Mount Ainslie Lookout, Canberra: Walk or go by car?
The Mount Ainslie Lookout in Canberra offers great views of the city. You can drive to the top of Mount Ainslie or get a workout on the steep 4.2km walking track to this Canberra lookout.
What is the Mount Ainslie Lookout?
The Mount Ainslie Lookout is a hilltop viewpoint that offers a fantastic panoramic view over Canberra, Australia.
Mount Ainslie is one of several hills around Canberra that provide exceptional views of Australia’s capital city.
Despite the name, Mount Ainslie is not a mountain. It’s only 843 metres high. But it does stick out sufficiently, north-east of central Canberra, to make visiting the Mount Ainslie Lookout worthwhile.
How to get to the Mount Ainslie Lookout in Canberra
The easiest way to get to the Mount Ainslie Lookout is simply driving up there. Mount Ainslie Road goes pretty much to the top of the hill, and you can park a short distance away from the lookout.
The more masochism-inclined may prefer to cycle up to the top of Mount Ainslie. For these hardy souls, Cycle My City offers mountain bike hire.
It’s also possible visit this Canberra lookout as part of a city highlights tour.
7 great Canberra experiences to book before you arrive
- Full day city highlights tour – including Mount Ainslie, Parliament House and the Australian War Memorial.
- Tidbinbilla wildlife and birds tour – see kangaroos, koalas, platypus and emus in the wild.
- Hot air balloon flight – see Canberra’s unique design while floating above the city.
- Small group wine tour – discover the amazing wineries and food producers of the Canberra region.
- Australian Institute of Sport tour – see where Australia’s next generation of sporting greats train.
- Australian Museum – expert-guided tour of the museum highlights.
- Brewery tour – hop between Canberra’s best craft breweries.
Mount Ainslie walking track
For everyone else, there’s the walking track. The 4.2km Mount Ainslie Walking Trail begins on Treloar Crescent near the Australian War Memorial. From then on, it’s an uphill slog. The Mount Ainslie Lookout walk is steep, with several steps, but tackling it should be within the capabilities of most people.
While doing this Mount Ainslie Lookout walk, you’ll probably encounter several wildflowers. Aim for sunrise or sunset if you want to get the best photos from the top at this Canberra lookout
How long does it take to walk to the Mount Ainslie Lookout?
It takes about one and a half hours to walk up Mount Ainslie, Canberra.
The view from the Mount Ainslie Lookout – officially the Marion Mahony Griffin View – shows off Canberra’s heavily planned nature. Below, you can see the grand alleys and circles of Walter Burley-Griffin’s plan. You’ll also see Parliament House on Capital Hill at the other side of Lake Burley-Griffin.
Mount Ainslie Lookout price
The Mount Ainslie Lookout is one of Canberra’s free attractions – there is no entrance fee. The lookout is open 24 hours a day.
Other things to do in Canberra include exploring by Segway, hiring a GoBoat on the lake, visiting the National Museum of Australia and Canberra ballooning tours.
The top Canberra accommodation picks
There is a large selection of Canberra accommodation options. But these are particularly good choices…
- The one with the highest guest rating: A By Adina Canberra.
- For something cool and stylish: East Hotel and Apartments.
- The one where the VIPs stay: Hyatt Hotel Canberra.
- For high quality apartments: Quest Canberra City Walk.
- For something much cheaper and family-focused: Alivio Tourist Park.
More Canberra travel
How long does the Canberra to Melbourne bus take?
Take a Canberra Aboriginal tour in the National Arboretum.
What to see on a Griffith to Canberra road trip.
The best stops on the Canberra to Eden drive.