This track takes you on a journey into the Aboriginal story of the nation's capital that goes back at least 20,000 years. In traditional times this area was a meeting place where the Ngunnawal welcomed and hosted groups from the surrounding area to discuss the land, lore and culture. Some of the main tribal groups used the mountains for ceremonial purposes such as initiation, marriage and trading of resources. This is your personal journey into the past, present and future of the Aboriginal history of this region. You are welcomed to this country.
Track 2: The Limestone Plains
On this track you'll discover a land explored and colonised by convicts and free immigrants as part of Britain's first Australian colony, New South Wales. British explorers named the area The Limestone Plains after its geology. 'Canberry' was the first officially settled land on the Molonglo River in 1823, which was before the establishment of Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth. By 1900 the Limestone Plains consisted of farming properties and a few small villages. Queanbeyan was the nearest town until Canberra was established.
Track 3: Looking at Canberra
Here you will enjoy the different views from Canberra's lookouts. Looking from the hilltops reveals the large scale planning that was conducted for the city—from the first visions for a nation's capital to a government town planned for 75,000 people and now to an urban community of more than 350,000 people. One of Canberra's most important planning features, evident from the views on this route, is how the city, suburbs and towns are placed within the landscape. Canberra today represents a dynamic, thriving project of planning, landscaping, construction and the establishment of community.
Track 4: ACT Pioneers Cemetery Track
The cemetery trail represents an exciting phase in our growing appreciation of the importance of burial grounds to this region's heritage. It will take you to churchyards, large urban cemeteries, pastoral plots and solitary graves. Much can be learned about our society as we look at tombstones and their inscriptions. Hardships of early farming families, the high infant mortality rate, Aboriginal burial, artistic styles and symbolism, can all be revealed through cemeteries and burials.
Track 5: Gungahlin Heritage Track
As one of the newer areas for suburban development in the ACT, Gungahlin has many sites that reveal interesting previous uses. Aboriginal and pastoral sites abound, but Gungahlin also hosts many reserves, grasslands and parks. This track includes walks and a bike ride from Yerrabi Ponds to and into Mulligans Flat Nature Reserve. Come and discover our heritage from 100 year old border markers to historic villages, homesteads, an ochre ground and scarred trees.
Track 6: Belconnen Heritage Track
Throughout the suburbs, blocks left vacant have stories to tell. Why have they not been developed? On this track you will learn about 'Belco's' life before European settlement, before the national capital and then, with more recent building. Start with a cycle around Lake Ginninderra into the town centre. Visit sites of homesteads, the border, an unmarked burial ground, a former naval transmitting station, student residences. Then walk or ride up Gossan Hill.
Track 7: Woden Heritage Track
As the first satellite town centre of the ACT to be developed, traces of Woden pastoral history can be harder to envisage. The Soldier Settlement Sceme post World War I is a strong theme here as well as innovative developments at Swinger Hill and Callam Offices. Discover geology and nature and learn about one of Canberra's few earlier primary industries - forestry.
Track 8: Tuggeranong Heritage Track
Set against the stunning background of the Brindabella Mountains, Tuggeranong has diverse heritage for you to explore. See the border from the south-side, a schoolhouse, church and other pre-ACT buildings made from wood, stone, brick of pise. Visit sites once dominated by the grand (Kambah Homestead) or the humble (Urambi homestead). The World Wars also weave their presence in this once remote valley.
