Self-guided walks
All our self-guided walks are great. So how do you choose?
All our dog-friendly walks are listed below in alphabetical order. But to help you choose the right one for you, we've also grouped them according to interest, e.g. pram friendly, short, scenic, off leash opportunities, etc.
- Click on a paw below to see a list of walks according to interest.
- Click on a walk title to see a summary of the walk's key features.
- Click on the 'directions/map' button in the walk summary to go to detailed directions and a google map of the route.
Go to the walk locations map to see the start and end points of all our walks.
To find out more about our walks in general, go to about walks.
If you'd like to join a social group walk led by us, see our guided social group walks page.
Ainslie Walk
ANU Walk
Aranda Walk
Campbell Walk
Conder-Gordon Walk
Cook Walk
Curtin Horse Paddock Walk
Curtin Playing Fields Walk
Curtin Pram Friendly Walk
Downer-Dickson-Ainslie Walk
Dunlop Walk
Farrer-Mawson Walk
Gowrie-Fadden Walk
Hughes Walk
Hughes Pram Friendly Walk
Kaleen-Giralang Walk
Kambah Pram Friendly Walk
Kingston Pram Friendly Walk
Lake Ginninderra Pram Friendly Walk
Lyneham-O'Connor Walk
Manuka-Griffith Walk
Narrabundah Walk
Ngunnawal Pram Friendly Walk
Oaks Estate Walk
Parliamentary Triangle Pram Friendly Walk
Queanbeyan-Oaks Estate Walk
Watson Walk
Yarralumla Walk
Yarralumla Pram Friendly Walk
Yerrabi Pond Pram Friendly Walk
Ainslie Walk
ANU Walk
Conder-Gordon Walk
Downer-Dickson-Ainslie Walk
Kingston Pram Friendly Walk
Lake Ginninderra Pram Friendly Walk
Lyneham-O'Connor Walk
Manuka-Griffith Walk
Narrabundah Walk
Oaks Estate Walk
Parliamentary Triangle Pram Friendly Walk
Queanbeyan-Oaks Estate Walk
Yarralumla Walk
Yarralumla Pram Friendly Walk
ANU Walk
Aranda Walk
Campbell Walk
Conder-Gordon Walk
Cook Walk
Curtin Horse Paddock Walk
Curtin Playing Fields Walk
Dunlop Walk
Farrer-Mawson Walk
Gowrie-Fadden Walk
Hughes Walk
Kaleen-Giralang Walk
Kambah Pram Friendly Walk
Lake Ginninderra Pram Friendly Walk
Ngunnawal Pram Friendly Walk
Oaks Estate Walk
Yarralumla Walk
Yarralumla Pram Friendly Walk
ANU Walk
Downer-Dickson-Ainslie Walk
Dunlop Walk
Kaleen-Giralang Walk - short version
Kingston Pram Friendly Walk
Lake Ginninderra Pram Friendly Walk
Lyneham-O'Connor Walk
Narrabundah Walk
Parliamentary Triangle Pram Friendly Walk
Conder-Gordon Walk
Watson Walk
Yarralumla Pram Friendly Walk
Yerrabi Pond Pram Friendly Walk
Ainslie Walk
Campbell Walk
Conder-Gordon Walk - short version
Cook Walk - short version
Curtin Playing Fields Walk - short version
Curtin Pram Friendly Walk
Downer-Dickson-Ainslie Walk - short version
Dunlop Walk
Gowrie-Fadden Walk - short version
Hughes Pram Friendly Walk
Kaleen-Giralang Walk - short version
Kingston Pram Friendly Walk
Lake Ginninderra Pram Friendly Walk
Manuka-Griffith Walk
Oaks Estate Walk
Watson Walk
Yerrabi Pond Pram Friendly Walk
♥♥♥ These walks allow your dog extensive off leash opportunities
Curtin Horse Paddock Walk
Curtin Playing Fields Walk
Gowrie-Fadden Walk
Hughes Walk
Kaleen-Giralang Walk
Kambah Pram Friendly Walk
Narrabundah Walk
Oaks Estate Walk
♥♥ These walks allow your dog good off leash opportunities
Aranda Walk
Campbell Walk
Conder-Gordon Walk
Cook Walk
Curtin Pram Friendly Walk
Downer-Dickson-Ainslie Walk
Oaks Estate Walk
Farrer-Mawson Walk
Lyneham-O'Connor Walk
Manuka-Griffith Walk
Queanbeyan-Oaks Estate Walk
Watson Walk
Yarralumla Walk
♥ These walks allow your dog some off leash opportunities
Ainslie Walk
Hughes Pram Friendly Walk
Kingston Pram Friendly Walk
Lake Ginninderra Pram Friendly Walk
Ngunnawal Pram Friendly Walk
Yarralumla Pram Friendly Walk
Yerrabi Pond Pram Friendly Walk
These walks are on-leash only:
Ainslie walk
Mt Ainslie is an ever-present friendly landmark on this gentle, meandering walk through quiet and pretty tree-lined streets. An older suburb, Ainslie features heritage listed cottages dating from the 1920s as well as modern homes built only yesterday. There's a large off leash oval near the beginning of the walk for dogs to burn off excess energy; a variety of modest, informal parks; and a short section through Mt Ainslie nature park.
