With the warmer months (slowly, but surely) approaching, now is the perfect time to start planning your next adventure! There is a heap to see and do in the nation’s capital and Canberra offers an outdoor experience unlike any other Australian city. Your next outdoor adventure is just a stones-throw away so start planning with these great outdoor spots.
Explore Namadgi National Park’s pristine bush land and fascinating history. Here, you can walk, climb, mountain bike, fish or even 4WD!
If bushwalking or hiking is your calling, Namadgi National Park and its surroundings are right up your alley. My personal favourite, and probably most popular is Booroomba Rocks, which is nestled on the other side of Mt Tennant (another great hike) and Namadgi National Park. This spot is great for a day trip, bush walk and a picnic with amazing views from the top!
Namadgi provides a wide range of recreational activities for the outdoor explorer. Some popular walks include: Granite Tors walking track, Settlers track, Square Rock walking track and the Yerrambi walking track.
Located in the centre of Canberra is the famous Lake Burley Griffin. Even though you may drive past it on your way to and from work if you take the time to walk around the lake there is a lot to discover. Around the lake you can find landmarks, memorials and other special places, that can be explored by walking, running, biking, rowing, or even paddle boating. Lake Burley Griffin is the perfect playground for any outdoor explorer, catering to both land and water babies.
With about 40km of shoreline to play with, cyclists and walkers share the path, while those braver explorers can jump into the water to row a kayak, join the dragon boat clan, or paddle boat with a friend – the options are endless!
The National Arboretum is a botanical wonderland full of beautiful endangered and symbolic trees from Australia and around the world. Here, the outdoor explorer can enjoy free and self-guided tours, visitor centre, interactive displays, outdoor sculptures, The Conservatory café and picnic areas around the 250-hectare site. Depending on your level of enthusiasm, you can walk, drive, cycle or even horse-ride around the place to take in some of Canberra’s most amazing views.
With plenty to see and do, Canberra and its surrounding district is definitely an explorer’s playground. Outdoor activities are possible all year round – so get exploring!
Located approximately 22km west of Civic is Cotter Reserve – a local favourite as the weather starts to get a little warmer. Splash around in the cool water of Cotter Dam, enjoy a barbecue with the family or simply sit back and relax in the beautiful Canberra spring weather.
If you enjoy a great hike and being amongst the flora and fauna of Canberra bush, then you must try the trails of Mount Ainslie. Whether you ride you bike or enjoy a hike up to the summit to the Mount Ainslie lookout, the beautiful view from the top will make the experience worth while. The lookout is open daily with picnic areas scattered around the place – perfect for an outdoor escape.
Just 45 minutes away from central Canberra, a wilderness adventure awaits at Corin Forrest. This is the perfect weekend day trip that will keep the kids entertained for hours-on-end. With a 1.2km Alpine Slide that tracks through the majestic Mountain Ash Forrest, an onsite café, cycling track and an eclectic events agenda, Corin Forest is the place to be for an avid outdoor explorer.
