Crace Loop Walk

Climb Hilltop Reserve on the Crace Loop Walk and Canberra opens up below you, with the Brindabella Ranges on the horizon. The loop threads suburban footpaths, reserves and wetlands through this Gungahlin suburb, and dogs walk it on lead.

Leads and the off-lead area

The ACT Government manages the parks here, and along the streets, walkways and ordinary parkland your dog stays leashed. Keep at least 10 metres clear of playgrounds and barbecues in use.

For a proper run, parts of Crace Community Recreation Park are set aside as off-lead dog exercise areas.

The walk

Underfoot it is mostly paved concrete, with formed tracks through the reserves, so it suits prams and older dogs. The paved circuit takes under half an hour.

Hilltop Reserve covers about 7.5 hectares and sits high and exposed. Expect wind and sun on the upper section, with picnic shelters and more shade lower down in the connected parks.

Max: The top of Hilltop Reserve has little shade. On a hot afternoon, do the climb early and save the lower parks for the cool-down.

Make a day of it

For a wilder walk, Percival Hill Nature Reserve is close by, and The District Bar & Restaurant is on hand in Crace for afterwards.

Street parking along Thadoona Street is handy for starting out. Go early or late in summer, when the hilltop view is at its best and the exposed ground is cooler.