Want to explore why Canberra is called the Bush Capital? Check out the Centenary Trail.
The Centenary Trail opened in 2013 to celebrate Canberra’s 100th birthday. It’s a self-guided loop, divided into 7 sections. According to different sources, and whether they’re counting the detours, the trail is either 138 km or 145 km.
At either length, hiking the whole thing is a big commitment. That’s why I do quick treks instead. The winter months are a great time to hike with cooler temps and no snakes to be found.
About the hikes
The five suggested hikes all intersect with the Centenary Trail in sections 6 and 7. This marker denotes the Centenary Trail.
All these hikes take about an hour, and I’ve noted where you can extend them. Most of these trails are loops and canine-friendly as long as your dog is on a lead. The Red Rocks Gorge Lookout trail is an exception – it’s an out-and-back trail rather than a loop, and no dogs are allowed.
While these hikes are relatively easy, trail surfaces vary from dirt and gravel to bitumen and concrete, and they are rocky in parts. Comfortable shoes are a must. And of course, don’t forget to bring water.
Working south to north, let’s get started!
Red Rocks Gorge Lookout – Kambah
If you’re looking for dramatic scenery, then this is the hike for you. Not for canine companions, though – dogs are prohibited on this trail.
From the trailhead, choose the Centenary Trail. You’ll enter the Bullen Range Nature Reserve. The trail of packed red dirt winds between Kambah Pool on your right and paddocks on your left. You’ll pass through eucalypts and bright patches of juniper-leaf grevillea.
Red Rocks Gorge is a breeding location for peregrine falcons, so keep an eye out for those large raptors. I didn’t spot falcons on my hike, but tiny Eastern spinebills darted here and there. Kangaroos nibbled on grass in the paddocks, and wombats had left scat on rocks and other high areas, proclaiming their presence.
After crossing a metal bridge, you’ll see a signpost to the Red Rocks Gorge Lookout on your right. Check out the exceptional views of the gorge and the Murrumbidgee River. And while you’re there, snap some pics and take a hydration break.
Exit the lookout by climbing the stairs to your left and follow the upper trail for a very short loop. Turn left when you see the Centenary Trail marker to return to the carpark the way you came.
If you want to extend your hike, Kambah Pool is only a short walk from the carpark. Follow manmade steps down to the water and a narrow trail running along the shore.
Distance: Approximately 3.2 km
Time: 1 to 1.25 hours
Elevation gain: 98 m
Parking: Kambah Pool Carpark. The trailhead is at the edge of the carpark, to the left as you enter.
The Spine – Isaacs Pines
Craving some quiet solitude? Wanting to embrace your inner Tolkien and wander through a thick forest? Or just looking for a respite from the sun? This shady trail ticks all those boxes.
From the carpark, pass the red gate and climb the bitumen road. You’ll enter Isaac Pines, a pine plantation dating back to 1955.
At the first intersection, you’ll notice Spoonville on your left. This community of spoons with googly eyes sprang up in 2021, with the aim of engaging children during COVID-19.
As you ascend the bitumen road, you’ll pass a Park Care noticeboard on your left, followed by a trail marker for the Centenary Trail. Continue climbing until you see a black wooden post with an orange marker for The Spine on your right.
Follow the trail for The Spine, which is a narrow, rocky dirt path winding through the pine trees. In autumn and early winter, raucous yellow-tailed black cockatoos feast on pine cones high above. The pine plantation also includes eucalypts and golden wattle.
When the dirt path becomes a grated walkway, look to your right. Just off the trail is a little stream running over flat, mossy rocks. Good site for an impromptu picnic – kick back and enjoy the view!
Beyond the stream, the trail returns to packed dirt and gradually descends between tall pines. The Spine dead-ends on a dirt and gravel road, and you’re back on the Centenary Trail. Turn right to follow the trail marker.
At the fork, bear left to follow the Centenary Trail. No worries if you veer off on the horse trail to your right – it also leads back to the bitumen main road.
You’ll cross a street and pass through a gate to continue on the Centenary Trail. When you see the bitumen road, turn left to return to the carpark.
Distance: Approximately 3.2 km
Time: About an hour
Elevation gain: 73 m
Parking: A few spaces are available at the trailhead, as well as on the street. The trailhead is closest to 27 Buntine Crescent – at coordinates 35.37037°S, 149.11543°E. The nearest cross streets are Buntine Crescent and Dettman Close, Isaacs.
Mount Arawang Summit Trail – Fisher
If you want panoramic mountain views and a sense of accomplishment, then hike up to the top of Mount Arawang.
From the trailhead, follow the Centenary Trail marker. At the fork, turn left to go south on the Centenary Trail. Heading south on the loop offers a gentler, more gradual climb to the summit.
If you hike in the morning, you’ll see kangaroos sunning themselves among the rock formations on the south slope of Mount Arawang.
