Kokoda Track Memorial Walk
A rewarding Canberra hike offering panoramic city views and a connection to Australian military history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps & sunrise magic
Kokoda Track Memorial Walk
Best Time
Cooler temps & sunrise magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A rewarding Canberra hike offering panoramic city views and a connection to Australian military history.
"The astounding panoramic view from the top made the effort completely worthwhile!"
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The path is sealed but can be steep. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for a good grip.
💧 Bring Water
There's no water on the trail itself, but you can refill at the top. Stay hydrated!
Quick Facts
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Summit Panorama
Mount Ainslie Summit
Breathtaking 360-degree views of Canberra, its landmarks, and surrounding nature. Absolutely worth the climb!
War Memorial Start
Australian War Memorial
Begin your walk from the iconic War Memorial, a poignant starting point for this commemorative trail.
Wildlife Encounters
Trailside
Spot kangaroos, colorful parrots, and other native Australian fauna on your journey up the track.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Conquer the Climb
Wildlife & Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
What are your recommendations for climbing the hills around Canberra?
I'm new to Canberra, and one of my short term goals is to climb Mount Ainslie. I'm not a hiker but moderately fit, so I'm thinking of adding a challenge like climbing at dawn and checking out the view at sunrise. Would you even suggest making a day of it and roll up Mount…
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The path is sealed but can be steep. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for a good grip.
💧 Bring Water
There's no water on the trail itself, but you can refill at the top. Stay hydrated!
Can we get a list going of mountain walks in and around Canberra? Not the obvious ones. Mt anslie, Mt Taylor black mountain
If you’re looking for somewhere not ridiculously crowded, avoid Mt Ainslie. It’s at least 20x busier than usual, we’ve taken to calling it the Ainslie Highway.
Best hill hikes in Canberra?
I feel like Mount Ainslie and Mount Taylor get all the love. Can anyone recommend some more underrated suburban hilltop bushwalks? Bonus points for views, unique native bushland, and wildlife! 💚
📸 Capture the View
The summit offers incredible photo opportunities of Canberra's layout. Don't forget your camera!
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed dogs are welcome on this trail, making it a great outing for pet owners.
Flat running trails?
Hi everyone, does anyone happen to know any flat running trails in Canberra without too much elevation? Edit: Talking about dirt running trails (no/little pavement).
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The path is sealed but can be steep. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for a good grip.
💧 Bring Water
There's no water on the trail itself, but you can refill at the top. Stay hydrated!
📸 Capture the View
The summit offers incredible photo opportunities of Canberra's layout. Don't forget your camera!
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed dogs are welcome on this trail, making it a great outing for pet owners.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk for its stunning panoramic views of Canberra and its well-maintained, accessible trail. The initial steep climb is noted as a good workout, with many appreciating the opportunity to spot local wildlife. Some wish for more shade on hotter days, but the overall consensus is that the rewarding summit vista makes the effort entirely worthwhile.
"Trail is easy to follow, just a bit steep for the first 20 mins. As you get higher, the views open up. The lookout at the top gives you an awesome view over almost all of Canberra like buildings, layout, everything. Totally worth it!"
Fidela Ghodang
"Great trail and really well maintained path. Saw some kangaroos near the start which was cool.
Didn't spot anything during the climb itself, but the astounding panoramic view from the top of Mount Ainslie made the effort completely worthwhile."
Yichao Su
"Nice hike from the back of the War Memorial on a sealed path. Steep in parts but the view is worth it. No water on the way but water at the top. Great views and if you’re lucky you’ll spy some kangaroos on the way"
Jill Le Feuvre
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The walk conveniently starts from the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. You can drive and park at the memorial or take public transport to reach the starting point.
Yes, ample parking is available at the Australian War Memorial, making it easy to access the trailhead.
While the primary access is from the War Memorial, some may choose to start from different points on Mount Ainslie, though the War Memorial route is the most direct and well-marked.
Yes, several bus routes service the area around the Australian War Memorial, making it accessible for those relying on public transport. Check local bus schedules for details.
The most straightforward way is to head directly to the Australian War Memorial. The walk begins from the grounds behind the memorial.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk is a free public access trail. No tickets or entry fees are required.
The walk is accessible at all hours, as it's an outdoor public space. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment.
While the walk itself is free, the Australian War Memorial has its own admission policies. It's advisable to check their official website for current information on entry fees and opening times if you plan to visit the memorial itself.
The walk is technically open 24/7, but it is not lit. For safety and to enjoy the views, visiting during daylight or twilight hours is strongly advised.
The main restriction is to respect the environment and the memorial. Dogs must be on a leash, and visitors are expected to stay on the marked path.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
At a casual pace, most visitors complete the round trip in about 1.5 hours. This allows time to enjoy the views and take photos.
The initial part of the walk is quite steep, but the path is well-maintained and sealed. It's considered moderately challenging but achievable for most fitness levels.
The summit offers spectacular panoramic views of Canberra, including Parliament House, the city center, Lake Burley Griffin, and the surrounding hills.
Yes, there are facilities at the summit, including water fountains and restrooms.
You might spot kangaroos, especially near the start of the trail, as well as various native birds like parrots and cockatoos.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography. Sunrise and sunset create a beautiful golden hour glow over Canberra.
The summit lookout provides the most iconic panoramic shots. However, don't overlook the views that open up as you ascend and the unique perspective from the War Memorial at the start.
Absolutely! If you're lucky enough to spot kangaroos or birds, they make for fantastic photo subjects. Remember to maintain a respectful distance.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient for most visitors. If you're keen on landscape photography, a wide-angle lens can be beneficial for capturing the expansive views.
Many visitors capture the iconic shot of the Canberra skyline from the summit. Others focus on the path leading up, framing the city in the distance.
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