Start/Finish - Ainslie shops, Edgar Street
Time/Distance - Allow 60 minutes/approx 4 km
Off leash rating ♥
Photo gallery
ANU walk
The Australian National University features some of Canberra's oldest and newest buildings, quirky sculptures and beautiful green spaces - our walk shows you the highlights. This on-leash walk still provides plenty of stimulation for your pooch, with rabbit and duck poo smells providing plenty of entertainment, while humans enjoy the stunning architecture, delightful public spaces, and pretty scenery throughout the university campus.
Start/Finish - Marcus Clarke Street near the lake
Time/Distance - Allow 75 minutes/approx 4 km
Off leash rating - on-leash only
Photo gallery
Aranda walk
The oldest suburb in Belconnen, popular Aranda offers both urban and bushland experiences. It features an extensive off leash green space at the beginning of the walk for dogs to burn off excess energy; a short but pretty on leash section through the Aranda Bushlands nature park; and impressive views of Black Mountain and beyond to south Canberra. A feature in late winter is the flowering native shrubs.
Start/Finish - 68 Bandjalong Crescent
Time/Distance - Allow 75 minutes/approx 4.5 km
Off leash rating ♥♥
Photo gallery
Campbell walk
On the slopes of Mt Ainslie, this walk provides a mix of suburban and semi-bush experiences, as well as sweeping mountain and city views. It features substantial off leash opportunities with a large green off leash oval at the beginning and end for energetic ball games plus more off leash walking through interlinked parks. A short section along the base of Mt Ainslie is a designated (on leash) nature park.
Start/Finish - Campbell shops, Blamey Place
Time/Distance - Allow 60 minutes/approx 4 km
Off leash rating ♥♥
Photo gallery
Conder-Gordon walk
In southernmost Canberra, the suburbs of Conder and Gordon are nestled in a broad valley boasting panoramic views in all directions. The route follows two little creeks running through pretty narrow parks and circumnavigates beautiful Point Hut Pond. Dogs can also enjoy off leash romps at two huge irrigated playing fields and a swim or paddle in an off leash area by the Pond.
Start/Finish - Lanyon Marketplace, Norman Lindsay St
Time/Distance - Allow 90 minutes/approx 6 km
Off leash rating ♥♥
Photo gallery
Cook walk
This very pretty and varied route through the little suburb of Cook loops around the slopes of Mt Painter, providing sublime district and rural views north across Belconnen and east towards central Canberra, and then follows a series of shady, interconnected off leash parks. As a finale, the large Cook Neighbourhood Oval offers a safe and green off leash haven, bordered by more shady trees.
Start/Finish - Cook shops, Cook Place
Time/Distance - Allow 75 minutes/approx 4.5 km
Off leash rating ♥♥
Photo gallery
Curtin horse paddock walk
Dogs love this walk. Off leash opportunities extend for long sections through informal parks and across a large green playing field, and there are lots of interesting smells during the on leash section through a horse paddock, along a creek and around a dam. Humans will enjoy extensive views west to the Brindabella Mountains as well as north to the Canberra Arboretum and Black Mountain.
