O'Connor Ridge

Right on the edge of Canberra's inner north, O'Connor Ridge offers dry eucalypt woodland, birdsong and views across the north of the city. It is part of Canberra Nature Park, and dogs are welcome on lead on the tracks and trails.

Lead rules

Parks ACT manages the reserve, and dogs must stay on a lead at all times on the tracks. Keep to the formed trails.

The walk

The tracks are unpaved, a mix of fire trails, dirt walking paths and management trails. The ridge joins Bruce Ridge Nature Reserve and sections of the Canberra Centenary Trail, so you can make the walk as long as you like.

The eucalypt canopy gives patchy shade. There is street parking and a few pull-in spots near entries off streets like Dryandra Street.

Max: There are no bins in the reserve, so every bag goes home with you.

There is no water on the ridge either, so pack enough for the dog.

Make a day of it

The fenced Inner North Dog Park on Fairfax Street is close by for off-lead play, and the local coffee stop is Sly Fox Coffee.

With only patchy shade, cooler mornings suit the ridge best in summer. It suits dogs that like a real bush walk more than a paved loop.