Pinnacle Central Track

The Pinnacle Central Track runs through The Pinnacle Nature Reserve on the border of Hawker and Weetangera, a dirt-track circuit over gentle hills with open views across Belconnen and out to the Brindabellas. It is on-leash the whole way and shares the reserve with a resident kangaroo population, so it suits dogs that walk calmly on lead rather than off-leash runners.

The walk

Natural dirt tracks with gentle grades, open grassy woodland and a steady, manageable climb towards the summit for the full outlook. Good footing in dry weather but expect it to get slippery after rain, and there is little shade cover along the way.

Leash status

Dogs must be on a leash at all times in the reserve, with a lead no longer than two metres recommended, and stay strictly on the designated tracks. Parks ACT manages it as part of Canberra Nature Park, and the leash rule protects the ground-nesting birds, reptiles and the endangered box-gum woodland in the reserve.

Carry bags out with you, as there are no bins on the trail itself.

Water

No toilets, no water fountains and no bins on the trail, so bring your own water for both ends of the lead. Entry is free.

Watch-outs

Max: kangaroos are common here, so keep the lead short and give them plenty of room. If your dog is reactive, stick to the wider fire trails when it's busy.

Getting there

Free gravel parking areas sit on Springvale Drive on the Weetangera side and near the Hawker end off Belconnen Way. Local bus stops in both suburbs are a short walk from the trailheads.

Close by with the dogs

Rocksalt in the Hawker shops has outdoor seating that welcomes dogs and makes an easy stop after a loop of the reserve. For an off-lead run instead, the Lake Ginninderra Dog Park at Belconnen is a short drive with separate big and small dog enclosures.

When to go

Mid-week mornings are quietest. Weekend mornings and late weekday afternoons bring out joggers, walkers and other dogs, and with little shade the summer advice is simple: start early or pick a cooler day.

More options are on the ACT dog walks guide and the Hawker destination page.