Molonglo River and Lake Burley Griffin Loop Track

The Molonglo River and Lake Burley Griffin Loop Track is a 33.2 km circuit of the lake and the river reach that feeds it, which AllTrails times at seven and a half to eight hours. That is a full day on hard surface, and for most dogs the sensible move is to walk a named section rather than the whole thing.

Leash status

Dogs are on lead throughout. The National Capital Authority manages the national land around the lake and the ACT Parks and Conservation Service the rest, and both require leads on the shared paths. The ACT is explicit that the five kilometre Bridge to Bridge stretch of shore is for dogs on lead.

Where the lead rules tighten

Three places on or beside the route are closed to dogs outright: Jerrabomberra Wetlands Nature Reserve, Yarralumla Beach and Black Mountain Peninsula. Dogs must also stay 10 m clear of playgrounds and lit barbecues, and carrying bags is not optional, with fines applying in the ACT for both mess and an empty pocket.

The walk

Flat, sealed or compacted gravel, and shared with cyclists and runners for its full length. The moderate rating is about distance rather than terrain, so the shorter versions of the same route are the honest dog walk. The classic cut-down is the Bridge to Bridge Loop, about 5 km through the central basin.

The path is almost entirely exposed, with little shade between the bridges. Canberra summers make the pavement hot by late morning and winter mornings sit below freezing, and keep dogs on the formed path through the warm months when snakes are moving.

Pepsi: dogs are not swimming in the lake itself, and blue-green algae alerts are a regular summer event. Carry what you need, refill at the public fountains at the main hubs, and take a proper shaded stop rather than pushing through.

Getting there

The Acton Park car park near the National Museum is the usual start and has room, with Wendouree Drive the alternative until it fills. Kingston Foreshore and Grevillea Park are the fallbacks, and Transport Canberra buses run into the city a short walk from the water.

Pair it with

Curio Press Espresso Bar sits on Wendouree Drive right on the route, and Beess & Co Cafe covers the western end at Yarralumla.

For the lead to come off, Yarralumla Dog Park is fully fenced near the shore, and Canberra Holiday Village takes dogs if you are staying over.

More routes sit on the ACT dog friendly trails guide and the Canberra destination page.

When to go

Early on a weekday, in spring or autumn, is the only fair combination for the full distance with a dog. For a normal outing, pick one basin, go early, and check the tide of runners and commuters before you choose your side of the lake.