Kangaroo Walking Track

The Kangaroo Walking Track is a natural surface bushland trail on the edge of Mitchell, the industrial suburb at the northern end of Canberra, running along the boundary where the industrial estate gives way to semi rural scrub. Its draw is plain: quiet dog walking close to Gungahlin and the city without fighting for space, and yes, a decent chance of seeing actual kangaroos at the right hour.

Leash status

Dogs are permitted on leash only, at all times, consistent with ACT nature reserve rules. That means a maximum two metre lead, staying on the designated track, collecting and removing all droppings, and keeping your dog under firm control around native wildlife. Leash compliance here is not a soft guideline: this is wildlife protection territory, so keep your dog close and responsive even on the lead.

The walk

The track is unsealed and undulating in the way ordinary bushland is, rather than a graded circuit, so wear reasonable footwear and expect dust in dry weather. There are no toilets, no water fountains and no facilities of any kind along the route, so carry water for both of you. Because it fronts an industrial zone on one side, the ambience is bush and birds on one shoulder, warehouses on the other; go for the walk, not the views.

Max: keep your dog close even on lead. Kangaroos move through here at dawn and dusk and a dog lunging at a roo on a long lead is how good walks go wrong.

Getting there and parking

Roadside parking is available in the adjacent Mitchell industrial area, with track access near the end of Flemington Road or via Vicars Street. The Canberra light rail Mitchell stop on Flemington Road and local bus routes along the same corridor put the trail within easy transit reach, which is unusual for a bush track.

When to go

Weekday afternoons and early evenings are the quietest periods, and morning or early evening is also when the kangaroos are most active. In warmer months avoid the middle of the day: the unsealed track holds heat and there is no shade or water once you are out there.

While you're out there

Wagonga Coffee Culture is a roaster and coffee stop right in Mitchell, and Franklin Dog Park is the nearest fenced option for an off leash session the track cannot offer. For another on lead loop, the Yerrabi Pond Loop at Gungahlin is a paved alternative.

More routes are on the New South Wales dog trails guide and the Mitchell destination page.