Fall for these Autumn Walks

Grab a light jacket and lace up your walkingshoes to make the most of Canberra’s coolerweather and golden light.

WORDS Astrid O'Neill

These five walks focus on older suburbs known for their deciduous trees that flare different hues of red, orange and yellow in autumn.

LOTUS BAY TO NLA

Start at the Southern Cross Yacht Club at Mariner Place, where a coffee from Snapper can get you going (open every day from 11 am). Walk around Lotus Bay through the gorgeous Lennox Gardens, pass under the bridge beside Flynn Place and admire the ornamental pear trees on the promenade, then spend some time at the National Library of Australia (NLA) looking down at the lake.

Want to extend your walk? Head down the promenade to the National Portrait Gallery or the National Gallery of Australia (NGA), and spend some time roaming inside and out.

Where to eat and rest your feet

The NLA’s Bookplate café is open till 4 pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and 5 pm Monday to Thursday. Its grab-and-go little sister Paperplate is open ‘til 3 pm (but closed on the weekends).

How long?

Approximately 35 mins one way / 2.9km

KINGSTON FORESHORE TO THE SCULPTURE GARDEN

Start at the Kingston Foreshore then head along the lake, past the popular Bowen Park and the swans that bob along at the water’s edge. Pass under King’s Avenue Bridge until you reach the NGA’s Sculpture Garden.

Here, wander around the 26 sculptures made by international and Australian artists, set in amongst hardy native plants—an interesting contrast to many of the deciduous trees along the lake’s edge. Don’t miss Fujiko Nakaya’s Foggy wake in a desert which operates 12.30–2.00 pm daily.

Where to eat and rest your feet

Head back to the Foreshore to take your pick of places. We love Local Press Café with its local, ethical produce and fresh cold-pressed juices (open till 3 pm weekdays and 5 pm weekends).

How long?

Approximately 20 mins one way / 1.7km

THE RED TRACK

Red Hill has walking trails of varying lengths and levels of difficulty to choose from but the popular Red Track is hard to beat. People often start at the top on Red Hill Drive and loop all the way back around. It’s especially worth it in autumn, when you see the vibrant colours of the deciduous trees far below. Keep your eyes out for the red-necked wallabies!

Where to eat and rest your feet

Sharing the same excellent views of Canberra as its big sister, Onred, Coffee N Beans offers a fresh and light-hearted approach to dining. Open 9 am to 4 pm Tuesday to Friday, and 8 am to 4 pm weekends.

How long?

Approximately 90 mins / 3.2km

YARRALUMLA LOOP – WESTON PARK

Start at the Yarralumla Nursery on Weston Park Road. This nursery is a Canberra classic—established in 1913, it supplied local hospitals and hotels with fresh fruit from its trees. Start the loop in whatever direction you choose, walking past the grazing kangaroos and through Weston Park to see the lake reflecting autumn colours.

Where to eat and rest your feet

The Yarralumla Gallery & Oaks Brasserie celebrates art and alfresco dining beside Lake Burley Griffin. Their motto is: ‘We do not prepare fast food, only good food as fast as we can.’ (Open till 4 pm Tuesday to Saturday.)

How long?

Approximately 50 mins / 4.2km

LIQUID AMBER AMBLE:HACKETT TO DICKSON

Why not map out your own path through northside suburbs like O’Connor and Lyneham that’ll earn you some breakfast at the local shops? You can go for a long walk through Hackett and Dickson, where certain streets are well-known for their leafy displays.

Begin at the red oaks on Harris Street, see the claret ashes on Burn Street and Atherton Street, the Liquid Ambers on Bradfield Street, and the Chinese pistachios on Gardiner Street and Edkins Street, then wind your way down to the Dickson Shops.

Where to eat and rest your feet

Highroad at Dickson (open until 4 pm Monday to Wednesday, late Thursday to Saturday, and 3 pm on Sunday). A member of the ONA family, Highroad serves up some of Canberra’s best coffee and a diverse menu that can be enjoyed any time of day.

How long?

Approximately 1hr 2 mins / 5.2 km