Start/Finish - Curtin shops, Strangways Street
Time/Distance - Allow 75 minutes/approx 4.5 km
Off leash rating ♥♥♥
Photo gallery
Curtin playing fields walk
This is one of our favourite walks. Off leash opportunities extend for long sections. The route follows linked informal off leash parks with lots of interesting smells and long grass to run through, traverses large playing fields with excellent ball chasing opportunities, and includes a creek dip to cool down. For humans there are extensive views in all directions of the city and Canberra hills.
Start/Finish - Curtin shops, Strangways Street
Time/Distance - Allow 90 minutes/approx 5 km
Off leash rating ♥♥♥
Photo gallery
Curtin pram friendly walk
Curtin is such a great dog walking suburb that we had to develop this fully paved, pram friendly version of one of our favourite walks. Off leash opportunities include a sumptuous flat irrigated playing field and potential extra forays just off the paved path. The mainly flat route follows linked informal parks and includes an optional creek dip to cool down. In autumn the leaf colour is absolutely stunning.
Start/Finish - Curtin shops, Strangways Street
Time/Distance - Allow 60 minutes/approx 4 km
Off leash rating ♥♥
Photo gallery
Downer-Dickson-Ainslie walk
This mostly flat walk explores the prettiest parts of the older northside suburbs of Downer, Dickson and Ainslie. It features lush, spacious off leash playing fields; beautiful tree-lined streets and paths; and a short foray into the Mount Ainslie nature park. The route is particularly pretty in autumn; provides a still satisfying shorter option; and starts and finishes at an awesome dog friendly café very popular with locals.
Start/Finish - Downer shops, Frencham Place
Time/Distance - Allow 75 minutes/approx 5 km
Off leash rating ♥♥
Photo gallery
Dunlop walk
This easy, short, and mainly flat walk includes a circuit around pretty West Belconnen Pond and rural views across to the Brindabella Mountains. There's a long section off leash at the far side of the pond including access to paddling spots, and for families there are several playgrounds and picnic facilities. This walk is especially pretty in late winter when masses of wattles are in bloom.
Start/Finish - Woolworths carpark, Lance Hill Avenue
Time/Distance - Allow 60 minutes/approx 4 km
Off leash rating ♥♥
Photo gallery
Farrer-Mawson walk
Beautiful irrigated playing fields, hidden pockets of semi-bush parkland, and impressive views to the Brindabella Mountains are features on this relaxed, varied walk through the established Woden suburbs of Farrer and Mawson. Much of the route follows a series of interconnected off leash open spaces, including an enormous off leash playing field, as well as a short section meandering through Mawson streets.
Start/Finish - Farrer shops, Farrer Place
Time/Distance - Allow 75 minutes/approx 5 km
Off leash rating ♥♥
Photo gallery
Gowrie-Fadden walk
With its awesome mountain views, this walk showcases a typical slice of the best Tuggeranong has to offer. Meandering through the well established suburbs of Gowrie and Fadden, the route follows a series of interconnected parks including huge off leash playing fields, a shady pine forest, and a small nature park with superb Brindabella mountain range and Tuggeranong valley views.
Start/Finish - Gowrie shops, Jeffries Street
Time/Distance - Allow 90 minutes/approx 5-6 km
Off leash rating ♥♥♥
Photo gallery
Hughes walk
Hughes provides an easy, pleasant walking experience with a variety of suburban and park experiences. There are substantial off leash opportunities for dogs, and humans can enjoy sweeping westerly views over Woden Valley to the Brindabella mountains. A large off leash playing field is perfect for dogs to burn off some steam before the route continues through a series of interconnecting parks.
Start/Finish - Hughes shops, Hughes Place
Time/Distance - Allow 75 minutes/approx 4-5 km
Off leash rating ♥♥♥
Photo gallery
Hughes pram friendly walk
Hughes is so pleasant and dog friendly, we designed this fully paved, pram friendly version of our Hughes walk. It's an even easier walk than the 'full' Hughes version, providing a variety of suburban and park experiences with an off leash opportunity at an enormous flat and verdant playing field near the beginning of the walk. After the playing field the route continues on pretty paths meandering through informal parks.
