Ginninderry residents know they live in an area of natural beauty which invites constant exploration and enjoyment.

But the establishment of 10km of new walking tracks and Canberra’s first swing bridges will be a drawcard for the entire region.

The Ginninderry Conservation Trust officially opened the tracks on Tuesday 21 May, alongside Deputy Chief Minister, Yvette Berry MLA, who says the new walking tracks are a fantastic addition to a landscape that has rich First Nations and European history.

“This area of Belconnen is not only rich in natural beauty, but it is also steeped in history. I’m so excited for Canberrans to come and learn more about the history and culture of our local area,” she says.

Built by Canberra-based trail builders Iconic Trails and funded by Ginninderry, the trails invite residents and visitors alike to immerse themselves in the Conservation Corridor and enjoy expansive landscapes along the Murrumbidgee River.

The new tracks offer everything to suit everybody, including a range of distances with options to suit various fitness levels. A definite highlight includes Canberra’s very first swing bridges at 15m and 37m in length which are likely to appeal to those who like their nature immersion with a little extra excitement!

These tracks build upon the popular Strathnairn-to-Shepherds Lookout walk and take the total distance of walking trails to over 13km.

The Ginninderry Conservation Trust will be consulting with a range of groups over the coming months to develop interpretative signage and artwork that connects with the community and tells the story of the location’s rich cultural and natural values.

Included in this will be a suite of interactive stations for the dedicated children’s trail, providing young explorers with an engaging and educational adventure.

“There has been a lot of anticipation from the community about when they can get out and enjoy the tracks, and we’re really excited to be now able to share more of the Conservation Corridor with visitors to the area,” says Dr Jason Cummings, CEO of the Ginninderry Conservation Trust.

The Conservation Corridor plays an important role in the preservation of the environmental and cultural values of the area, and the additional walking tracks provide further opportunities for people to enjoy its benefits and to educate the community on its value.

“We’re really proud to be involved with a project of this significance,” says Stephen Harding, Project Director of Ginninderry.

“We’re passionate about preserving and enhancing our natural environment while providing opportunities for the community to connect with the natural environment, so this is a great opportunity for people to experience more of the Corridor”.