Kids are back to school, parents are back to work and students back to university – let the stress begin! This stress can often dissolve any of your New Year’s goals before they’ve even begun. But we’re here to get those physical ambitions back on track with a list of the seven best bushwalks in the Canberra region.
- TIDBINBILLA NATURE RESERVE
If you want to embrace the wildlife on your walk, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is definitely for you. Kangaroos, emus, koalas, wombats, and platypuses inhabit the area and are great for wildlife spotting, while the endangered brush-tailed rock wallaby also occupies the reserve, and with a successful breeding program, there is a good chance you will spot them.
- NAMADGI NATIONAL PARK
160km of different walking trails is what awaits you at the Namadgi National Park. The park combines natural wonder with Indigenous heritage and a generally wonderful region to explore.
- AINSLIE
One of the most popular walks, Mt. Ainslie provides some of the best views in Canberra. Overlooking Old Parliament House, it is well worth the walk. It is about 2km each way with plenty of steps and alternative access, so you can ride or drive.
- BLACK MOUNTAIN
Another popular trail is located just west of Mt. Ainslie. Black Mountain has a stunning forest track which takes roughly an hour to walk. The bush on the mountain is described as having a ‘rainforest ambiance’.
- NATIONAL ARBORETUM
This visually spectacular track combines some of the best design and natural beauty in Canberra. The Arboretum passes 250 hectares of tree-covered land, spread out over the slopes. You will definitely enjoy every moment of the walk, with many ‘selfie’ spots available.
- ONE TREE HILL
Although the name eludes to a famous American TV show, One Tree Hill is, in fact, a gentle hour-long trail across the Brindabella mountain range. The track is perfect for beginners starting out with a relatively easy incline.
- MURRUMBIDGEE DISCOVERY TRACK
Finally, Murrumbidgee track is a must for all ‘southsiders’, with walking and mountain bike trails galore across the region. This trail has it all, from the Casuarina sands to the rapids of the Murrumbidgee River. The track is also very well signposted to make your walk a little easier.
Canberra is blessed with an array of natural beauty, we are, after all the ‘bush capital.’ So, get out of the house this February, see the beauty and get that New Year’s goal back on track.