Start/Finish - Hughes shops, Hughes Place
Time/Distance - Allow 45 minutes/approx 3 km
Off leash rating ♥
Photo gallery
Kaleen-Giralang walk
Giralang's open spaces are utilised to the max on this super dog friendly walk. Providing extensive safe off leash opportunities, this walk follows a series of interconnected designated off leash parks comprising the inviting green and expansive Giralang Ovals, and the semi-bush parkland bordering the edges of Giralang and Kaleen. For humans there's the reward of impressive mountain and city views.
Start/Finish - Kaleen Plaza shops, Georgina Crescent
Time/Distance - Allow 90 minutes/approx 5.5 km
Off leash rating ♥♥♥
Photo gallery
Kambah pram friendly walk
Kambah's generous open spaces and extensive network of footpaths make this a pleasant, fully-paved walk whether you are pushing a pram or free to wander 'off track'. Dogs love the variety of off leash spaces, from huge irrigated playing fields to semi-bush parks. For humans, there are beautiful mountain and hill views and a super dog friendly cafe on the way providing a tempting stop.
Start/Finish - Kett Street carpark
Time/Distance - Allow 90 minutes/approx 5 km
Off leash rating ♥♥♥
Photo gallery
Kingston pram friendly walk
This fully paved, pram friendly walk meanders through attractive suburban streets, past heritage listed cottages, and into very pretty parks. The abundant tall mature trees throughout the route make this a shady option in summer and very colourful in autumn. Dogs can enjoy off-leash time on a large and verdant oval. There are several family and dog friendly cafés at the Kingston shops.
Start/Finish - Kingston shops, Eyre Street
Time/Distance - Allow 45 minutes/approx 3 km
Off leash rating ♥
Photo gallery
Lake Ginn pram friendly walk
If any walk exemplifies family friendly, this is it. A very pretty, fully paved, pram friendly, short and generally flat walk, the route loops around the edge of a small peninsula jutting into Lake Ginninderra. Most of the peninsula is an off leash area, there's access to a dog swimming beach, and the walk starts and finishes next to the Belconnon Dog Park. There are also plenty of public, family-focused facilities.
Start/Finish - Eastern end of Diddams Close
Time/Distance - Allow 45 minutes/approx 2.5 km
Off leash rating ♥
Photo gallery
Lyneham-O'Connor walk
This walk takes a varied, meandering route through the trendy older suburbs of Lyneham and O'Connor. It includes extended off leash opportunities in large playing fields and along a series of tree-lined creeks and established pretty parks. The walk also explores quiet, shady streets featuring a wide range of domestic architecture from 1940s weatherboards to modern minimalist designs.
Start/Finish - Lyneham shops, Hall Street
Time/Distance - Allow 90 minutes/approx 5 km
Off leash rating ♥♥
Photo gallery
Manuka-Griffith walk
This ultra pretty and easy route follows a series of linked off leash parks featuring mature exotic trees that are just gorgeous in autumn - as illustrated by this photo. There are plenty of open green spaces for dogs to play, opportunities for creek paddles, and a high likelihood of meeting other dogs. It can be walked in around 35 minutes without pause but the extensive parks invite lots of dawdling.
Start/Finish - Griffith Park from Murray Crescent
Time/Distance - Allow 45 minutes/approx 2.5 km
Off leash rating ♥♥
Photo gallery
Narrabundah walk
Extensive off leash parks, a huge green playing field, little creeks and pretty wooded tracks make this inner Canberra walk a local favourite. The route links together most of Narrabundah's off leash parks into an easy, mainly flat, varied loop. Beautiful, tall deciduous trees make this walk a good choice in summer and simply stunning in autumn. Short on leash sections explore old Narrabundah streets.
Start/Finish - Narrabundah shops, Iluka St
Time/Distance - Allow 75 minutes/approx 4 km
Off leash rating ♥♥♥
Photo gallery
Ngunnawal pram friendly walk
Paved the whole way, this varied walk follows a circuit through a central Gungahlin suburb, features outstanding mountain and city views, and includes the option of an off leash foray off track if your pram permits. The route meanders through informal grassy parks, quiet streets and the verdant Gungahlin Lakes Golf Club. The hills are gradual without being too taxing for those pushing prams and worth it for the views.