The red-dirt path switches to gravel. Look for a small bridge on the right, which leads to the Mt Arawang Summit Trail. You’ll ascend via a series of manmade steps that take you to amazing views of Tuggeranong, Woden Valley, and the Brindabellas.
At the summit, catch your breath and revel in the view.
You have three options for the descent. With the white trig marker at your back, the trail on your left takes you back the way you came. Straight ahead is another trail with a gradual descent, and to the right, there’s a steeper, rocky trail. I opted to go right, but all three will take you back to where you started.
I extended the hike by walking around the base of Mount Arawang, following the Centenary Trail. This walk is pleasant as well, with wide-open vistas and the Brindabellas in the distance.
Distance: Approximately 3 km
Time: About an hour
Elevation gain: 131 m
Parking: Mount Arawang is part of Cooleman Ridge, and the entrance is off Namatjira Drive in Fisher. There are a few off-street parking spaces at approximately 77 Ballarat Street. You’ll see Namatjira Drive in front of you and the entrance to Cooleman Ridge. Cross Namatjira Drive and continue up the concrete path to the Cooleman Ridge entrance.
Isaacs Ridge Nature Reserve and Horse Trail – O’Malley
If birds and native wildlife are your thing, then this is the hike for you. Gang-gangs, galahs, and other cockatoos nest in old tree hollows here, and kangaroo mobs are common, along with the occasional echidna ambling along.
Enter Isaacs Ridge Nature Reserve by walking on asphalt through a red gate. Continue straight on a gravel and rock road. At the first fork, bear right. When you see the water tower to your left, bear right on the trail to go away from it. The trail surface changes to packed dirt and rock.
Follow the marker for the Centenary Trail on your left to go north on the trail down the hill.
At the bottom of the hill, the Centenary Trail continues straight on. To make this hike a loop, turn right onto the wider trail.
Once you turn onto the dirt road, you’ll walk through a eucalypt forest. If you like, take a short detour off to your left to see a series of gullies. Erosion has created some interesting shapes in the rock formations.
Back on the trail, you’ll see an open clearing. Look for a metal post in front of you and an old fence line for paddocks to your right. This land was once used for equestrian training.
Turn right before the fence line and follow the grass path up to the horse trail. It’s marked by an old gate with a sign that says ‘Horse trail ends here.’
Turn right onto the rocky horse trail. To your right, you’ll see a quarry at the top of Mount Mugga Mugga. Black Mountain and Telstra Tower are visible in the distance. You may see Eastern rosellas flitting between the gum trees. On your left is a ridge where kangaroos congregate. Stay alert – one may decide to cross your path at full speed!
At the remnants of an old gate, turn right to rejoin the Centenary trail and return to the reserve entrance and street parking.
Distance: Approximately 3 km
Time: 45-50 minutes
Elevation gain: 66 m
Parking: Go to the end of Ngunawal Drive, nearest to 62 Ngunawal Drive at 35.35693°S, 149.11034°E. Park on the street.
Red Track – Red Hill
This hike’s a great one for newcomers and guests. The panoramic views offer a good orientation to Canberra. It’s a bushwalk, but the suburbs (and cafes) are close by.
From the carpark, look left for two sets of steps as you face the Lunetta restaurants. Go down both sets and turn right on the Centenary Trail.
You’ll see a trailhead sign for Red Hill once you pass the restaurant on your right. As you descend the rocky red path, notice the beautiful views of Canberra on either side.
At the bottom of the hill, several trails intersect. The trail straight ahead goes to the summit of Davidson Hill and trig marker. The Centenary Trail continues off to the left, at around 8 o’clock. Also to the left, in the 7 o’clock position, is the Red Track, denoted by a red triangle marker. Take the Red Track to make this hike a loop.
You’ll continue your descent on a narrow trail of packed red dirt. This rare Yellow Box-Red Gum Remnant hosts five main eucalypt species and more than 175 native plants. Fallen trees create weird sculptures on the ground.
Follow the Red Track marker to the left and ascend a series of steps. If climbing stairs is part of your fitness routine, then you’ll love this section of the hike!
Near the top of the stairs, you’ll see a utility box on the left disguised as the TARDIS from Doctor Who. Or maybe it’s the actual TARDIS and the Doctor has just landed …
At the top of the stairs, the Centenary Trail goes left along the road and back to the carpark.
For a quick detour, turn right and follow the stone wall to a lookout. The spectacular vista includes Parliament, the lake, and the Australian War Memorial at the base of Mount Ainslie.
Distance: Approximately 3.4 km
Time: 50-60 minutes
Elevation gain: 100 m
Parking: Carpark at Red Hill Lookout, 60 Red Hill Drive, Red Hill
Those are my five picks for short hikes on the southern Centenary Trail. Did I miss any of your favourites? Come back next time around when I cover my picks for the northern half of the Centenary Trail. Happy hiking!
