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The Underground Guide to Canberra

Last updated: 20 August, 2026

RunDais x Underground Run Club.

It’s 6:29am on a Friday in Australia’s capital city, and a group of runners are standing in the cold, talking far too excitedly for the early hour.

At 6:30am the group kicks off and runs five kilometres.

Canberra’s Underground Run Club spend every Friday morning exploring the streets with run club leader Rachel. The 30-40 minute run at an easy pace gives everyone enough time to shake off the tension of the week, and lean into the weekend feeling renewed (the magic of a run club).

The reward at the end of every run is, of course, coffee! Oh, and continued beautiful conversations with friendly faces.

Rachel believes Canberra is an underrated destination for runners, so here’s her list of recommendations for the next time you’re in town.

Underground Run Club

Fri

Canberra 2601, ACT

Rachel’s favourite running spots in Canberra

Bridge to Bridge Loop

Where: Lake Burley Griffin Flat
Distance: 5km Loop
Click here for Strava Route.

This is our club’s favourite route! Only 64m of elevation gain, which makes it the perfect loop to switch our minds off and get lost in chitter chatter with our run club mates. We’re lucky to catch the most beautiful sunrises on this loop!

Mt Ainslie

Where: Ainslie
Distance: 4.3km or 9km
Click here to view the Up & Down Mt Ainsle All Trails Route (shorter, more of a hike).
Click here to view the Base Circuit Mt Ainsle All Trails Route (longer & really popular for trail runners).

A stunning run amongst nature that can be done at any time of day! Particularly popular at sunrise and sunset, but worth it for the views. You can also drive to the top if you’ve ticked off your run for the day.

National Arboretum Canberra – A must do!

Where: Forest Drive, ACT.
Distance: 7.4km
Click here for All Trails Route.

This Arboretum is a 250-hectare site crafted for beauty, conservation, science research, education, tourism and recreation.

Just outside of the city, the Arboretum is a beautiful place for trail running, mountain biking, or a slow wander! Don’t miss the iconic Bonsai collection, and take the Explorer Track if you’re feeling adventurous. If you’re looking for something shorter, check out the Dairy Farmers Hill Track (just over 2kms).

Post-run coffee and brekkie

Mocan and Green Grout

Unit 1/19 Marcus Clarke St, Canberra ACT 2601

There’s a reason MGG is Underground’s home base. Great coffee, friendly staff, and the ideal place to land after a Friday run.

The Griff Coffee Cart

Wendouree Drive, Parkes ACT, Canberra

We love this little coffee cart for a mid-walk/run/cycle coffee break! Great people watching and even better coffee.

Early Edition

Kingston Foreshore: Unit 4/2 Trevillian Quay, Kingston ACT 2604

Serving up some of the best brekkie in Canberra! Our favourite is Turkish eggs.

Little Sutton Bakehouse

1 Victoria St, Sutton NSW 2620

A touch far to run there from Canberra, but an awesome stop if you’re on the bike or want to go for a drive. We think the mini beef pie was made for refuelling!! Also do insanely good coffee.

Looking for more?

Shaw Estate

34 Isabel Dr, Murrumbateman NSW 2582

Exploring Canberra’s wineries has to be one of the best ways to spend a weekend here. A personal favourite is Shaw Estate!

Lonsdale Street food trucks

15 Lonsdale St. Braddon Canberra City

Tikka Stand Food Truck, Little Phat Rolls, Moowing Steak, and the Mandalay bus, just to name a few. No shortage of street food here!

Live music (for those with energy in the evening)!

All over town

Dissent, UC Refectory, Smith’s Alternative, Fun Time Pony and Gang Gang Cafe. Local DJs, jazz groups and global headliners, Canberra has more going on than it gets credit for.

Mountain Strong

66-68 Townsville St, Fyshwick ACT 2609

The best climbing gym in Canberra. Authentic, reasonably priced, and lots of fun. Great for when you’ve worn out your legs but still have energy in your arms!