WORDS Beatrice Smith

PHOTOS Andrew ly & Adam McGrath

FIVE WALKING TRACKS TO DISCOVER

From picturesque tracks to stunning flora and fauna, there’s plenty to see as you immerse yourself in the magical landscape of open woodland, native grasslands, and flowing rivers in the Belconnen region. Make the most of the cool weather with five of its best walking tracks.

Ginninderry’s new walking track to SHEPHERDS LOOKOUT

The newest walking track in Ginninderry gives visitors the opportunity to walk through areas that were previously inaccessible to the public.

Starting from The Link, the picturesque track entwines its way through ever-changing vegetation types and landscapes for 3.4 kilometres before connecting up with the existing ACT Government track network. From there it’s only 800 metres to Shepherds Lookout.

Created using local materials that ensured minimal impact on the natural environment, this walking track reflects the history of the area with sculptures of Wallaby Grass, Chocolate Lily and Kangaroo Grass waiting to be found among protected flora and fauna communities, along with the iconic Gruners lookout.

MOUNT PAINTER SUMMIT WALK

Starting from Bindubi Street, just past Cook, The Mount Painter summit walk consists of three separate lookouts with spectacular vistas across Mount Ainslie, Black Mountain and the Arboretum, and Brindabella ranges.

The 3.7km walk takes about an hour return and ambles along bitumen and gravel trails, with a short set of stairs that take you to the summit.

Once at the top you are treated to unique views across the city and mountain ranges—perfect for the obligatory selfies—before making your way back down.

THE PINNACLE NATURE TRAIL

Home to a Red Stringybark forest, the Pinnacle Nature Trail is an easy walk with magnificent views.

Full of bush hills and ridges that are part of Canberra Nature Park, the trail takes approximately an hour to complete and offers a leisurely walk filled with the songs of native birds including Crimson Rosellas, cockatoos, and kookaburras.

Access the trail via Springvale Drive, Dungowan Street, Marrakai Street, and Woolner Circuit and, enjoy the sweeping grassland.

 

KAMA NATURE RESERVE WALK

Showcasing the best of Canberra’s bushland and some of the most spectacular views of the Brindabellas, Kama Nature Reserve is home to many important species including the endangered Yellow Box— Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodland.

Opposite the suburb of Hawker, leave your vehicle at the car park accessed off William Hovell Drive and choose from two marked walks that take you to Kama Dam or down to the Molonglo River.

 

WOODSTOCK RESERVE WALK

Perfect for hikers, this trail is considered a moderately challenging route. Starting close to Uriarra Crossing, it winds its way through farmland and offers stunning views of Canberra’s bush backyard and the Murrumbidgee River.

Popular with birdwatchers, there are also pockets of sandy beaches that attract waterbirds and avid picnickers. Ideal for the adventurous spirit, it’s a unique walk that explores the hidden side of the Murrumbidgee River catchment.