List of Bushwalks in District of Woden Valley

Environment

Red Hill North Mini Circuit

Red Hill North Mini Circuit

2.1 km circuit

45 min to 1 h

Starting from Buxton Street, Deakin, this circuit walk gives you a mini tour of the northern part of the Red Hill Nature Reserve via various fire trails and loops back. After you enjoy the panoramic views over Canberra from the lookout, you’ll pass by “The TARDIS”. Try and knock the door, who knows, maybe the infamous doctor is in. Even if he isn’t, you still have the option to birdwatch, as there are plenty of bird species in the reserve. The area tends to be busy on the weekends, so try to schedule the walk on a weekday if you want to avoid the crowd. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Farrer Hill Trail is a circuit walk starting from Muresk Street, Farrer. This walk takes you through the Farrer Ridge Nature Reserve, a pet-friendly (on lead), secluded location that serves as a green belt between suburbia. There is a bench at the top of the hill where you can get panoramic views over Tuggeranong and the Brindabellas. You can even spot the Telstra Tower in the distance. Keep an eye out for galahs and finches as you enjoy the scenery. Keep in mind that the reserve is home to the endangered Yellow Box-Blakely's Red Gum Grassy Woodland. Also, you have a good chance of having the whole place to yourself. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Farrer Hill Trail

2.2 km circuit

45 min to 1 h

Environment

Mount Mugga Mugga Western Circuit

Mount Mugga Mugga Western Circuit

2.3 km circuit

45 min to 1 h

Mount Mugga Mugga Western Circuit is a circuit walk starting from the Akame Circuit in O'Malley, crossing a stream(bed) twice via fords. This walk takes you through the Mount Mugga Mugga Nature Reserve, a natural landscape filled with wildlife such as kangaroos and rabbits. You can also birdwatch here, as the reserve is home to many interesting bird species like the Rainbow Lorikeet. From time to time, views of Jerrabombera and Woden valleys can be seen through the trees. This walk is pet friendly (on-lead), so feel free to bring your furry friends along. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

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Environment

Mount Taylor Zig Zag Track

Mount Taylor Zig Zag Track

2.4 km return

1 h to 1 h 15 min

Starting from Parkhill Street, Pearce, this walk takes you to the summit of Mount Taylor via the Mount Taylor Zig Zag Track and back. The hill, which is believed to get its name from James Taylor(a squatter), has great panoramic views of Canberra and the Brindabella Range. You can also see the towering Telstra Tower from the top. It’s a great way to quickly escape the hustle and bustle of modern life. Additionally, birdwatching can be worthwhile, as the reserve is home to various bird species, such as magpies and raptors. The area tends to be busy on the weekends, so try to schedule the walk on a weekday if you want to avoid the crowd. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

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Environment

Clarrie Hermes Park East is a return walk starting from Claire Herres Park car park in Hughes. This walk is suitable for all ages and abilities, prams, and wheelchairs, as it is a smooth flat path. It is also pet friendly (on a lead), so you can bring your furry friends along. Actually, the oval at the start is an off-leash area, but check the local signs to be sure. Take a breather at the dog-friendly cafe nearby, which also has ample space. There is a playground nearby as well. Enjoy the urban landscape as you make your way between the suburbs. Keep in mind that there is a small yet continuous elevation change along the track. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Clarrie Hermes Park East

2.4 km return

40 min to 1 h

Clarrie Hermes Park East

Environment

Urban

Bus

Davidson Hill Mini Circuit

Davidson Hill Mini Circuit

2.4 km circuit

45 min to 1 h 15 min

Starting from the car park near Mugga Way, Red Hill, this circuit walk gives you a compact tour of the southern side of Red Hill Nature Reserve, visiting Davidson Hill along the way. As you enjoy the views over Canberra throughout the track, a purple blanket of wildflowers may come into your view if you’re there in spring. Don’t fret if you can’t see any purple though, as there’s much more to the walk than the flora. Enjoy a meal at the Onred Restaurant, observe the city from the lookout points, take in the scenery and watch for kangaroos and birds as there are plenty in the reserve. The area tends to be busy on the weekends, so try to schedule it on a weekday if you want to avoid the crowd. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Curtin Southwestern Circuit

Curtin Southwestern Circuit

2.9 km circuit

45 min to 1 h 15 min

The Curtin Southwestern Circuit is a circuit walk starting from the Ron Reynolds Training Centre car park, Curtin. This walk is pet friendly and takes you through an urban landscape, so you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the city. Expect views of Mount Ainslie and Black Mountain on one side and the Brindabellas on the other. You will be minutes away from dog-friendly cafes throughout the journey. There are off-leash sections (informal), but heed the local signs at all times. Keep in mind that there is a small yet continuous elevation change along the track. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Urban

Bus

Mount Taylor Zig Zag Loop

Mount Taylor Zig Zag Loop

3.9 km circuit

1 h 15 min to 2 h

Starting from Parkhill Street, Pearce, this circuit walk takes you to the summit of Mount Taylor via the Zig Zag Track, then descends and loops back to the start via various trails. Supposedly named after James Taylor(a squatter), Mount Taylor will reward you with lovely panoramic views of the Brindabella Range and southern Canberra as you make it to the top. Let the Telstra Tower above Black Mountain be your guide on this walk, as it can be seen from almost everywhere in the reserve. There are also plenty of scenic benches for you to sit on and take in the different views of Tuggeranong Valley. By the way, the Aboriginal expression Tuggeranong actually means ‘cold plains’, if you didn’t know. The area tends to be busy on weekends, so try to schedule the walk on a weekday if you want to avoid the crowd. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

