If too much pavement pounding is jostling your joints, take your run to the Stromlo Forest Park in western Canberra, where the maintenance team has turfed a specialized 2.5k running loop with cushy Santa Ana Couch grass. According to the park’s website, “the circuit has been designed to provide a mixture of fast flat running combined with some tough challenging hilly sections and sharp turns to test all levels of runners. Over time, trees planting will provide shade and protection from winds, making the track even more inviting.” There are also plans in store to expand the loop to connect with runs in Lake Burley Griffin and the Arboretum. In the meantime, there are also shorter 1k, 1.5k, and 2k loop options within the park. Because the track is dedicated specifically for cross country running, there are some specific conditions of use. For example, always run the loop clockwise, unless otherwise noted. Also note that the park is closed on wet days to help maintain the track.
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Current Weather & Forecast
Canberra, AU
11:45 am,
Jun 9, 2026
broken clouds
13°C
L: 12°
H: 13°
Daily ForecastHourly Forecast
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12° / 13°°C
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11 mph
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Other Routes in Canberra, Australia
A 16k 'runseeing' tour features the highlights of this compact, planned city: National University, Botanical Gardens, National Museum, Library, National Rose Garden, Magna Carta Place, Parliament House, High Court Anzac Park, War Memorial.
Without a doubt, the highlight of all running in Canberra is this route around Lake Burley Griffin, which hugs the coast through Commonwealth Park and traverses over the water via two bridges.
Mount Ainslie is an 843 meter hill which serves as the focal point for the Canberra Nature Park in the northeastern corner of the city. While it’s possible to run the drive up to the lookout for a hill training run, a popular 12k route is the loop around the base of the hill.
For an introduction to the Australian bush without the risk, the National Arboretum Canberra is a great spot to learn about flora on foot. It’s not a spot for a lengthy run, but there are two decent 2k circuits that make for a nice quick tour of the trees.
The Runners Club at the Canberra YMCA is particularly fond of the park’s Canberra Centenary Trail, which can form the base of either a 5k or 12k route.
Canberra is not only a running-friendly city, it caters to bike enthusiasts as well. Luckily, cyclists don’t mind sharing the miles upon miles of paved paths in Canberra’s southern suburbs.
For a panoramic view of the city of Canberra, it doesn’t get any better than Mount Taylor, an easy climb conveniently located just outside the suburbs of Torrens (Woden) and Kambah (Tuggeranong).
Canberra hosts a free weekly 5k at Lake Tuggeranong. The entire lake has a loop around it that makes a nice longer run, but an out and back on the bike path in southern section of the lake is the designated 5000 meter course.
There are plenty of running trails between the Black Mountain Reserve and neighboring Aranda Bushland Nature Reserve, but the nicest way up is via the Australian National Botanic Gardens (sometimes known as the “Flower to Tower” route).
Looking for some fun and friendly competition? Canberra hosts a selection of Parkruns throughout the city.
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