Kokoda Track Memorial Walk
A rewarding Canberra hike offering panoramic city views and a connection to Australian military history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps & sunrise magic
Kokoda Track Memorial Walk
Best Time
Cooler temps & sunrise magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A rewarding Canberra hike offering panoramic city views and a connection to Australian military history.
"The astounding panoramic view from the top made the effort completely worthwhile!"
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The path is sealed but can be steep. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for a good grip.
💧 Bring Water
There's no water on the trail itself, but you can refill at the top. Stay hydrated!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Summit Panorama
Mount Ainslie Summit
Breathtaking 360-degree views of Canberra, its landmarks, and surrounding nature. Absolutely worth the climb!
War Memorial Start
Australian War Memorial
Begin your walk from the iconic War Memorial, a poignant starting point for this commemorative trail.
Wildlife Encounters
Trailside
Spot kangaroos, colorful parrots, and other native Australian fauna on your journey up the track.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Conquer the Climb
Wildlife & Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
What are your recommendations for climbing the hills around Canberra?
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The path is sealed but can be steep. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for a good grip.
💧 Bring Water
There's no water on the trail itself, but you can refill at the top. Stay hydrated!
Can we get a list going of mountain walks in and around Canberra? Not the obvious ones. Mt anslie, Mt Taylor black mountain
Best hill hikes in Canberra?
📸 Capture the View
The summit offers incredible photo opportunities of Canberra's layout. Don't forget your camera!
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed dogs are welcome on this trail, making it a great outing for pet owners.
Flat running trails?
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The path is sealed but can be steep. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for a good grip.
💧 Bring Water
There's no water on the trail itself, but you can refill at the top. Stay hydrated!
📸 Capture the View
The summit offers incredible photo opportunities of Canberra's layout. Don't forget your camera!
🐾 Dog-Friendly Fun
Leashed dogs are welcome on this trail, making it a great outing for pet owners.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk for its stunning panoramic views of Canberra and its well-maintained, accessible trail. The initial steep climb is noted as a good workout, with many appreciating the opportunity to spot local wildlife. Some wish for more shade on hotter days, but the overall consensus is that the rewarding summit vista makes the effort entirely worthwhile.
"Trail is easy to follow, just a bit steep for the first 20 mins. As you get higher, the views open up. The lookout at the top gives you an awesome view over almost all of Canberra like buildings, layout, everything. Totally worth it!"
Fidela Ghodang
"Great trail and really well maintained path. Saw some kangaroos near the start which was cool.
Didn't spot anything during the climb itself, but the astounding panoramic view from the top of Mount Ainslie made the effort completely worthwhile."
Yichao Su
"Nice hike from the back of the War Memorial on a sealed path. Steep in parts but the view is worth it. No water on the way but water at the top. Great views and if you’re lucky you’ll spy some kangaroos on the way"
Jill Le Feuvre
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The walk conveniently starts from the Australian War Memorial in Canberra. You can drive and park at the memorial or take public transport to reach the starting point.
Yes, ample parking is available at the Australian War Memorial, making it easy to access the trailhead.
While the primary access is from the War Memorial, some may choose to start from different points on Mount Ainslie, though the War Memorial route is the most direct and well-marked.
Yes, several bus routes service the area around the Australian War Memorial, making it accessible for those relying on public transport. Check local bus schedules for details.
The most straightforward way is to head directly to the Australian War Memorial. The walk begins from the grounds behind the memorial.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Kokoda Track Memorial Walk is a free public access trail. No tickets or entry fees are required.
The walk is accessible at all hours, as it's an outdoor public space. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and enjoyment.
While the walk itself is free, the Australian War Memorial has its own admission policies. It's advisable to check their official website for current information on entry fees and opening times if you plan to visit the memorial itself.
The walk is technically open 24/7, but it is not lit. For safety and to enjoy the views, visiting during daylight or twilight hours is strongly advised.
The main restriction is to respect the environment and the memorial. Dogs must be on a leash, and visitors are expected to stay on the marked path.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
At a casual pace, most visitors complete the round trip in about 1.5 hours. This allows time to enjoy the views and take photos.
The initial part of the walk is quite steep, but the path is well-maintained and sealed. It's considered moderately challenging but achievable for most fitness levels.
The summit offers spectacular panoramic views of Canberra, including Parliament House, the city center, Lake Burley Griffin, and the surrounding hills.
Yes, there are facilities at the summit, including water fountains and restrooms.
You might spot kangaroos, especially near the start of the trail, as well as various native birds like parrots and cockatoos.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Early morning or late afternoon offers the best light for photography. Sunrise and sunset create a beautiful golden hour glow over Canberra.
The summit lookout provides the most iconic panoramic shots. However, don't overlook the views that open up as you ascend and the unique perspective from the War Memorial at the start.
Absolutely! If you're lucky enough to spot kangaroos or birds, they make for fantastic photo subjects. Remember to maintain a respectful distance.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient for most visitors. If you're keen on landscape photography, a wide-angle lens can be beneficial for capturing the expansive views.
Many visitors capture the iconic shot of the Canberra skyline from the summit. Others focus on the path leading up, framing the city in the distance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Tips for families: Bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities on the trail itself. Consider a stroller-friendly carrier for very young children if they can't manage the climb. The well-maintained path is generally safe, but always supervise children closely, especially on the steeper sections. Spotting kangaroos can be a highlight for younger visitors!
🚶 Fitness Enthusiasts
To maximize your workout: Aim for speed on the ascent, or incorporate interval training by alternating between faster bursts and recovery walks. The 1.5-hour round trip at a casual pace can be significantly shortened for a more intense session. The summit offers a great spot for stretching before heading back down.
🐶 Dog Owners
Dog-walking tips: Ensure your dog is comfortable with inclines and has adequate water, especially on warmer days. The sealed path is easy on paws, but be mindful of any loose gravel or debris. The summit provides a great place for a well-deserved rest and a drink for your furry friend.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Commemorative Significance
Many visitors find the walk to be a moving experience, especially when starting from the Australian War Memorial. The journey up the hill provides a tangible sense of the effort and perseverance required, mirroring the spirit of the Kokoda campaign. The well-maintained path ensures accessibility, allowing a broad range of people to participate in this act of remembrance.
Navigating the Trail and Summit
Upon reaching the summit of Mount Ainslie, you're greeted by a spectacular lookout. This vantage point provides an unparalleled panoramic view of Canberra's meticulously planned city layout. You can easily identify key landmarks such as Parliament House, the National Carillon, and the sprawling city center. There are also amenities like water fountains and restrooms available at the top, making it a comfortable place to rest and soak in the scenery.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit