Mount Painter Nature Reserve

Mount Painter Nature Reserve sits between Cook and Aranda in Canberra's inner west, a chunk of undulating bushland with fire trails and narrow paths climbing to a summit that looks across the Brindabellas and over the city. The main summit walk runs about 3.7 km return, and it is a proper bush climb, not a flat suburban loop. Dogs are welcome, on lead, the whole way.

Leash status

On lead at all times, strictly, and dogs must stay on authorised tracks. Kangaroos are common, especially at dawn and dusk, and an off-lead dog chasing one is exactly the scenario the rule exists for. ACT Parks can fine up to $1,500 for non-compliance, so this is not a token rule. Keep the leash short near the summit in the early morning and evening when roos are most active.

The walk

The climb uses management trails and narrower walking paths over loose gravel, steady rather than technical, with limited shade on the exposed upper sections. Views open up progressively, and the summit gives you the full sweep across the ranges. Expect mud on the lower paths for a day or two after rain.

Getting there

Small dirt parking areas sit at the end of Chamberlain Street in Cook and off Bindubi Street; the Chamberlain Street access fills on weekend mornings. ACTION buses service the surrounding Cook streets if you would rather not drive. There are no toilets, water points or bins inside the reserve, so carry water for both of you and take waste out with you.

More walks nearby

For a flatter follow-up, the National Arboretum Canberra and the Lake Ginninderra Loop Trail both take dogs on lead, and the Lake Ginninderra Dog Park provides the off-lead release. Visiting from out of town, the Canberra Retreat Bed and Breakfast in Aranda sits close to the trailhead.

More options are on the ACT dog friendly trails guide and the Cook destination page.

When to go

Weekday mid-mornings and early afternoons are the quietest windows; weekends and public holidays draw more walkers. In summer, go early because the exposed summit holds heat, and this suits confident, leash-trained dogs better than those that struggle with gravel or gradients.