Canberra, Australia’s capital, is known for its carefully planned design and a perfect balance between urban landscapes and natural beauty. Having traveled extensively and cycled through many cities, I can confidently say that Canberra stands out for its cycling-friendly environment. Whether you’re a cycling enthusiast or a family looking to enjoy a leisurely ride, Canberra offers a range of scenic cycling routes that allow you to explore the best of both the city and nature.
I’ll share my personal experiences of cycling through three amazing routes in Canberra, along with my honest thoughts on the services, advantages, and potential drawbacks of each. Additionally, I’ll be recommending four more routes that I believe will provide a similarly enriching experience, each with its unique charm. From the heart of the city to peaceful lakesides and rugged nature reserves, there’s a route here for every type of cyclist.
My Top Three Cycling Routes in Canberra
1. Lake Burley Griffin Circuit
Location: Lake Burley Griffin, Canberra ACT 2600
Distance: 20 km (approx.)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Route Overview:
As someone who loves to start my cycling journeys with stunning views and a laid-back atmosphere, the Lake Burley Griffin Circuit is always my go-to route. This ride offers the perfect combination of city views and natural surroundings. The lake itself is at the heart of Canberra, and cycling around it allows you to experience both the iconic urban architecture and the natural beauty of the area. The route is very well-maintained and is suitable for cyclists of all levels.
My Experience:
I began my journey at the Commonwealth Park, where I rented a bike from the nearby Canberra Bikeshare station. The first part of the ride takes you along the picturesque Lake Burley Griffin, offering expansive views of the water, the city’s skyline, and the surrounding mountains. Along the way, you’ll pass several major landmarks, including the National Gallery of Australia, the National Library, and the Carillon Bell Tower on Aspen Island.
One of the standout features of this route is the opportunity to explore Commonwealth Park, which is full of gardens, open spaces, and recreational areas. As I cycled through the park, I couldn’t help but notice the families enjoying picnics, people rowing on the lake, and others walking their dogs along the pathways. There’s something about the atmosphere around Lake Burley Griffin that feels both urban and serene.
As I made my way further along the route, I reached the Kings Park area, where I took a short break and enjoyed the view of the lake’s serene waters framed by towering trees. The pathway around the lake is generally flat, making it an easy ride for anyone, whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a beginner.
Pros:
- Scenic Views: The combination of urban architecture and natural beauty makes this route one of the most picturesque in Canberra.
- Accessibility: The route is well-paved and flat, suitable for cyclists of all skill levels.
- Landmarks: The proximity to iconic national landmarks provides cultural enrichment while cycling.
- Bike Rental: There are bike rental stations at several points around the lake, which makes it incredibly convenient for tourists and locals alike.
Cons:
- Crowds: Since the lake is a popular area, it can get crowded on weekends or during school holidays, especially in the more accessible areas like Commonwealth Park.
- Limited Challenge: Experienced cyclists might find the route a bit too easy or repetitive, as it doesn’t offer much variation in terrain or technical challenge.
Pricing and Discounts:
I rented my bike from Canberra Bikeshare, where bike rentals start from $5 for an hour. They offer day passes as well, which provide unlimited use of bikes throughout the day. There are also family passes available, which make the experience more affordable for larger groups.
Personal Tip:
Start early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid the crowds and enjoy a more peaceful ride. If you have time, stop for a coffee at the lakeside café and enjoy the view of the water.
2. Mount Ainslie Loop
Location: Mount Ainslie, Canberra ACT 2601
Distance: 7.5 km (approx.)
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
Route Overview:
For those looking for a more adventurous cycling experience, the Mount Ainslie Loop offers a perfect blend of challenging terrain and rewarding views. This route is ideal for cyclists who want to test their stamina while enjoying breathtaking views of Canberra. The loop around Mount Ainslie is a slightly more technical ride, but it’s worth it for the panoramic views at the top.
My Experience:
I began this ride from the base of Mount Ainslie near the Mount Ainslie Lookout, where I took the Mount Ainslie Trail. The initial climb is steep and a bit of a challenge, especially for those who aren’t used to hilly terrain. However, the effort is quickly rewarded as the trail levels out, and I found myself cycling through beautiful forested areas, with native trees providing a cool shade along the way.
When I finally reached the summit, I was treated to an unparalleled view of the entire city of Canberra, including the Parliament House, Lake Burley Griffin, and the Brindabella Mountains in the distance. It was a perfect spot for a short break, and I couldn’t resist taking a few photos of the sweeping landscape.
