A Runner's Guide: The Top 5 Canberra Parkruns
Canberra has an aura of a city that was designed for parkrun. With its picturesque lakes, tree-lined walking loops and nature reserves that are both breathtaking and mountainous, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) lives up to its reputation as the country's 'bush capital'.
The beautiful setting of Canberra is a utopia for walkers, joggers and runners - guaranteed to inspire you to lace up for a friendly 5K of parkrun among a cheerful and inclusive community.
Canberra parkruns are the perfect way to embrace your Saturday mornings, with an 8am start to rejuvenate your body and mind, and to stretch your socialising muscles. At this volunteer-run event, individuals are uplifted, friendships are formed and family bonds are strengthened.
What really shines at Canberra parkruns is the people - sometimes literally when they're wearing hi-vis from head-to-toe in a celebration of colour during special events. However, it's the supportive words, encouraging smiles and ease of sparking up a conversation within this vibrant and diverse parkrun family that make lacing up in Canberra an absolute joy.
Join us on a journey to discover 5 of the best parkruns in or around Canberra – the Tuggeranong parkrun, Gungahlin parkrun, Burley Griffin parkrun, Queanbeyan parkrun and Mount Ainslie parkrun.
Although run is in the name, the philosophy behind parkrun is that it's free (and pressure-free) for everyone. Whether you walk, jog, run or volunteer, your participation is celebrated with this zero obligation, all-fun weekly event.
Some runners use parkrun to stay on track of their running goals - whether committing to running as a healthy habit to cultivate overall wellness, or training for a half marathon. Other participants embrace the social aspect of parkrun with a mood-boosting walk-and-chat each week.
Not only can you enjoy the physical and mental health benefits of movement, but with every stride you'll be uplifted with the positivity that connecting to another person or supportive community can bring - because we walk, jog or run stronger together.
The average time for parkrunners to complete the 5K has consistently slowed with every year - and that's a fact worth celebrating, because it means more people are gravitating to parkrun for the community connection and to nurture their self-care by enjoying it at their own pace.
Of course, if you're motivated by achieving a 5K personal best at parkrun that's A-OK. It's a timed event, so you can track your improvement week-to-week and be self-inspired as you crush those running milestones.
No matter your motivation, pace, age or ability, Canberra parkruns have something for everyone.
Tuggeranong parkrun: Flat, feel-good & friendly lakeside Canberra parkrun
About the Tuggeranong parkrun & why you’ll love it
Launched on the 23rd of February 2013, Tuggeranong parkrun has been running over a decade strong, with potentially over 250 runners gravitating to the glistening lake, welcoming atmosphere and inclusive environment each week.
It was one of the 12 parkrun locations selected across Australia and the only one in the ACT to be part of the Medibank parkrun Road Trip. In May 2023, this pop-up event had a stop-over at Tuggeranong parkrun, with a goal to raise awareness of the life-changing benefits of parkrun. It encouraged everyone from across Australia to lace up for parkrun to improve their physical and mental wellness through walking/running and community connection.
It’s no surprises that the Tuggeranong parkrun met the criteria for this event – with its idyllic surroundings including relaxing picnic spots, beautiful boardwalks and playgrounds to spark the imagination of little athletes – all just over a 20 minute drive south from the city of Canberra. However, it’s the people of Tuggeranong parkrun that make it truly inspiring.
Denise Clarke, grandmother and Tuggeranong parkrun co-event director, has been attending since its inaugural event. In the ACT, she was the first woman to participate in 420 parkruns (a number which continues to climb), and is an advocate for the fact that parkrun is for everyone.
No matter whether participants are 8 years old or 80 years young, beaming smiles can be seen from all ages in this rejuvenating setting and well-organised event. From parents running with a pram, to joggers enjoying the fresh air with their four-legged running buddy – the Tuggeranong parkrun can help you meet your weekly walking, jogging or running goals.
Here, it feels less about chasing a PB and more about soaking in the feel-good vibes and camaraderie at any pace. The flat course makes it accommodating for participants of any ability – and even those seeking to shed seconds off their previous times. For many, participating as a volunteer is just as rewarding as putting foot to pavement to socialise, support and be supported by this friendly and vibrant community.
From about 50 participants in its early days, Tuggeranong parkrun has grown to welcome over 250 people per week. It’s this encouraging and pressure-free environment that keeps participants of all ages and abilities lacing up and returning to Tuggeranong parkrun.
Tuggeranong parkrun course
At 8am every Saturday, the tranquillity of Lake Tuggeranong invites the vibrant blur of running clothing, the thud of hundreds of footsteps and the cacophony of laughter as participants of all backgrounds join in for the joy of movement.
