There’s a reason why Canberra is called “The Bush Capital”. We’re lucky enough to live in an area with countless nature trails and bush walks suitable for all levels of fitness and experience. With winter just around the corner, now is the perfect time to head out for an afternoon walk and soak up some sun, before we all start hibernating.

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Mount Taylor
Distance: 860 m
Approx. time to complete: 45 minutes return

Mount Taylor is one of my favourite walks to do at any time of year. Despite having walked it countless times, I still find some points challenging but do-able. The best part of any mountain walk is the view from the top, and Mount Taylor does not disappoint. No matter how many times I see it, the sun setting over south Canberra will never get old.

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Gibraltar Peak
Distance: 8.2 km
Approx. time to complete: 2-3 hours return

The Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve has a huge variety of tracks ranging from easy to difficult. At just over 8 kilometres, Gibraltar Peak is probably more towards the moderate/difficult end of the spectrum. This is another walk with beautiful scenery to distract you (a little) from your hard-working legs. If you’re looking for a fun and different workout, Gibraltar Peak is one to try.

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Mount Ainslie
Distance: 4.2 km
Approx. time to complete: 1.5 hours return

I don’t think you can call yourself a true Canberran until you’ve walked up Mount Ainslie. It takes about 1.5 hours to get up and down, and is definitely challenging – but not to the point of being impossible for the average person to complete. The track is well-marked and there are often other walkers, especially on the weekends. The view from the top is arguably one of the best in Canberra.

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One Tree Hill

Distance: 9 km
Approx. time to complete: 3 hours return

I’m only half-joking when I say that I want to try this trail because it shares the name of a show I was a little obsessed with for most of my time in high school. Who knew we had our own One Tree Hill right here in Canberra? The One Tree Hill Summit is part of the Centenary Trail which starts in Hall and goes for 9km return, taking about 3 hours to complete.