The descent back down was exhilarating, as the winding path provided a thrilling ride, but I made sure to take it slow to ensure safety. The road is well-maintained, but there are a few sharp turns that require attention.
Pros:
- Views: The panoramic views of the city and surrounding landscapes from the top of Mount Ainslie are stunning and worth the climb.
- Nature: Cycling through the forested areas on the way up offers a peaceful experience surrounded by native flora.
- Challenge: This route offers a great physical challenge, making it ideal for cyclists looking for a more strenuous workout.
Cons:
- Difficulty: The climb can be challenging, especially for beginners or those who are not used to hilly terrain.
- Technical Terrain: While the route is well-maintained, it can be a bit tricky in places due to the steep incline and sharp turns, so it’s not ideal for beginners.
Pricing and Discounts:
This route is free to cycle, as it is part of Canberra’s network of public trails. There are no fees or rentals specifically for this route, although renting a mountain bike might be more comfortable for those tackling the steeper terrain.
Personal Tip:
If you’re cycling during summer, bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen, as the climb can be quite strenuous under the midday sun. I also recommend bringing a camera to capture the stunning views at the top.
3. National Arboretum Canberra Loop
Location: Forest Drive, Weston Creek ACT 2611
Distance: 12 km (approx.)
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
Route Overview:
The National Arboretum Canberra is one of my favorite places to cycle because it offers a peaceful escape into nature while still being relatively close to the city. This route is perfect for families or anyone who enjoys a relaxed ride through lush greenery. The Arboretum is home to a diverse range of forests and offers a number of bike-friendly paths with gentle slopes.
My Experience:
I started my cycling adventure at the National Arboretum’s Visitor Centre, where I picked up a map of the different trails. The route takes you through various forests, including the Southern Tablelands Woodland and the Australian National Bonsai and Penjing Collection, where you can see beautiful, meticulously cared-for trees. Along the way, I enjoyed the sounds of native birds and the tranquility of the forest.
The cycling paths are wide and well-paved, making it easy to navigate. The route is mostly flat with a few gentle inclines, so it’s suitable for families with children. I took a leisurely pace, enjoying the shade and fresh air, and made several stops to admire the views of the surrounding hills and the Lake Burley Griffin in the distance.
One of the highlights was cycling to the Slopes of the Southern Forest, where the Forest 20 (a collection of 1000-year-old trees) is located. The trees are simply majestic, and cycling through this area felt like being in a living, breathing natural cathedral.
Pros:
- Peaceful and Scenic: The route offers a peaceful, scenic ride with beautiful views of native forests and the city skyline.
- Suitable for Families: The route is easy enough for children and beginners, with plenty of opportunities to stop and explore.
- Nature and Education: The Arboretum is not only a great place to cycle but also a fantastic educational experience with information about various plant species.
Cons:
- Limited Challenge: For more experienced cyclists, this route may feel too easy, as it lacks technical terrain and significant elevation changes.
- Can Get Warm: During summer, the sun can get quite hot, especially in the open spaces, so it’s best to cycle in the early morning or late afternoon.
Pricing and Discounts:
The route is free to access, and the Arboretum itself has free entry. If you need to rent a bike, Canberra Bikeshare is available in the area, or you can hire from local bike shops such as The Bike Shed.
Personal Tip:
I recommend bringing a picnic to enjoy after your ride at the designated picnic areas. The peaceful surroundings make it an ideal spot for a relaxing break.
Recommended Routes for Cycling in Canberra
1. Yarralumla Loop
A shorter, beginner-friendly route that loops around the Yarralumla Bay area near Lake Burley Griffin. It’s perfect for a quick ride with family or friends.
2. Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
For nature lovers, this route offers a scenic ride through one of Canberra’s most beautiful nature reserves, home to native wildlife like kangaroos and emus.
3. Weston Creek to Cotter River
This route offers a longer, more challenging ride through Weston Creek, taking you along picturesque mountain roads and ending at the serene Cotter River.
4. Canberra to Queanbeyan Cycle Path
A longer route for more experienced cyclists, this path connects Canberra to the nearby town of Queanbeyan, offering a blend of urban and rural cycling.
Cycling in Canberra is a truly rewarding experience. Whether you’re cycling around the lake, tackling mountain trails, or enjoying the serenity of nature reserves, there’s a route for everyone. Based on my personal experiences, I highly recommend trying the Lake Burley Griffin Circuit for its scenic charm, the Mount Ainslie Loop for a challenging climb with epic views, and the National Arboretum Canberra Loop for a peaceful ride through lush forests. Whatever route you choose, I’m sure you’ll enjoy exploring Canberra’s incredible combination of city and nature through cycling.