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A deeply significant connection to Canberra’s ancient Indigenous heritage. Nestled directly into the rocky volcanic tuff of the Ginninderra Creek bed, this state-protected archaeological site features distinct, permanent oval-shaped grooves where Ngunnawal people stood for generations to shape and sharpen stone hatchets. In direct recognition of this, the surrounding 50-hectare park took the name "Umbagong," the Ngunnawal word for "axe." It is an atmospheric, evocative spot to visit, complete with local educational signage and beautiful surrounding stepping-stone creek crossings. Please treat the rocks with absolute respect and do not step directly on the grooves.
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An 18-hole par 72 public-access course located on the western edge of Belconnen. Features a classic country-style layout with open fairways, grass greens, and basic bunkering. The club includes a bar, restaurant, and pro shop.
A charming, community-run street library built as a vibrant mosaic artwork by two local ceramic artists. Serving as a creative landmark along the busy suburban bike path, this grassroots initiative doubles as an active neighborhood gathering space. A public table and bench seating are set up directly opposite the library, offering a dedicated rest stop for walkers and cyclists tackling the hill climb. The immediate area frequently hosts casual pop-up community events, including neighborhood breakfasts, acoustic music gatherings, and weekend plant or fresh home-grown vegetable stalls.
A breathtakingly tranquil rural arts haven set within a historic 1920s homestead and working farm landscape. Widely considered one of Canberra’s best-kept creative secrets, the precinct houses multiple professional exhibition spaces including the Homestead Galleries and an atmospheric converted shearing shed (The Woolshed Gallery). It acts as a massive community hub for working ceramicists, sculptors, and painters. Visitors can browse a premium gallery shop, explore outdoor sculpture walks, or enjoy a meal at 'Café Stepping Stone'—a highly acclaimed on-site social enterprise café offering wood-fired pizzas and seasonal local eats.
An expansive, eco-restored urban nature reserve stretching along the western arm of Ginninderra Creek immediately below the Lake Ginninderra spillway. It incorporates the tranquil Croke Place Wetlands—a series of man-made sediment ponds and reed beds designed to filter urban stormwater and provide a sanctuary for local frogs and waterbirds. Hardened dirt and gravel walking tracks wind through open native grasslands, ivy-covered tree glades, and hidden stepping-stone creek crossings. Highly popular for off-leash dog walking, rugged birdwatching, and quiet family walks away from the main lake loops. No public toilets on-site.
A beautiful 105-hectare artificial reservoir constructed in 1974 to serve as the scenic and ecological centrepiece of the northern suburbs. Fed by Ginninderra Creek, the lake is entirely encircled by a highly popular, paved 7-kilometre multi-use path favored by local joggers and cyclists. Its sprawling, leafy foreshores connect several primary visitor destinations, including the family-friendly playgrounds of John Knight Memorial Park, the off-leash enclosures of the Belconnen Dog Park on the Diddams Close peninsula, and the bustling lakeside commercial boardwalk along Emu Bank. The protected waters provide a critical urban habitat for abundant native Australian wildlife, making it a fantastic spot to watch black swans, pelicans, moorhens, and the shy rakali (native water rat). Highly recommended for sunset strolls, kayaking, and picnics.
A scenic 7-kilometre paved walking and cycling loop that contours completely around the lake. The flat, easy-grade trail connects the Town Centre, Emu Bank dining strip, the University of Canberra, and various public parklands. It is highly frequented by birdwatchers, joggers, and cyclists.