Viewpoints and peaks in Canberra

Canberra’s urban design is best appreciated from its surrounding summits, which form a key part of the city's geometric layout. This list covers the major peaks of the Canberra Nature Park, including Mount Ainslie and Black Mountain, which provide clear sightlines along Walter Burley Griffin’s planned axes. Beyond the central basin, these locations offer views of the Murrumbidgee River at Shepherd’s Lookout, the 94 forests of the National Arboretum, and the historic astronomical site at Mount Stromlo.

Viewpoints and Peaks — Map

A

Red Hill Lookout

Located south of the city center, this lookout offers views across Lake Burley Griffin toward the Parliamentary Triangle and the Brindabella Ranges. It features several walking trails through the Red Hill Nature Reserve.

Bidgee / CC BY 3.0

B

Mount Ainslie

Mount Ainslie is a hill with an elevation of 843 metres AHD that is located in the northeastern suburbs of Canberra, in the Australian…

Bidgee / CC BY-SA 3.0

C

Black Mountain

Black Mountain, also known as Galambary to the Ngunnawal people, is a small mountain with an elevation of 812 metres AHD that is situated…

Cfitzart / CC-BY-SA-3.0

D

Mount Majura

Mount Majura is a small mountain with an elevation of 890 metres AHD that is located in the northern suburbs of Canberra in the Australian…

AYArktos / CC BY-SA 2.5

E

Mount Pleasant Lookout

Mount Pleasant is a hill with an elevation of 663 metres AHD that is located in the north–eastern suburbs of Canberra in the Australian…

F

Dairy Farmers Hill Lookout

Situated at the highest point of the National Arboretum Canberra, this lookout offers 360-degree views of the city and the 'Wide Brown Land' sculpture. It overlooks the arboretum's 94 forests of rare and endangered trees.

G

Fulica

A bird hide and observation point located within the Jerrabomberra Wetlands, providing views of local waterbirds and the surrounding wetland ecosystem near Lake Burley Griffin.

H

Pulpit Lookout

A viewpoint located within the Molonglo Gorge Nature Reserve, offering views down into the steep river canyon and the surrounding native bushland.

I

Black Mountain Lookout

One of several viewing platforms on the slopes of Black Mountain, offering vistas of the Australian National University and the city's northern suburbs.

J

Black Mountain Lookout

Viewing platform on Black Mountain providing perspectives toward the western districts and the Belconnen area.

K

Spur Lookout

Located near Molonglo Gorge, this point offers views of the rugged river valley terrain and the heritage-listed railway line.

L

Pinnacle Lookout

A vantage point within the Pinnacle Nature Reserve in Belconnen, providing views of the Molonglo Valley and the Brindabella Ranges.

M

Shepherd's Lookout

A lookout at the northern edge of Canberra offering views of the junction of the Murrumbidgee and Molonglo Rivers, with the Retallack Hills in the distance.

N

Saddle Horn Lookout

A viewpoint in the Molonglo Gorge area providing views of the steep river cliffs and native forest canopy.

O

Lookout

A viewing point near the Himalayan Cedar Forest within the National Arboretum, overlooking the Molonglo River valley.

P

Rest area

A roadside rest area and viewpoint offering perspectives of the Cork Oak forest and the western edge of the National Arboretum.

Q

Lookout

Located within the National Arboretum, this point offers views toward the south and the engineering structure of Scrivener Dam.

R

Googong Dam Lookout

Overlooks the Googong Dam spillway and the reservoir, which serves as the primary water source for the Canberra and Queanbeyan region.

S

Dam Wall Lookout

Provides a direct view of the Googong Dam wall and the Queanbeyan River as it flows downstream.

T

Bicentennial Park Lookout

Located in Queanbeyan, this elevated park offers views over the town center and toward the distant Canberra skyline.

U

Government House Lookout

A roadside viewing point on Lady Denman Drive offering a clear view across the lake to Government House and its landscaped grounds.

V

Red Rocks Gorge

A viewpoint along the Murrumbidgee Discovery Track offering views of the 60-metre high red volcanic rock faces and the river below.

W

Marion Mahony Griffin Lookout

Named after the architect who co-designed Canberra, this lookout at the summit of Mount Ainslie marks the start of the city's land axis.

X

Mount Stromlo Lookout

The site of the historic Mount Stromlo Observatory, offering panoramic views of the Brindabella Ranges and the southwestern suburbs of Canberra.

Y

Scrivener Dam Lookout

Overlooks the dam that created Lake Burley Griffin, providing views of the spillway and the adjacent National Zoo and Aquarium.

Z

Mount Rogers

Mount Rogers is a large hill, with an elevation of 704 metres, located in the northern suburbs of Canberra, within the Australian Capital…

One Tree Hill

A peak accessible via the Canberra Centennial Trail near Hall, providing 360-degree views of the Australian Capital Territory and the surrounding New South Wales countryside.

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