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Environment

Mount Taylor Zig Zag Descent

Mount Taylor Zig Zag Descent

4.3 km circuit

1 h 30 min to 2 h 15 min

4.3 km

Circuit

Walk

1 h 30 min to 2 h 15 min

Starting from Sulwood Drive, Kambah, this circuit walk takes you to the summit of Mount Taylor via Mt. Taylor Hill Climb Walking Track. Descending via the Zig Zag Track, it then follows a creek back to the start. Elevate yourself from the busy city with a peaceful but challenging hike through the woodland, and enjoy the panoramic views all over Canberra from the top. You can also birdwatch as there are lots of bird species flying above the reserve, magpies and raptors being some of them. Kangaroos may also make an appearance along the way, so hold on to your dog's leash just in case. The area tends to be busy on the weekends, so try to schedule the walk on a weekday if you want to avoid the crowd. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

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Environment

Isaacs Ridge Circuit starts near Long Gully Road, Jerrabomberra, exploring the woodlands of Isaacs Ridge Nature Reserve mostly via wide trails and loops back. This route can be a quick little escape from the city’s business and haste, as you’ll find yourself in between pine and eucalyptus trees in no time. Whether you’re by yourself or with family, this pleasant circuit walk is a great way to get your weekly dose of nature. Don’t forget to keep an ear out for fellow riders whilst on the route. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Isaacs Ridge Circuit

4.5 km circuit

1 h 30 min to 2 h 15 min

1 h 30 min to 2 h 15 min

Environment

Mount Taylor Circuit starts from Sulwood Drive, Kambah, exploring the woodlands of Mt. Taylor Nature Reserve up to the summit and loops back. The hill, which is believed to get its name from James Taylor (a squatter), has great panoramic views of Canberra and the Brindabella Range. It’s a great way to escape the pace of modern life and slow it down a notch. Feel free to pause and rest as you make your way up, search for raptors and magpies in the sky, and enjoy the relaxing environment with some kangaroos. Don’t forget to bring your own water as there are no facilities provided besides seats. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Mount Taylor Circuit

5.1 km circuit

1 h 45 min to 2 h 45 min

1 h 45 min to 2 h 45 min

Environment

Mount Taylor via Western Powerlines and Zig Zag

Mount Taylor via Western Powerlines and Zig Zag

5.6 km circuit

2 h to 3 h

Starting from Sulwood Drive, Kambah, this circuit walk takes you to the summit of Mount Taylor mostly via the Western Powerlines Fire Trail and starts descending via the Zig Zag Track. The hill, which is believed to get its name from James Taylor(a squatter), has great panoramic views of Canberra and the Brindabella Range. Serving as a green belt between the districts of Canberra, it can be a convenient way to relieve some stress. Make yourself at home and lie down, as the kangaroos accompany you on your sunbathing session. Search the skies for raptors and magpies, as they’re known to fly above the reserve. Don’t forget to bring your own water as there are no facilities provided besides seats. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Starting from the car park near Mugga Way, Red Hill, this walk visits Davidson Hill and the infamous “Tardis” near Red Hill Lookout, goes through the woodlands of Red Hill Nature Reserve and loops back. As you enjoy the views over Canberra throughout the track, don’t forget to stop by and see “The Tardis”(who knows, maybe the infamous doctor is in). Other than that, observe the city from the lookout points, take in the scenery and watch for kangaroos and birds as there are plenty in the reserve. The area tends to be busy on the weekends, so try to schedule it on a weekday if you want to avoid the crowd. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Davidson Hill Circuit

6.1 km circuit

2 h to 3 h

Davidson Hill Circuit

Environment

Isaacs Ridge, Mount Wanniassa and Farrer Ridge

Isaacs Ridge, Mount Wanniassa and Farrer Ridge

9.9 km circuit

3 h 15 min to 5 h

Starting from Long Gully Road, just south of Isaacs, ACT, this circuit walk explores 3 reserves(Isaacs Ridge, Wanniassa Hills and Farrer Ridge) visiting Mount Wanniassa along the way. Going through three reserves and giving you a compact tour of each one of them, we can easily say that this walk is quite uncommon. Start by heading up and down the Isaacs Ridge through the dense pine plantation. Then make your way up Mount Wannaissa to get panoramic views over Canberra and Brindabella Range. Finally, explore the endangered Yellow Box-Blakely’s Red Gum woodland of Farrer Ridge, where you can spot a Pink-tailed worm-lizard if lucky. Hiking poles are recommended, especially for the Isaacs Ridge part of the hike. Also, don’t get confused when you get to the start point after you make it down Isaacs Ridge(midway through the walk), you’re on the right track. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

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Environment

Red Hill Nature Reserve Circuit

Red Hill Nature Reserve Circuit

10.2 km circuit

3 h to 4 h

Starting from the car park near Mugga Way, Red Hill, this circuit walk takes you to almost all of the featured attractions and viewpoints in Red Hill Nature Reserve. The Tardis? Check. A restaurant with the view capacity of a lookout point? Check. Along with these, you’ll also visit Davidson Hill, which will provide you panoramic views over southern Canberra. Throw in a couple of creek crossings with kangaroos and singing birds around, and you’re in for a journey. The area tends to be busy on the weekends, so try to schedule it on a weekday if you want to avoid the crowd. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

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Environment