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 puts at seven and a half to eight hours. That is a full day on hard surface, and for most dogs the honest answer is to walk a named section rather than the whole thing. Dogs are on lead throughout.

The rules. The National Capital Authority manages the national land around the lake and the ACT Parks and Conservation Service the rest, and both require dogs on lead on the shared paths. 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.

The walk. Flat, sealed or compacted gravel, and shared with cyclists and runners for its full length. AllTrails rates it moderate, and that rating is about distance rather than terrain. The shorter versions of the same route are the sensible dog walk. The Bridge to Bridge Loop is the classic 5 km central section, and the Lake Burley Griffin Loop and Weston Park cover the western end.

Hazards. The route runs almost entirely exposed, with very little shade between the bridges. Canberra summers make the pavement hot by late morning, and winter mornings sit well below freezing. The path also passes through nature corridors, so keep dogs on the formed path in the warm months when snakes are moving.

Getting there. The Acton Park car park near the National Museum is the usual start and has room. Wendouree Drive works but fills. If both are gone, Kingston Foreshore and Grevillea Park are the fallbacks. Transport Canberra buses run frequently into the city centre, a short walk from the lake at Acton or Commonwealth Avenue Bridge.

Nearby with the dogs. Curio Press Espresso Bar sits on Wendouree Drive right on the route. Beess and Co Cafe at Yarralumla and Dockside Cafe at Kingston cover the other corners. Yarralumla Dog Park is where the lead comes off, and Canberra Holiday Village takes dogs.

When to go. Early on a weekday, and pick a season with some weather in it. Spring and autumn are the only times the full distance is fair on a dog. Good for big runners in cool weather, and for anyone happy to take one bridge-to-bridge bite at a time.

Sources

• Dogs on National Land | National Capital Authority · www.nca.gov.au
• Dogs in public places | ACT Government City Services · www.cityservices.act.gov.au
• Molonglo River and Lake Burley Griffin Loop Track - AllTrails · www.alltrails.com

Compiled from public sources and verified listings. Always confirm current rules with the venue or council before you travel.