On the western side of the city, the forested slopes of Black Mountain (812m) provide some easily accessible bushland perfect for bushwalking and mountain biking. The most common hike is the two-hour (2km) Summit Walk, which ends at the Telstra Tower, however there are several other well-marked trails to explore. Pick up a brochure at the visitor centre before you set out.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Canberra attractions

1. Australian National Botanic Gardens

0.62 MILES

On the lower slopes of Black Mountain, these sprawling gardens showcase Australian floral diversity over 35 hectares of cultivated garden and 50 hectares…

2. Drill Hall Gallery

0.84 MILES

The Australian National University's main gallery displays specials exhibitions and items from the ANU's art collection. On permanent display is the…

3. Telstra Tower

0.85 MILES

Black Mountain (812m), northwest of the city, is topped by the oddly stumpy 195m-high Telstra Tower, which offers a sweeping vista from its 66m-high…

4. National Film & Sound Archive

1.06 MILES

Set in a delightful art-deco building (look for the stained-glass platypus in the foyer dome), this archive preserves Australian moving-picture and sound…

5. Canberra Museum & Art Gallery

1.33 MILES

This local museum is worth it for the Sidney Nolan paintings alone – 141 works, including canvases from his Ned Kelly series and Burke and Wills…

6. Glebe Park

1.59 MILES

This spacious green park is filled with leafy elm trees that turn a lovely golden yellow in autumn. There's a playground for kids and lots of paved paths…

7. National Museum of Australia

1.63 MILES

As well as telling Australia's national story, this museum hosts blockbuster touring exhibitions (admission prices vary), which often outpoint the…

8. Australian Institute of Sport

1.75 MILES

The country's elite and aspiring athletes hone their sporting prowess at the AIS. Visitors can take 90-minute guided tours of the facilities, led by…