CYCLE ATLAS

City guide 07 · Canberra, Australian Capital Territory

Ride Canberra properly.

Ten local favourites, from the Lake Burley Griffin loop to the Corin Dam endurance return. Every route includes a Google Maps preview and a ready-to-load GPX track.

Explore the routes Download all GPX
Routes
10
Total options
463 km
Biggest day
2,200 m
Old Parliament House
01Lake Burley Griffin Full Loop32.8 km · 280 m

01 Local consensus, not generic tourism loops

02 GPX files ready for cycling computers

03 Google Maps links for quick planning

Canberra shortlist

Ten rides worth knowing

From lakeside loops to the Brindabella climbs and the Five Peaks challenge, ordered by local consensus.

10 of 10 routes

01 Moderate

A scenic first Canberra ride

Lake Burley Griffin Full Loop

32.8km
280metres up

A scenic first Canberra ride

Route notes

The capital's signature full lake circuit through the central, eastern and western basins.

Surface
Sealed shared paths and connecting streets
Watch for
Busy waterfront paths, event closures and pedestrians; keep left and give way.
Starts Old Parliament House
02 Hard

Rolling rural roads and sustained climbing

Cotter–Uriarra Loop

43.1km
700metres up

Rolling rural roads and sustained climbing

Route notes

A compact version of Canberra's classic western loop through Casuarina Sands, Cotter and Uriarra.

Surface
Paved rural roads
Watch for
Open roads, wildlife, sparse services and limited shoulders; carry lights and enough water.
Starts Mount Stromlo
03 Hard

Short climbs and panoramic lookouts

Mount Ainslie–Mount Majura Loop

42.4km
510metres up

Short climbs and panoramic lookouts

Route notes

A city-to-summits circuit linking the lake with Mount Ainslie and Mount Majura.

Surface
Paved roads and cycle paths
Watch for
Steep summit roads, walkers, cars and descending corners; check gate access.
Starts Old Parliament House
04 Expert

Well-prepared endurance climbers

Corin Dam Endurance Return

117.5km
2,200metres up

Well-prepared endurance climbers

Route notes

A major out-and-back through Cotter and Tidbinbilla country to Corin Dam.

Surface
Paved rural and mountain roads
Watch for
Remote, long and weather-exposed with limited services and reception. Check Corin Road conditions and closures.
Starts Mount Stromlo
05 Hard

A quieter long ride below Corin Dam distance

Tidbinbilla Return

70km
1,310metres up

A quieter long ride below Corin Dam distance

Route notes

A western ACT endurance ride to the Tidbinbilla visitor area and back.

Surface
Paved rural roads
Watch for
Wildlife, changing conditions and long service gaps; confirm reserve and road access.
Starts Mount Stromlo
06 Expert

Repeated climbing without leaving metropolitan Canberra

Canberra Five Peaks Sampler

57km
860metres up

Repeated climbing without leaving metropolitan Canberra

Route notes

A compact summit challenge linking Red Hill, Stromlo, Black Mountain, Mount Pleasant and Mount Ainslie.

Surface
Paved summit and city roads
Watch for
Several steep summit roads and busy connectors; obey gates and descend cautiously.
Starts Old Parliament House
07 Easy

Recovery riding and newer cyclists

Lake Ginninderra Loop

16.5km
130metres up

Recovery riding and newer cyclists

Route notes

A compact circuit around Lake Ginninderra using the local path network.

Surface
Sealed shared paths
Watch for
Pedestrians, dogs, underpasses and path works; keep speed appropriate.
Starts Belconnen
08 Easy

An easy spin with frequent access points

Lake Tuggeranong Loop

16.4km
130metres up

An easy spin with frequent access points

Route notes

A straightforward southern Canberra lake circuit.

Surface
Sealed shared paths
Watch for
Shared-path traffic, low bridges and occasional flooding after storms.
Starts Tuggeranong Town Centre
09 Moderate

Traffic-light urban endurance kilometres

Gungahlin–Belconnen Path Loop

27.7km
130metres up

Traffic-light urban endurance kilometres

Route notes

A northern suburbs loop connecting Gungahlin and Belconnen through Canberra's path network.

Surface
Sealed cycle paths and connecting streets
Watch for
Multiple road crossings and commuter paths; use current ACT maps where works alter the line.
Starts Gungahlin Town Centre
10 Hard

Landmarks plus four purposeful climbs

Capital Icons & Summits Loop

39.2km
580metres up

Landmarks plus four purposeful climbs

Route notes

A metropolitan circuit linking Parliament, Red Hill, the Arboretum, Black Mountain and Mount Ainslie.

Surface
Paved roads and cycle paths
Watch for
Summit access, traffic and steep descents; some sections may be closed for events.
Starts Old Parliament House

Take it with you

From this page to your handlebars.

  1. 1
    Choose your ride

    Check distance, climbing, surface and cautions before committing.

  2. 2
    Download the GPX

    Use the GPX button on any route or grab the complete Canberra pack.

  3. 3
    Sync to your computer

    Import through Garmin Connect, Wahoo, Hammerhead, COROS or Bryton.

Before rolling out

Routes change. Check before you ride.

Cold mornings, Brindabella weather changes and forest-road access can alter a route. Treat the GPX as a planning aid, ride to the conditions and follow signs on the day.

ACT Government cycling maps Pedal Power ACT

All ten. One download.

Your next Canberra ride is in here.

Download route pack