Best of Canberra
Parkrun and Free Outdoor Fitness in Canberra: Your Guide to the Lakes and Reserves
Canberra was built for moving outdoors. The city sits between three hills, wraps around an ornamental lake, and is threaded with off-road shared paths that connect the town centres through bushland. For anyone who wants to get fit without paying for it, that planning legacy is a gift: free weekly community runs, lake loops, bush trails and hill climbs are all on your doorstep, whichever district you live in. The centrepiece of the free-fitness scene is parkrun, and Canberra is well served.
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- 1
Canberra parkrun (Commonwealth Park)
Canberra's original parkrun, held every Saturday at 8am in Commonwealth Park beside Lake Burley Griffin. A flat, fast course popular with all fitness levels. Free to enter with registration.
- 2
Tuggeranong parkrun
Saturday morning 5km run around Lake Tuggeranong, a scenic, mostly flat course drawing a strong local south Canberra running community.
- 3
Gungahlin parkrun
A popular north Canberra event held in Yerrabi Pond parklands. Family-friendly and well-attended, with a mix of paths and grass.
- 4
Majura parkrun
Set in the Majura grasslands near the airport, this course offers a quieter, more bushland feel than the lake-based events. Good for those wanting a slightly more varied terrain underfoot.
- 5
AIS (Australian Institute of Sport) parkrun
Held on the AIS campus in Bruce, a mix of paths, grass and gentle undulation. An interesting venue for fans of Australian sporting history and convenient for Belconnen residents.
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