Blue Mountains Camino Supporters is arranging a weekend of walking in Canberra from Friday 25 September to Sunday 27 September 2026.

WEEKEND PROGRAM

WALK INFORMATION

SATURDAY

The meeting point for both walks on the Saturday is the Knot sculpture (pictured) in the Sculpture Garden at the National Gallery. The Knot is between the National Gallery and Lake Burley Griffin. Location

Walk 1 - Easy

Start time: 8:45am for 9:00am start

Distance: About 9km, 3 hours

Description:  A relaxed walk through the National Triangle, passing the National Portrait Gallery, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Embassy then Old Parliament House.  It is then a short climb to new Parliament House, from where we will take bush tracks around Capital Hill and on to the Spanish Embassy.  We will make our way back to the lake using local bush tracks and parkland, then follow the bike path along the lake to the Australians of the Year Walk before returning along the lake foreshore to the Sculpture Garden. This walk is mostly flat along well formed paths, parkland and local bush tracks, with a coffee stop part way through the walk. 

Walk leader: Mary

Walk 2 - Medium

Start time: 8:45am for 9:00am start

Distance: 15km, 3 hours

Description:  The medium walk will go past many of the city's landmarks and the embassies of countries known for their pilgrimage routes.  Early arrivals can wander the Gallery's sculpture garden.  We will walk past the High Court, National Library, Old Parliament House, the Lodge and New Parliament House.  Embassies include UK, France, Japan, Spain, Saudi Arabia and Italy.  The walk follows footpaths, bicycle paths and bush tracks. There are toilets and water at the start and at several locations on the walk.

Walk leader: Tony

SUNDAY

Start time: 8:30am for 8:45am start

Distance: 11km, 3 hours

Description: This walk will start at the Himalayan Cedars Carpark, National Arboretum. The National Arboretum is a 250-hectare living museum featuring over 40,000 trees from more than 100 countries. This will be a chance to walk amongst a century-old Cork Oak plantation, traverse the Explorer Track which features; Himalayan Cedars, Wollemi Pines, Bunya Pines and Spanish Birch Trees. We will finish at the village Centre around 12noon - where you can purchase lunch or a coffee.

Walk leader: Mary

Final details will be emailed prior to the weekend. 

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WALKING SAFETY

Please read this before you attempt any of our training walks. 

You are welcome on our walks, but please read the following carefully before deciding to do a walk.

Your safety is your responsibility. You must know your walking ability. 

The walk coordinator on the day has the authority to withdraw you from the walk if they believe the walk is not suitable for you and they believe you may put yourself (and others) at risk. 

1. Read our notes about the walk carefully, and be aware of the difference between the grades of walks.

Easy walks are usually on well-formed fire roads or bush paths, with limited stairs or steep parts. Elevation gains during the walk are typically small to moderate.   Distances 5-12 kms.

Medium walks also include walking on well-formed fire roads and bush paths but are generally more challenging walks and faster pace. People more accustomed to bushwalking trails should consider this option. If you're not experienced on rougher ground, or are not confident about your current fitness level then choose the first (easy) walk to build up your confidence.   Distances typically 12-16kms.

2. Do not attempt either walks if you have any health concerns at all.

3. Wear appropriate footwear and bring ample water (minimum 1.5 litres).  Walking poles can be useful. 

4. Wear and bring appropriate walking gear, the weather in the mountains can change rapidly so always have a rain jacket or poncho. A hat for sun and rain protection.

5. Basic first aid kit including snake bandage, sunscreen, insect repellent.

4. The group is only as fast as its slowest walker.  If you are unsure about being able to keep up with the group for the entire walk, start with the easy walk. 

5. All walkers will meet at the start of the walk.  If you are unsure of the route, make sure you buddy up with someone who does.  An experienced walker will walk at the rear of the group.

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All our Blue Mountains Camino events are subject to severe weather events.  If events are restricted or the organisers determine conditions are not safe for pilgrims to gather together the walk will be cancelled.  Your registration fee will be fully refunded in that case. 

Walkers must be over 18. Exceptions may be made for easy walks where a child over 12 is preparing for a Camino walk and is supervised by an adult who has walked with us previously. In this case, please contact us by email to discuss before registering.

More information about the Blue Mountains Camino Supporters:   https://bluemountainscamino.au

If you have any questions, please email   info@bluemountainscamino.au

Contact Event Organiser