Centenary Trail

The Centenary Trail is a 145-kilometre loop around Canberra and the Australian Capital Territory, offering a unique way to explore the region’s natural beauty, cultural landmarks, and pioneer history. Designed to mark the ACT’s centenary in 2013, this multi-use trail weaves through bushland, along lake shores, and past historic homesteads, providing a immersive outdoor experience for walkers, runners, and cyclists. Whether you tackle a section or the whole loop, you’ll encounter diverse landscapes from the Murrumbidgee River corridors to the ridges of Mount Ainslie, with panoramic views over the capital.

Highlights & What to See

• Mount Ainslie Summit – A classic Canberra viewpoint offering a sweeping panorama of the city’s iconic landmarks, including Parliament House and Lake Burley Griffin.
• Murrumbidgee River Corridor – Follow the river through pockets of remnant bushland, with chances to spot kangaroos, echidnas, and a variety of birdlife.
• Canberra Nature Park reserves – The trail threads through several reserves like Mount Majura and Mount Taylor, where wildflowers bloom in spring and the scent of eucalyptus fills the air.
• Historic homesteads and ruins – Discover the remains of early settler properties, such as the Lanyon Homestead precinct and the Old Coach Road, which whisper stories of the region’s pastoral past.
• Lake Burley Griffin shoreline – The trail’s city section hugs the lake, passing the National Museum of Australia and the Captain Cook Memorial Jet, blending urban culture with outdoor recreation.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow a full day to complete a 20–30 km section at a comfortable pace, stopping for photos and breaks. Most walkers take 5–7 days to finish the entire loop, while cyclists often do it in 2–3 days. If you’re short on time, the northern sections around Mount Ainslie and the Murrumbidgee corridor are the most rewarding for a half-day outing. The trail is well-marked, but download a map or GPS track beforehand, as mobile reception can be patchy in the bush.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Canberra – The nation’s capital is the trail’s hub, offering world-class museums, galleries, and dining to round out your outdoor adventure.
• Namadgi National Park – Just south of the trail, this vast wilderness area features alpine landscapes, granite tors, and Aboriginal rock art sites.
• Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve – A short drive west, this reserve is home to platypuses, koalas, and superb walking tracks through eucalypt forests.
• Queanbeyan – This historic border town across the NSW border has a lively café scene and the Queanbeyan River walking trail.
• Lake Burley Griffin – The trail itself laps the lake, but you can also hire a kayak or take a scenic cruise to see the capital from the water.

Please check official sources for current details.