Mt. Ainslie

The basics

Despite how close it is to the city center, Mt. Ainslie is mostly covered in bush until you reach its summit. The lookout is a regular stop on sightseeing tours of the city, as it provides an easy means of getting high up to admire the view. Hiking and wildlife-spotting are the other main activities here, with local kangaroos a common sight along the various trails that weave around the mountain.

Things to know before you go

• Mt. Ainslie lookout features two ramps on either side of its stairs so that people using wheelchairs or pushing strollers can access its observation deck.

• Facilities are limited at the summit of Mt. Ainslie—there is a drinking fountain and picnic tables, but no public toilets.

• Bring plenty of water and sun protection when hiking up in summer, and wear warm layers the rest of the year, as Canberra is generally colder than other parts of Australia.

• The Kokoda Track to the top of Mt. Ainslie is a well-maintained trail, but it incorporates a lot of stairs and is not suitable for visitors with mobility concerns.

How to get there

Visitors looking to get to the Mt. Ainslie lookout at the top of the mountain have two options for getting there: hike or drive. The main trail up the mountain, the Kokoda Track, starts behind the Australian War Memorial off Treloar Crescent, while a second trail on the far side leaves from the Ainslie Transfer Station. To drive up Mt. Ainslie, take Mt. Ainslie Drive off Fairbairn Avenue in the suburb of Campbell.

When to get there

The views from Mt. Ainslie are impressive at any time, but try to head up the mountain in the early evening to watch the sunset over the city. If you’d like to do the hike to the top, start early in the day to avoid the trail getting too busy. This hike is a common local pastime when the weather’s decent.

The mountains of Canberra

Canberra isn’t just Australia’s largest inland city, it’s also the country’s highest city, sitting at an elevation of 1,896 feet (578 meters). Around the center of Canberra you’ll find several small mountains besides Mt. Ainslie, including Mt. Majura, the highest mountain in Canberra, and Black Mountain, home to the Black Mountain Tower, a fixture of the city. These local mountains, and those out in Namadgi National Park, offer many hiking opportunities.