Canberra Centenary Trail

The Canberra Centenary Trail is a 145-kilometre loop that circles Australia's capital, offering a spectacular way to experience the city's diverse landscapes, from bushland and grasslands to urban parklands and lake foreshores. Designed for walkers and cyclists, this multi-day trail celebrates Canberra's centenary and provides an intimate encounter with the region's natural beauty, historic sites, and cultural landmarks.

Highlights & What to See

• Mount Ainslie Lookout – A short detour from the trail rewards you with panoramic views over Canberra's parliamentary triangle and Lake Burley Griffin.
• Black Mountain – Climb to the Telstra Tower for sweeping vistas, or explore the native gardens at the Australian National Botanic Gardens nearby.
• Lake Burley Griffin – The trail hugs the lake's shoreline, passing the National Carillon and Captain Cook Memorial Jet.
• Mulligans Flat Woodland Sanctuary – A conservation area where you can spot eastern grey kangaroos and reintroduced bettongs in a box-gum woodland.
• One Tree Hill – A historic site with a lone tree that served as a landmark for early settlers, offering quiet rural scenery.
• Goorooyarroo Nature Reserve – A haven for birdlife and wildflowers, especially in spring.
• Canberra Nature Park – The trail weaves through several reserves, including Gossan Hill and The Pinnacle, showcasing eucalypt forests and granite outcrops.

Suggested Time to Spend

Allow at least 5–7 days to complete the full loop on foot, or 2–3 days by mountain bike. Most walkers tackle it in sections, with each day covering 20–30 kilometres. For a more relaxed pace, base yourself in Canberra and do day hikes on the best segments—such as the northern section through Mulligans Flat or the southern leg along the Murrumbidgee River. The trail is well-marked and offers campgrounds and huts at key points, but you can also stay in town and use public transport to access trailheads.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Namadgi National Park – Just south of Canberra, this alpine wilderness offers rugged peaks, granite tors, and the historic Yankee Hat Aboriginal rock art site.
• Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve – A sanctuary for platypus, koalas, and kangaroos, with walking trails through wetlands and eucalypt forests.
• Canberra's Parliamentary Triangle – Visit Parliament House, the Australian War Memorial, and the National Gallery of Australia before or after your trail adventure.
• Lake Burley Griffin – Spend an afternoon kayaking, cycling the lakeside paths, or picnicking at Commonwealth Park.
• Murrumbidgee River Corridor – The trail follows parts of this river; explore further along its banks for swimming holes and scenic gorges.

Please check official sources for current details.