As the summer heat gives way to crisp mornings and golden afternoons, Ginninderry transforms into an autumn paradise. This vibrant and sustainable community, nestled between the mighty Murrumbidgee River and Ginninderra Creek, with the majestic Brindabellas as a backdrop, offers countless ways to embrace the season. 

Here’s how to make the most of autumn in our corner of Canberra. 

Savour the season at Cafe Stepping Stone

Begin your autumn adventure at Cafe Stepping Stone in Straithnairn, where spectacular views complement a unique vegetarian menu. Open Wednesday through Sunday from 9 am to 4 pm, this isn’t just any cafe – it’s a community initiative providing inclusive employment and practical training for migrant and refugee women from diverse backgrounds. 

Enjoy a hearty seasonal breakfast or lunch on the deck, watching as the Brindabellas don their autumn glow. Their locally sourced menu often features autumn produce, making it the perfect place to taste the flavours of the season while supporting an important social enterprise. 

Explore the Conservation Corridor 

Autumn is arguably the best time to discover Ginninderry’s natural beauty through its extensive network of walking tracks. With cooler temperatures making outdoor activities more comfortable, take advantage of over 13 km of trails winding through the Ginninderry Conservation Corridor. 

Cross Canberra’s first swing bridges and immerse yourself in landscapes that showcase autumn’s palette in all its glory. The tracks offer various distances to suit different fitness levels, from leisurely strolls to more challenging hikes. 

Download the ‘Ginninderry Tracks’ app to hear fascinating stories about the Straithnairn to Shepherds Lookout walk, with more narrative features coming soon for other tracks. 

Discover arts at Straithnairn 

Need activities to fill your weekend? Strathnairn Arts comes alive in autumn with seasonal exhibitions and activities. This not-for-profit arts association, supported by the ACT Government through artsACT, remains one of Canberra’s best-kept secrets, despite serving artists for decades. 

The nine-hectare property features Homestead Galleries with regular mixed media exhibitions, studios, ceramic kilns, a foundry, and the historic Woolshed – all with stunning views toward the Brindabella Mountains. Visit the shop in-store to purchase unique handmade works by local artists and makers, perhaps finding the perfect autumn-inspired piece for your home.

Embrace Community Events 

Autumn in Ginninderry often brings community gatherings that celebrate the season. These events provide the perfect opportunity to connect with neighbours and experience the community spirit that makes Ginninderry special. 

You can stay up to date with everything that’s happening in Ginninderry here. 

Get creative with your camera 

Consider yourself an amateur photographer? With its diverse landscapes and spectacular setting, Ginninderry offers endless opportunities for photography enthusiasts during autumn. Capture the early morning mist rising from the Murrumbidgee River, the changing colours of native trees, or the dramatic autumn skies above the Brindabellas.

Whether you’re a resident or visitor, Ginninderry offers a uniquely Canberran autumn experience. From sustainable cafe culture to natural exploration, artistic discovery to community connection, Ginninderry invites you to slow down, connect with nature and community, and experience autumn in all its glory.