Start/Finish - Ngunnawal shops, Riley Close
Time/Distance - Allow 75 minutes/approx 4 km
Off leash rating ♥
Photo gallery
Oaks Estate walk
This short, easy walk provides oodles of safe off leash walking along the Molonglo and Queanbeyan rivers, as well as several paddling spots for water loving dogs. Humans can enjoy rural and river views, historic buildings and a wander through a remnant heritage wood of deciduous trees. There's flexibility to extend your walk with a visit to the historic Queanbeyan Cemetery or options to cut it even shorter.
Start/Finish - Gillespie Park, River Street
Time/Distance - Allow 60 minutes/approx 3 km
Off leash rating ♥♥♥
Photo gallery
Parly Triangle pram friendly walk
This awesome pram friendly walk follows a circular, flat route around Canberra's famous Parliamentary Triangle. It's jam-packed full of beautiful historic buildings, amazing architecture, quirky sculptures and stunning vistas. While this is an on leash walk for our pooches, there's plenty of variety in negotiating stairs, ramps, different surfaces plus tempting rabbit and duck poo! And there's several cafés en route.
Start/Finish - National Library, Parkes Place
Time/Distance - Allow 75 minutes/approx 5 km
Off leash rating - On leash only
Photo gallery
Queanbeyan-Oaks Estate walk
Enjoy rural river views and heritage cottages on this very pretty walk straddling the ACT and NSW borders. The route comprises a wander along Queanbeyan and Oaks Estate streets past heritage cottages; a very safe off leash stretch by the Molonglo and Queanbeyan Rivers with several shallow spots for dogs to have a paddle; and a detour past Queanbeyan's historic Riverside Cemetery.
Start/Finish - Cnr Morisset and Collett Street
Time/Distance - Allow 90 minutes/approx 5 km
Off leash rating ♥♥
Photo gallery
Watson walk
Modest Watson is a quiet, older suburb unjustly overlooked. This walk follows a pleasant, flat, and simple to navigate route that still provides ample off leash opportunities for dogs. The walk follows a series of interconnecting informal parks that are particularly pretty in autumn and includes a large, open sports ground with plenty of space for energetic ball games at the beginning and end of the route.
Start/Finish - Watson shops, Watson Place
Time/Distance - Allow 45 minutes/approx 2.5 km
Off leash rating ♥♥
Photo gallery
Yarralumla walk
This extremely pretty walk showcases the best Yarralumla has to offer, meandering through parts of Westbourne Woods, past Government House, along the shore of Lake Burley Griffin, and past the fully fenced Yarralumla Dog Park. The mostly shady route makes it a great summer walk; it's also stunning in autumn. There are several off leash opportunities and a short detour provides a lake swim.
Start/Finish - Yarralumla shops, Bentham Street
Time/Distance - Allow 90 minutes/approx 5 km
Off leash rating ♥♥
Photo gallery
Yarralumla pram friendly walk
A hidden gem, family friendly Weston Park in Yarralumla provides the setting for this pretty and generally flat walk. The route meanders around the peninsula of Weston Park featuring mature trees, lovely lake views, and children's playgrounds. The route is on leash, but there's the opportunity for an off leash swim at a beach along the way and more off leash romps at the fully fenced, spacious Yarralumla Dog Park.
Start/Finish - Corner of Banks and Brown Streets
Time/Distance - Allow 60 minutes/approx 4 km
Off leash rating ♥
Photo gallery
Yerrabi Pond pram friendly walk
A perfect family friendly, pram friendly and dog friendly walk in central Gungahlin, this fully paved, super easy and flat walk follows the perimeter of attractive Yerrabi Pond. There are several shady sections, lovely water views, children's playgrounds and pretty places to pause. Dogs can enjoy two off leash opportunities: a large grassy area immediately adjacent to the route plus an off leash swimming spot.
Start/Finish - Yerrabi Pond Park, Wunderlich Street
Time/Distance - Allow 60 minutes/approx 4 km
Off leash rating ♥
Photo gallery
All walks location map
This map shows the start/end points of all our self-guided Canberra Dog Walks.
Click on a coloured paw to see the walk title and summary information.
Use the navigation tools to zoom in or out.
Or click on the 'view larger map' icon at the top right hand corner of the map banner to open google maps and see all locations in detail.