This beginner-friendly, flat course puts gravel and tarmac underfoot. Runners meet at the Tuggeranong Town Park before setting out on this 5K out-and-back course around the southern area of Lake Tuggeranong.
Following the bike path along the foreshore in a south east direction, the course ventures beneath the Soward Way bridge. After crossing over Limburg Bridge pedestrian bridge, with stunning views of the lake in every stride, the course heads north west, continuing to follow the foreshore. It heads underneath the Soward Way bridge on the opposite side of the lake, until reaching the turnaround point near Greenway Dog Park. You'll then follow your footsteps back to the starting point at Tuggeranong Town Park.
For more information and a course map, check out the official Tuggeranong parkrun course page.
Tuggeranong parkrun: Need-to-know & other tips
The Tuggeranong Lake offers a 7km (approx.) loop around its majestic waters for anyone keen to add extra kilometres to their walk or run on a return visit. It's easily accessible for walkers, joggers and runners of all abilities.
With the natural setting of Tuggeranong Town Park providing reprieve from a busy lifestyle, BBQs and shady spots for lounging outdoors, easy access to facilities, bike paths and open spaces for the kids to explore, it’s a family-friendly and dog friendly experience to unwind.
The Tuggeranong Lake is bountiful in birdlife - both children and nature lovers will have a thrill spotting swans resting peacefully on the water.
Be aware that the Tuggeranong parkrun is on shared paths, so please be patient and considerate of other path users. Post-run, join your fellow parkrunners for coffee and a conversation at Cafe Milligram, Tuggeranong Hyperdome.
For detailed information on the start time, location and more, check out the official Tuggeranong parkrun page.
Gungahlin parkrun: Flat, fun & peaceful lakeside Canberra parkrun
About the Gungahlin parkrun & why you'll love it
On the 21st of October 2023, Gungahlin parkrunners laced up to celebrate a decade of inspiring walkers, joggers and runners to join in on 5K of fun (with its first event having taken place on the 19th of October, 2013).
The festive 10th anniversary run welcomed hundreds of smiling participants – including flamingo, unicorn and dinosaur-dressed runners, with even 'Ironman' making an appearance.
The event director, Andrew Gardner, is passionate about the ability of parkrun to nurture personal growth – from couch to 5K, to half marathons, to full marathons – with many of its participants finding their footing here at parkrun, and going on to accomplish amazing running milestones.
With a background as a distance runner pre-parkrun, Andrew sought the satisfaction of being involved in a running event that traded a competitive spirit for a community spirit and inclusivity – and that includes encouraging the furry running buddy of the family to get involved. Being a popular parkrun among dog owners, it's a fantastic opportunity to allow your four-legged pal to stretch their legs and meet some furry friends of their own.
Yerrabi Pond, the location of Gungahlin parkrun, is home to a variety of birdlife – black swans, herons, dusky moorhens, purple swamphens and cormorants – creating a picture-perfect setting to crush your PB or take a leisurely stroll among wildlife and a friendly community. Their birdsong creates a tranquil, natural soundtrack to help you flow into a smooth running rhythm and absorb your serene surroundings.
It’s among the flattest parkruns in our Canberra top 5 list – making it easily accessible for participants running with a pram, beginner runners and parkrun enthusiasts of all abilities and ages. It has a turnout similar to the Tuggeranong parkrun, with about 250 participants each week.
Gungahlin parkrun course
The Gungahlin course around Yerrabi Pond (technically a small artificial lake), in the north western region of Canberra, feels like it was made for parkrun – offering a smooth surface underneath your feet and changing scenery to keep every step invigorating.
With a nearly all flat and peaceful, tree-lined course, it’s a favourite location for walkers and runners alike. Tarmac paths make the Gungahlin parkrun easily runnable – from pups to prams in this 1-loop course with a short out-and-back.
After meeting your troop of cheerful runners a short walk away from Yerrabi Pond District Park, the Gungahlin parkrun progresses around Yerrabi Pond in an anti-clockwise direction. It runs past (not over) the Eastern Island Walkway footbridge as it follows the foreshore of the small lake.
1km in, signage will direct you right, then a left turn will keep you on track to the shared path alongside Horse Park Drive. A small incline will take you towards a residential area. Before reaching it, you'll turn left to progress back towards the loop around Yerrabi Pond.
After walking/running 2.2km, a right turn at Bizant Street Playground will take you on a straight path, with a turnaround point marked with a cone at its end after about 150m. After passing the playground for a second time, you’ll turn right to rejoin the shared path.
