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Australia
Australian Capital Territory

Mount Majura Nature Reserve

The best city hikes and walks in Mount Majura Nature Reserve

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2,054

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Urban hiking trails in Mount Majura Nature Reserve offer elevated terrain, diverse woodlands, and panoramic views of Canberra and the surrounding bushland. The reserve encompasses 502 hectares, featuring critically endangered Yellow Box–Blakely's Red Gum Grassy Woodland and rare Snow Gum Grassy Woodland. This extensive forested area provides crucial habitat and connects natural habitats towards the Molonglo River valley. The trails include sections with varying gradients, from gentle paths to steeper ascents.

Best urban hiking trails in Mount Majura Nature Reserve

  • The most popular urban hiking route is James Cook Memorial – Blundell's Cottage loop from National Library of Australia, a 3.0 miles (4.8 km) trail that takes 1 hour 14 minutes to complete, passing by significant city landmarks.
  • Another top favourite among local hikers is Australian War Memorial – National Carillon loop from Alinga Street, a moderate 8.4 miles (13.5 km) path. This route offers expansive views of Canberra's key attractions and urban landscapes.
  • Local hikers also love the James Cook Memorial – Blundell's Cottage loop from Alinga Street, a 4.8 miles (7.8 km) trail leading through urban parklands and along the lake, often completed in about 1 hour 59 minutes.
  • Hiking in Mount Majura Nature Reserve is defined by elevated terrain, diverse woodlands, and panoramic city views. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy strolls to moderate climbs.
  • The routes in Mount Majura Nature Reserve are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 60 reviews. More than 2600 hikers have used komoot to explore Mount Majura Nature Reserve's varied terrain.

Last updated: July 8, 2026

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#1.

James Cook Memorial – Blundell's Cottage loop from National Library of Australia

5.03km

01:18

20m

20m

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Easy

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Moderate
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Tips from the Community

Alex
March 24, 2026, James Cook Memorial

The Captain James Cook Memorial commemorates Captain James Cook's first sighting of the East Coast of Australia. Aside from the globe sculpture, the giant water jet is part of the memorial. This jet shoots about six tons of water 152 metres at random times.

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The Commonwealth Bridge is the major road crossing over Lake Burley Griffin, carrying six lanes of traffic plus a shared foot and cycle path between Canberra’s city centre and the Parliamentary Zone. It is an integral element of the lake’s heritage landscape, with beautiful views across the Molonglo River. The river runs roughly 115 kilometres from the Great Dividing Range through New South Wales into the Australian Capital Territory, where the Scrivener Dam impounds its waters to form Lake Burley Griffin. Historically rich in native fish and culturally important to local Aboriginal peoples, the river continues beyond Canberra to join the Murrumbidgee River as part of the larger Murray–Darling basin.

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Built in honour of all Australians who have died as a result of war, this museum, memorial, and archive consists of five buildings and a sculpture garden. The museum is open every day aside from Christmas and the site hosts commemoration services on ANZAC and Remembrance Days.

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Sunrise over the lake is always worth an early start.

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fabulous coffee!

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Memorial for James Cook's travels

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exhibition how Canberra became the capital of Australia

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There’s water available just by the bridge to New Acton.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many urban hiking trails are available in Mount Majura Nature Reserve?

Mount Majura Nature Reserve offers a good selection of urban hiking experiences, with 13 distinct trails documented on komoot. These range from easy strolls to more moderate hikes, providing options for various fitness levels.

What kind of views can I expect on urban hikes in Mount Majura Nature Reserve?

Urban hikes in Mount Majura Nature Reserve often lead to magnificent views. As the highest hill in northern Canberra, Mount Majura offers panoramic vistas of the city, the Majura Valley, and the surrounding bushland. From various points, you can enjoy sweeping views to the north, south, and west, sometimes even catching sight of planes departing from the airport.

Are there any family-friendly urban hiking options in the reserve?

Yes, Mount Majura Nature Reserve has several family-friendly urban hiking options. Many trails are suitable for different fitness levels, including easy hikes. The diverse woodlands and opportunities for nature observation make it an engaging experience for families.

Can I bring my dog on the urban hiking trails in Mount Majura Nature Reserve?

Mount Majura Nature Reserve is generally dog-friendly, but it's important to check specific signage on trails regarding leash requirements. As a nature reserve, rules are in place to protect wildlife. Always keep your dog under control and clean up after them.

What are some notable natural features to look out for while hiking?

The reserve protects diverse woodland ecosystems, including critically endangered Yellow Box–Blakely's Red Gum Grassy Woodland on lower slopes and rare Snow Gum Grassy Woodland on eastern slopes. You might also spot stands of Drooping She-oak, a vital food source for the vulnerable Glossy Black-cockatoo. The extensive forested area also facilitates wildlife movement.

Are there any circular urban hiking routes in Mount Majura Nature Reserve?

Yes, there are several circular urban hiking routes available. For example, the James Cook Memorial – Blundell's Cottage loop from National Library of Australia is an easy 4.8 km circular hike. Another option is the Old Parliament House loop from National Library of Australia, which is an easy 3.8 km loop.

What do other hikers enjoy most about urban hiking in Mount Majura Nature Reserve?

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.37 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquility of the trails despite their proximity to the city, the diverse natural environment, and the rewarding panoramic views from elevated points.

How can I get to Mount Majura Nature Reserve using public transport?

Mount Majura Nature Reserve is easily accessible from various entry points in Hackett, Watson, and near the Federal Highway. While specific bus routes might vary, public transport options are available to get you close to these entry points. It's advisable to check local bus schedules for the most current information on routes serving Hackett or Watson.

Where can I park when visiting Mount Majura Nature Reserve for a hike?

Parking is generally available at various entry points to the reserve in suburbs like Hackett and Watson. These access points provide convenient starting points for the trail network. Specific parking areas are usually signposted near the trailheads.

What is the best time of year to go urban hiking in Mount Majura Nature Reserve?

Mount Majura Nature Reserve offers enjoyable hiking experiences year-round. However, spring and autumn often provide the most pleasant conditions with milder temperatures and vibrant natural scenery. Summers can be hot, so early morning or late afternoon hikes are recommended, while winters can be cool but offer crisp air and clear views.

Are there any historical points of interest along the urban trails?

Yes, the reserve holds historical context. You can observe remnants of Canberra's pastoral era, such as old fencelines, stockyards, dams, and tree stumps, adding a layer of historical interest to the natural landscape. The reserve is also recognized as an important Ngunnawal access pathway and landmark, holding unrecorded Aboriginal heritage sites.

Most popular routes in Mount Majura Nature Reserve

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