keen and want to make a day of it.

Getting there can be difficult. The road does become narrow and quite bumpy the closer you get to the trail. You need to keep your wits about you while driving but the journey there is totally worth it. Here’s a map to help you get there.

Kokoda Memorial Trail

This trail pays homage to the Kokoda Track and is found just behind the Australian War Memorial, in Campbell (see directions here). The trail winds its way up to the Mt Ainslie Lookout – one of the best vantage points for viewing the city. It overlooks ANZAC Parade, Lake Burley Griffin, and most of the national attractions making this is the perfect spot to take a tourist snap.

While only a short 4 kilometre walk, it is up a mountain and it’s a fairly constant incline. This trail will work your cardiovascular system. It takes about 1.5 hours (return) and the path is sealed.

Be warned, this track is busy. You’ll share the path with loads of other walkers, and many of them are walking dogs. Be sure to watch out for the out of control sprinters who race down the mountain like their lives depend on it.

One Tree Hill

One Tree Hill is part of the Canberra Centenary Trail and starts off Hall St, in the village of Hall. This trail is a downright pleasant country stroll. There are cattle grids to tip-toe over, butterflies and signs along the way asking walkers to give way to cows. The view from the top is not amazing but you’ll definitely feel like you’ve left the city.

It’s a relatively long walk at 9 kilometres, taking around 3 hours (return) but it doesn’t feel like a long walk. It’s gentle, enjoyable and it’ll still burn a tonne of calories.

Be warned, there are pockets of grasshoppers on the trail and the odd giant flying bug. Here is how to get there.

Mt Painter

This trail is a short six minute drive from the UC and starts off Bindubi St, in Cook. The summit offers a different perspective on the bush capital. There aren’t a lot of trees on the trail, so it’s a chance to experience an open landscape and a great view of the Brindabellas.

The 3.35 kilometre (return) walk is mostly pleasant and it takes about 1.5 hours. There are a few inclines at the start of the trail which might result in some heavy breathing but if you get passed that, you’ll enjoy the rest of the walk.

While getting up the steep sections are difficult, coming back down is even harder. It’s rocky, and more than a few people have skidded their way down that path.

Mt Majura

Mount Majura trail can be accessed from the Hackett Gate,  off Mackenzie St in Hackett. While it is Canberra’s highest Mountain, the view from the top is not spectacular – there are just too many trees in the way. You could still take a selfie from the top, you just might need to be a bit more creative.

This 5km trail will make your legs work and burn some calories. There are some inclines that you think will never end and when you get to the top of one, there is another climb waiting. It takes around 1.5 to 2 hours (return).

The most adventurous part of this trail is tackling the steep descents which are covered in loose rocks, and primed for skidding. There aren’t a lot of walkers on this trail, but there are a lot of mountain bike riders. Watch out for them, and the ants nests.

If none of these trails appeal to you there are plenty of other tracks around Canberra like Black Mountain, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve or Commonwealth Park.

You can find more walks, including maps at the Visit Canberra website.