At 3.5km, head right to run around the small footbridge of Amaroo Wetlands, then continue in the direction of Yerrabi Pond, keeping it on your left-hand side. You'll run along a dam wall, take two left turns and continue along the foreshore of Yerrabi Pond before enjoying the last 300m dash or stroll to the finish line, just short of where you started.
For more information and a course map, check out the official Gungahlin parkrun course page.
Gungahlin parkrun: Need-to-know & other tips
The peaceful Yerrabi Pond makes the Gungahlin parkrun an inviting event to walk or run all-year round, but the trees – both eucalyptus and introduced flora – come alive with colour particularly in the autumn and spring months.
Be sure to layer in the cold and winter months, because the temperature regularly drops to sub-zero – creating an enchanting frost-veiled setting but leaving your muscles in much need of a limbering warm up. However, even in the chill there’s still a happy turnout of smiling faces for parkrun.
It’s a fantastic, leafy location to inspire little athletes and get your kids into running without them even knowing they're exercising, thanks to a basketball court, skate bowl, a huge flying fox and toddler-friendly pirate ship playground. BBQs and picnic tables abound, it’s tempting to settle here for a day of leisure, but keep in mind, fun is best shared and it can be busy on the weekends.
The ever-changing street art may also catch your inquisitive eye, with specific areas having been approved legal graffiti practice sites for urban artists to showcase their talents.
With a myriad of tempting cafes in the area, it’s easy to find a meal post-run. Parkrunners gravitate to Frankie's At Ford to enjoy a chat and coffee fix.
For detailed information on the start time, location and more, check out the official Gungahlin parkrun page.
Burley Griffin parkrun: Popular & scenic Canberra parkrun
Burley Griffin parkrun at Weston Park draws out a crowd rain or shine, with potentially 300 - 400 walkers, joggers and runners lacing up week to week. Even with such a large turnout, the Burley Griffin parkrun doesn't feel claustrophobic. Once the crowd disperses, there is plenty of space to stretch your legs without risking collisions during your walk, jog or run.
It’s an enchanting location, complete with gentle undulations. The course follows a curve in the Molonglo River that flows through the centre of Canberra. The Burley Griffin parkrun entices both gym goers turned parkrunners and recreational walkers to soak in the beautiful views as well as the physical and mental health benefits of running.
Alongside smiling parkrunners, birdlife such as sulphur crested cockatoos, crimson rosellas, magpies, swamphens and wood ducks can be seen throughout this course. You may also spot kangaroos which are happy for you to pause to snap a photo of them displaying their natural behaviours from a friendly distance.
Views of Lake Burley Griffin - Canberra's largest artificial lake located in the city's heart - Telstra Tower and the National Arboretum allows the Burley Griffin parkrun to showcase some of Canberra’s top tourist destinations.
With its inaugural run on the 18th of June 2016, Burley Griffin parkrun is now in its 7th year. Participants of the Burley Griffin parkrun aren’t afraid to be seen, with last year’s birthday celebrations inspiring runners to wear their fluoro or hi-vis colours.
The Burley Griffin parkrun continues to inspire everyone from parkrun beginners to parkrun veterans to enjoy the brighter side of exercise – that doesn’t have to feel like exercise at all. Forget the misconception that fitness is synonymous with sweaty bootcamps, because the Burley Griffin parkrun is all about fun, community spirit and giving it a go.
Burley Griffin parkrun course
With a just-right balance of uphill climbs and downhill descents, the Burley Griffin parkrun isn’t overly daunting, while still providing a refreshing change of incline for participants that enjoy variation rather than a pancake-flat course. Trees offer generous shade over the pavement, while other sections of path provide rejuvenating sunlight, offering an inviting run in all conditions.
It's an uncomplicated route with smooth tarmac beneath your feet ensuring beginners can easily get their footing.
Runners congregate near the Weston Park Playground for this out-and-back course. During the run, there will be views of Burley Griffin Lake on your left-hand side as you progress along the river's edge. A turnaround point, just before the Yarralumla Dog Park will have you retracing your steps, until reaching the finish chute at the starting area.
For more information and a course map, check out the official Burley Griffin parkrun course page.
Burley Griffin parkrun: Need-to-know & other tips
If you’re acclimatised to flat parkruns, the Burley Griffin parkrun offers a change of pace with its undulating course. It may be worth rethinking your strategy to conserve your energy if you’re a runner focused on achieving a fast time – keeping in mind that PBs have absolutely been achieved here.
For walkers, the rolling hills offer a pleasant, ever-changing experience, and will make you feel rewarded knowing you’ve accomplished this additional challenge before graduating to a real test on your legs, like the Queanbeyan parkrun.
