Ten Free or Low-Cost Ways to Get Active in Canberra, Australia
Canberrans looking to stay active without spending big are being encouraged to take advantage of the city’s wide range of free and low-cost fitness and recreation options.
From lakeside running tracks and mountain hikes to outdoor gyms, cycling trails and community sport programs, Canberra offers affordable ways for people of all ages to improve their physical and mental wellbeing.
Running Around Canberra
Canberra’s extensive network of footpaths and scenic outdoor spaces continues to make the capital one of Australia’s most runner-friendly cities.
Popular running spots include Yerrabi Pond and Lake Ginninderra in the north, while southside residents often head to Point Hut Pond and Lake Tuggeranong.
The ACT Government has published a dedicated running guide for locals on the
Our Canberra website
Hiking and Bushwalking
Walking trails around Mount Ainslie, Mount Taylor and Mount Majura remain popular with locals wanting to stay active outdoors.
Residents are also encouraged to explore the ACT’s 90 parks, including
Namadgi National Park and
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.
Information about parks, walking routes and safety tips is available on the
Parks ACT website
The ACT Government also provides a seasonal hiking guide on the
Our Canberra website
Free Outdoor Fitness Stations
Free outdoor fitness equipment is available at multiple public parks across Canberra, including:
- John Knight Memorial Park
- Theodore Neighbourhood Oval
- Eddison District Park
- Lake Ginninderra District Park
- Haig Park
- Lennox Gardens
- Crace Community Recreation Park
- Franklin Community Recreation Park
- Moncrieff Community Recreation Park
Residents can find more locations and sample workout ideas on the
City Services website
Cycling in the Capital
Canberra’s network of shared paths and on-road bike lanes continues to support cycling as an affordable and environmentally friendly transport option.
More than 90 per cent of Transport Canberra buses are fitted with bike racks, while every light rail vehicle contains bicycle storage spaces.
People without access to a bicycle can learn about free long-term bike access through Pedal Power ACT’s Bike Library on the
Pedal Power ACT website
Cycling maps and transport information are also available on the
Transport ACT website
Disc Golf Growing in Popularity
Disc golf courses are available for public use at several Canberra parks, including:
- John Knight Memorial Park, Belconnen
- Eddison Park, Woden
- Weston Park, Yarralumla
- Athllon Park, Tuggeranong
More information is available through the
ACT Disc Golf Club website
Skateboarding Opportunities Across Canberra
Canberra currently has seven major skate parks catering to all experience levels, located in:
- Belconnen
- Canberra City
- Eddison Park
- Weston
- Tuggeranong
- Erindale
- Yerrabi District Park
A competition-standard half-pipe is also available at the Belconnen skatepark along Emu Bank.
Residents can locate skateparks via the
City Services website
Free “Learn to Skateboard” sessions are run by the
Canberra Skateboarding Association with volunteer skateboarders. Helmets and skateboards are provided, and all ages are welcome.
Updates about sessions are shared on the association’s Facebook page.
Free Yoga Resources and Classes
Libraries ACT offers yoga books, e-books, DVDs and audio resources covering:
- Yoga for beginners
- Yoga for arthritis
- Yoga for pregnancy
- Yoga for children
- Yoga for people over 40
- Yoga for the inflexible male
Residents can browse resources through the
Libraries ACT website
Free community yoga classes are also available at the Salthouse Community Centre in Braddon through
Northside Community Service
Bookings can be made on the
Northside Community Service website
Public Tennis Facilities
Free tennis courts and practice walls can be found at:
- Crace Community Recreation Park
- Franklin Community Recreation Park
- Kambah District Park
- Moncrieff Community Recreation Park
More information is available on the
Parks ACT website
Family-Friendly “Game On” Program
The “Game On” initiative, run by the
Physical Activity Foundation with ACT Government support, provides free activities including:
- Walking
- Bike skills
- Ball skills
- Navigation activities
- Athletics
Further information is available on the
Physical Activity Foundation website
Dog Walking and Pet Adoption
Dog walking remains one of Canberra’s simplest and most affordable fitness options.
Residents can discover local dog-friendly walks through the
Our Canberra website
People considering pet adoption can also explore dogs available for rehoming through
Domestic Animal Services
More information is available on the
City Services website
Bonus: Finding a Sport
Canberra’s sporting community continues to grow, with opportunities available in activities ranging from archery and pickleball to boxing and jujitsu.
Many sporting clubs offer free “come and try” sessions for beginners.
Residents can search for sports and organisations, including disability-inclusive programs, through the
Sport and Recreation website
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