Five Hikes to Hit this Spring

When it comes to hiking, Canberra is stacked full of tracks for you and budding trekkers to go and run around.

Depending if you’re looking for a short little 5km trek or an overnighter, the capital territory has something for everyone… or at least those that like to get out into the wilderness and feel connected with mother nature.

We here at QT Canberra care about you finding the right track for you, so here’s a handy little guide to five hiking trails that you need to hit up this Spring.

Mt. Ainslie

Leave QT Canberra early, if the Night Audit team are still crunching the numbers on the front desk, you’re on time. Make your way towards the Anzac Memorial and grab a drink of water before starting the goat track to the top. It gets tough, but you must keep going. Then it get’s really tough, again, you got this, keep at it. Once at the top and the sun is rising over the capital, you’ll be happy you stuck with it.

Gossan Hill

It’s a well-hidden nature reserve and makes up a large part of south-east Belconnen. If you’re wanting to feel like you’re off the beaten track, yet not too far from town, this is your jam. The whole reserve takes up a whopping 47 hectares and is packed with wildlife and a stunning array of flora.

Yankee Hat

Keen to see a bunch of kangaroos and some stunning indigenous artwork? This is the place just for that. Located in Namadgi National Park, the Yankee Hat trail is home to the only known indigenous art site in the ACT. It’s an easy 6km return track over grassland.

Murrumbidgee Discovery Track

This one starts to ramp up the distance. 27 kilometres of solid walking track, you won’t be disappointed. It’s a big track, but well worth your time. You could cut it up into little bits or tackle the monster as one. The trail follows the lake from Point Hut Crossing, passes Kambah Pools and wraps up at Casuarina Sands. Those looking for a swim/hike, this one is made for you.

Canberra Centenary Trail

If you’re looking to cover this one from start to finish, lock yourself in for either seven days of walking or 3 days of cycling. It covers the entire of the ACT, all of it. The track is 145kms long and isn’t for the faint-hearted, though is one for the books. Enjoy the burn as you take on the entire capital, from top to bottom.

If you’re wanting to hunt out your own list of trails, head over HERE to discover all that’s on offer in the ACT.

words by ben stephens