Weston Park is a family-friendly and dog-friendly area, with playgrounds for the little athletes of the family and Yarralumla Dog Park offering off-leash fun for your furry running buddy. Dogs are welcome and encouraged at Burley Griffin parkrun, but must be kept on a lead at all times.
Parkrunners congregate at The Station Stop Cafe post-run for a coffee and a catch up.
For detailed information on the start time, location and more, check out the official Burley Griffin parkrun page.
Queanbeyan parkrun: Hilly riverside parkrun, just outside of Canberra
About the Queanbeyan parkrun & why you'll love it
Hello hills! If you love a challenge in a scenic setting with a heritage vibe, Queanbeyan parkrun hits the mark for its beauty and elevation (about 80m).
Queanbeyan has been called “the NSW sister of Canberra” - just 20 minutes outside Canberra's city centre on the ACT-NSW border. Although technically in NSW, Queanbeyan parkrun has been welcomed into the top 5 parkruns list for Canberra for its amazing community spirit and inclusivity.
It runs alongside the picturesque Queanbeyan River, offering an interesting slice of the past with the river's historic role in Queanbeyan’s economy and rural prosperity. The name of the city – Queanbeyan - was derived from ‘Quinbean’ – an Aboriginal word meaning ‘clear water’ that was used by the original inhabitants of the land. This term was likely applied in reference to the life-sustaining river itself.
Platypus sightings have been made in the Queanbeyan River – but patience is really a virtue when it comes to spotting this fascinating Australian mammal.
No matter your gender identity, age or ability, the Queanbeyan parkrun welcomes walkers, joggers and runners like family into this warm-hearted community. You’ll never feel out of place here in this weekly, joy-inspiring event with its friendly volunteers always enthusiastic to give a helping hand or words of encouragement. You’re guaranteed to meet friendly people and dogs here.
Your eyes will be greeted by beautiful trees, railway scenery and a historic cemetery. On a foggy morning, the Queanbeyan parkrun is particularly enchanting.
As much as the hills may give you pause, conquering them is a weekly accomplishment you can wear with pride while naturally building your leg strength, cardio health and mental resilience. This literally breath-taking experience helps shift your perspective – gaining an appreciation that you can go beyond your perceived limits.
You’ll support and be supported by the friendly Queanbeyan parkrun family. Whatever way you participate in parkrun (walk, jog, run or volunteer), Queanbeyan parkrun will give you the weekly dose of motivation to prioritise your self-care while sharing an infectious smile with others. It’s an empowering and rewarding experience among a supportive community.
Queanbeyan parkrun course
The Queanbeyan parkrun offers an honest hill workout – perfect for integrating into your week whether you’re training for a half marathon or enjoying a soothing walk among nature and your community.
Walkers, joggers and runners congregate on the grass by Morisset Street. This out-and-back, double loop course starts on the grass then follows a bike path that runs alongside the river, and weaves up a hill.
Be sure to conserve your energy here as you’ll become very familiar with this hill by the end of the parkrun. Don’t let the hill dishearten you though – a volunteer tailwalker will be at the back of the pack to ensure everyone that gives it a go feels supported and that no one feels left behind.
You’ll continue past the Riverside Cemetery, then reach the turnaround point just short of McEwan Avenue. Here, a friendly marshal will provide direction and encouragement. You’ll then retrace your steps to the starting/finishing point before heading out for another lap and back again.
For more information and a course map, check out the official Queanbeyan parkrun course page.
Queanbeyan parkrun: Need-to-know & other tips
Although Queanbeyan parkrun is a pram-friendly course, there are areas where pram running can be more challenging – primarily the grass sections at the beginning, turnaround point and end. It's recommended that you wear a wrist strap if you’re running with a pram as the downhill slopes naturally encourage speed.
For faster runners, Queanbeyan parkrun really rewards correct pacing. Although it’s tempting to go up the hill full steam ahead, be sure to take your time to keep that energy reserved for the rest of the run. For walkers, it's the ideal location to take your time and soak in a peaceful setting and uplifting company.
Queanbeyan parkrun is one of few ‘Q’ parkruns in Australia, alongside Queens Domain parkrun in Tasmania and Quinns Rocks parkrun in Western Australia. For parkrun alphabeteers who are ticking off the A-Z of Aussie parkruns and are visiting the ACT, Queanbeyan parkrun is a must.
For detailed information on the start time, location and more, check out the official Queanbeyan parkrun page.
Mount Ainslie parkrun: Canberra's challenging and scenic trail parkrun
About the Mount Ainslie parkrun & why you’ll love it
Trade your running shoes for trail running shoes once a week at the Mount Ainslie parkrun. You couldn’t wish for a more beautiful backdrop that cocoons you in nature in Canberra’s only trail parkrun.
