Discover the Australian Capital Territory

If you’re planning a stay in the Australian Capital Territory, you can focus on nature, culture or activities on the water. Namadgi National Park is known for its bushland and walking trails, Canberra for its urban planning, and Lake Burley Griffin for lakeside paths and activities on the water.

Walking trails, bushland and wildlife watching

Namadgi National Park protects 106,095 hectares of alpine, subalpine and montane bushland. It also has several hundred kilometres of walking trails. Together, the protected landscape and extensive trail network make Namadgi a clear choice for a stay focused on walking. A gentle walk to Yankee Hat leads to ancient Ngunnawal rock art. If you plan to take this trail, check the latest access information before your visit, as access status may change.

Another way to combine nature and activity is the Canberra Centenary Trail: this 138-kilometre self-guided trail is intended for shared use by walkers, runners and cyclists. It also includes sites and landscapes of significance to the Ngunnawal. When planning, both the trail’s length and your chosen mode of travel, as well as its cultural significance, are part of the same experience. Keep shared use in mind when choosing your route.

Wildlife and birdwatching aren’t limited to one park: animals and birds can be observed in their natural habitat in almost every park or reserve in the Australian Capital Territory. If you’d like to include this in your trip, wildlife watching can be a focus in its own right, alongside longer hikes or a walk to see the rock art.

Urban planning, collections and history

Canberra is considered an open-air museum of urban planning. Its development is presented through ideas ranging from “City Beautiful” and “Garden City” to the concept of “sustainable environment development”. This gives urban planning a distinct place among the cultural themes of the Australian Capital Territory, offering a different focus from walking or wildlife watching.

The Australian War Memorial’s permanent exhibitions include more than 7,000 objects from the Memorial’s collection. The routes to the entrance are also clearly described for visitors: paved paths for pedestrians and bicycles lead there. As access arrangements may change, check the latest access information before your visit. Another named collection highlight is the National Bonsai and Penjing Collection of Australia, housed at the National Arboretum Canberra.

Paths and activities at Lake Burley Griffin

At Lake Burley Griffin, you can explore the paths around the lake on foot, by bicycle or by e-scooter. Activities on the water include boat trips, picnics on the water and pedal boat outings. This gives you different ways to spend your time: exploring the paths around the lake or enjoying activities on the water. If you’re planning a specific trip, check the latest information from the operators, as details may change.

Plan your stay and hotel search

For your trip, you can group the topics described here into different focuses: walking trails and bushland, urban planning and collections, or activities around Lake Burley Griffin. When comparing specific options, consider how their locations match the places and activities you have in mind. This way, your choice starts with your itinerary rather than a general idea of what a hotel should offer.

Discover more destinations: Canberra, Campbell, Barton, Acton, Nicholls, North West Rural Canberra, Kambah, Macquarie, Weetangera, Majura, Pialligo, Curtin, Monash.

For the overall travel guide: Australia.