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Canberra Tracks
4 Self-Drive Heritage Trails
Head up to Mt Ainslie Lookout where signage will introduce you to the three heritage trails. The fourth begins in the suburb of Ainslie at All Saints Church. A map at the Lookout will show you the way or pick up a copy of the 2009 Canberra and Region Holiday Planner. The map is inside the back cover.
View map of Canberra Tracks 
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Track 1 Ngunnawal Country
This track takes you on a journey into the local Aboriginal story of the nation’s capital that goes back at least 20,000 years. From the ACT Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Centre head out west to the Cotter River then south to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Tharwa, Namadgi National Park, northwards to Tuggeranong Homestead and back to towards Mt Ainslie. This will take a full day. Ask the counter staff for further information.
Track 2 The Limestone Plains
Well before decreed as the national capital, this area was colonised by convict and free immigrants in the 1820s. This track looks at the pastoral history beginning at Mt Ainslie then onwards to Duntroon Dairy, Blundells’ Cottage, St John’s Church, Government House Lookout, Lanyon, Calthorpes’ House and finally to Old Parliament House. Counter staff can assist with opening times at these places. A full day is needed for this trip.
View Track 2 brochure 
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Track 3 Looking at Canberra
This is the ‘must do’ if you only have a short time or it’s your first time in Canberra. The stunning views from the hilltops will help to get your bearings and enlighten you on the dramatic development of Australia’s national capital. From Mt Ainslie the route will lead you to Mt Pleasant, Regatta Point, Black Mountain and Red Hill, finally delivering you to Parliament House. It will take you under 3 hours to complete.
View Track 3 brochure (1.2 MB)
Track 4 ACT Pioneers Cemetery Track
From All Saints Church Ainslie the drive will lead you to St Johns, Mt Pleasant then across to the historic Riverside Cemetery in Queanbeyan. Southwards to Woden, Tharwa, then head north to Evatt and Hall, concluding at Commonwealth Park where a plaque commemorates the only Prime Minister whose remains are in Canberra. Such places provide valuable insight into our past society and development as a nation. Not only can we trace our family histories but understand the social and economic development of the region.