It’s a magnet for parkrun tourists – with participants from wider Australia including Sydney, Melbourne, Queensland and international explorers from Auckland and London all having enjoyed 5K of fun at Mount Ainslie.
The wide dirt trails and natural bushland make Mount Ainslie parkrun the ideal location to come up for fresh air. It’s the perfect parkrun to enjoy running as ‘moving meditation’ and to leave your sports watch and running headphones behind.
Mount Ainslie parkrun isn’t about PBs – the hills make sure of that – but it is about tuning into your body and enjoying the sensory experience of nature. Whether you’re a Canberra resident or parkrun tourist, save a spot for Mount Ainslie parkrun on your to-do list.
Mount Ainslie parkrun has been life-changing for some – with an environment that encourages running milestones and weight loss goals to be achieved.
Among the kind, smiling faces of Mount Ainslie parkrun was Beck Brown, former event director, who peacefully passed away on the 12th of October 2023 after a brave battle with lung cancer.
Beck had never smoked a cigarette. She was an advocate for the power of parkrun to emotionally uplift individuals and communities.
“parkrun helps me destress, it gives me focus and it’s great for my physical and mental health. It also gives me an hour in the week when I completely forget I have cancer – I honestly don’t think about it during parkrun... It should be on prescription for every health professional.” - Beck Brown from her blog, parkrunning with lung cancer.
Mount Ainslie parkrunners and volunteers are helping Beck’s memory live on through their positivity, passion and welcoming nature.
Mount Ainslie parkrun course
Patience over speed is priority at the Mount Ainslie parkrun as a trail parkrun course, with gravel underfoot and the potential for leaf litter, broken branches and wet/muddy areas to add an element of surprise to the path.
Mount Ainslie parkrun is a challenging, undulating course on the western border of Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve, at the Remembrance Nature Park in Campbell. The start/finish point is accessed from behind the Australian War Memorial through the main Mount Ainslie walking path, with parkrun flags making it easy to find your way.
Despite being hilly and off-road, the Mount Ainslie parkrun course is relatively straight and uncomplicated to follow, with cones placed in front of side trails to ensure you stay on track of the main path. After 2.5km, there is a turnaround point to guide you back the way you came to the start/finish point.
For more information and a course map, check out the official Mount Ainslie parkrun course page.
Mount Ainslie parkrun: Need-to-know & other tips
Mount Ainslie offers a challenge for any walker/runner, but perhaps more so for those running with a pram. The wide paths make it accessible to prams, but an all-terrain pram may be preferable to gain traction and ensure smooth strolling off-road to combat the bumps and uneven surfaces of the trail.
Dogs are welcome, but as with any parkrun, your furry running pal must remain on lead. This is especially vital at Mount Ainslie to protect the wildlife that have made their home here - with kangaroos being regularly spotted on the course.
To stay hydrated on the hills, we recommend bringing a water bottle or hydration pack, particularly if you're keen to explore the amazing hiking trails Mount Ainslie has to offer post-parkrun.
While in the area, it’s worth taking a hike to Mount Ainslie’s summit and soaking in Canberra’s one-of-a-kind view as Australia’s capital city, and the vision of Walter Burley Griffin who originally designed it.
For detailed information on the start time, location and more, check out the official Mount Ainslie parkrun page.
Special mention: Ginninderra parkrun
The Ginninderra parkrun or ‘Gindy’ parkrun as it's affectionately referred to by those that call it their home parkrun, must be included in the top 5 Canberra parkruns list as a special mention.
Launched on the 28th of April 2012, not only was it the first parkrun in Canberra and the 6th in Australia, but the friendly atmosphere ensures every participant feels welcome and appreciated. It's the ideal, tranquil location to walk-and-chat alongside 200 - 300 amazing people, potentially with a furry pal or running pram in tow.
It’s a picturesque parkrun that nature lovers gravitate to, providing a serene 5K that twists and turns around the edge of Lake Ginninderra at the John Knight Memorial Park in Belconnen. A big thank you goes out to Russ and Jess Jefferys for kick-starting the parkrun phenomenon in Canberra with Ginninderra parkrun!
For detailed information on the start time, location and more, check out the official Ginninderra parkrun page.
For more information and a course map, check out the official Ginninderra parkrun course page.
Is your favourite Canberra parkrun missing from the list? We’d love to hear about it! Contact Sportitude Running and let us know why it’s the best Canberra parkrun for you.
Happy running, and we’ll see you at parkrun!
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