Lake Tuggeranong Loop

The Lake Tuggeranong Loop is a flat 7.1 km lap of the lake at Greenway in Canberra's south, fully paved and shared with runners and cyclists. Dogs are on lead on the loop itself, but the district park around it holds a fenced off lead area and a spot where dogs can swim, so the lead comes off in the right places.

The walk. AllTrails measures the circuit at 7.1 km and grades it easy, about an hour and a half to two hours at a comfortable pace. It is sealed the whole way, flat and open, with the Brindabellas on the horizon and playgrounds and picnic areas spaced around the edge. The western side near the town centre is the busy half; the eastern and southern shore is quieter.

The rules. Transport Canberra and City Services manages the park. Dogs must be on lead on the shared paths around the lake, and ACT rules keep them 10 metres clear of any public play space, barbecue or fireplace in use. The fenced dog park near the foreshore off Mortimer Lewis Drive is the off lead exception, and there is a designated dog swimming area on the north eastern side near Florence Taylor Street.

Water. Drinking fountains for dogs and people are at the fenced dog park, and there are toilets and taps spaced around the loop. The path is bitumen and open, so it holds heat.

Getting there. Free parking at the Tuggeranong Arts Centre, the adjacent skate park, and various points off Mortimer Lewis Drive. Transport Canberra buses serve the South.Point Tuggeranong interchange, which is an easy walk to the lake edge.

Nearby with the dogs. Greenway Dog Park has separate fenced runs for large and small dogs, EightyTwenty and Piccolo Me both take dogs outside, and Abode Tuggeranong is the closest dog friendly bed.

When to go. Weekday mornings or late afternoons. Weekends and public holidays fill the western side with families and bikes. In summer, avoid 11am to 3pm, because bitumen this exposed will burn paw pads. Good for nervous swimmers who want shallow water and an easy way out.

Sources

• Lake Tuggeranong District Park, ACT Parks · parks.act.gov.au
• Recreation with my dog, Transport Canberra and City Services · cityservices.act.gov.au
• Lake Tuggeranong Loop · alltrails.com

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