Where To Ride, Run, and Rock Out in Canberra: A Local’s Guide With Athlete and Muso Charlie Hamilton

We Are Explorers acknowledges that this adventure is located on the traditional Country where the Ngunnawal, Ngunawal, and Ngambri peoples have cared for the lands, waters, and their inhabitants for thousands of years. We pay our respects to them as the Traditional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was never ceded.

1. Sunrise Trail Run on Galambari/Black Mountain

Our morning started pre-dawn with a 5am wake-up, but I was keen to see Charlie in his prime: out on the trails chasing the first beams of morning sunlight.

Black Mountain (known as Galambari) is about a ten-minute drive from the middle of the city up to the lookout. From there, you’ll find a great selection of different hikes and walks that circle the mountain’s peak, with The Black Mountain Summit Trail being the most favoured.

Coupla early birds getting the worm

It’s a 3.5km return trail that can take just under an hour and offers stunning views of the city on the journey back down the mountain.

‘I love that I can be running or riding on trails only five minutes away from the city’, says Charlie.

No matter what time of year there’s always something to see on this trail as it hosts hundreds of native flora species alongside stunning wildlife, birds, and insects.

Read more: Remember to leave no trace

We were lucky to visit during the few weeks in summer when Monarch butterflies flit about the bushland, and it made for the most stunning walks and photography.

Charlie was quick to tie up his laces and get his feet pounding the pavement. If you’re not used to trail running, a brisk walk is always a good option to find your footing (plus there’s no way we were keeping up with Charlie, the guy does a causal 40km for breakfast).

Speaking of breakfast…

2. Coffee at the Cupping Room

It was caffeine time and we were lucky to strike gold – Charlie works at one of Canberra’s best concept cafes: The Cupping Room.

Pull up a stump in the sun and enjoy

Now, these guys take coffee seriously. The menu isn’t just a choice between the classic cap or latte; there are dozens of pages on the coffee menu, with specialty beans hailing from South America and Africa.

The Cupping Room also supplies ONA Coffee, one of the best coffee roasters in the world.

In the past, this coffee institution has earned itself titles including, ‘World Cup Tasters Champion’ and recently ONA barista Hugh Kelly landed third place in the World Barista Championships. So, naturally, we did what any sensible customer would do and left our order choice to the experts.

Taken care of by the best

Accompanied by a classic B&E and French toast, we were recommended the Aspen House Blend (creamy with notes of chocolate). Not to sound like Willy Wonka but I swear this cup changed flavours the more I drank of it.

If you’re keen to learn more about coffee, just ask the friendly staff, try some new flavours, and let your tastebuds awaken! The Cupping Room encourages an appreciation for coffee as a mindful art practice, a tool, and a ritual.

Dammit. Now it’s going to be tough to go back to my Aldi 30-cent coffee sachets…

3. Dirt, Gravel, and Road Riding at the National Arboretum Canberra

About a 15-minute drive from the city centre is the National Arboretum Canberra, an outdoor mosaic of forests dedicated to scientific education, research, and the conservation of trees. This specific site in Canberra is the largest monocultural arboretum in the world.

Here, you’ll find something for everyone: the environmental conservationists, the trail lovers, and the bike riders. Or, if you’re just looking for a peaceful outing, this is the place for that as well.

With an extensive collection of 44,000 rare and endangered species of flora, I recommend joining a guided tour to make sure you don’t miss a thing. You can also find over 20km of trails here, ranging from gravel, dirt, and roads suitable for two wheels (or feet!).

That’s a peddalin’

Once again, Charlie was making every sport look easy, taking on each surface to show us how it’s done. Check out all the trails and walks before you go to make the most of your day. Don’t miss the awesome collection of bonsai, cacti, and succulents – those were a crowd favourite on our visit!

4. Bouldering at BlocHaus

If you’re ever travelling and looking for a place to instantly find like-minded Explorers, or if you just want to try something new with mates, I always recommend rocking up to a bouldering gym.

The next stop was a classic for our climber friends: BlocHaus Bouldering Canberra. With locations in Melbourne and Sydney, BlocHaus has also set up shop in Fyshwick, just 20 minutes out of Canberra’s city centre. Grab some shoes, chalk up, and get climbing! All skill levels are welcome, and you’re guaranteed to leave with sore arms and a smile.

BlocHaus prides itself on the inclusion of all its patrons, as well as providing a nurturing environment for beginners. It also hosts many LGBTQIA+, female, and POC social events. Plus, the people there are just all-round legends. And not to toot any horns here, but it was about time I had a chance to get one-up on Charlie when we hit the walls side-by-side. Thank you for this opportunity BlocHaus!

5. Grab the Best Burgers in Town at Grease Monkey

It wouldn’t be an adventure without the proverbial ‘dangling carrot’ of food at the end of the day. Grease Monkey on Lonsdale St takes rewarding yourself to a whole new level.

Grab a handful of napkins and make sure you’ve wearing an elastic waistband because Grease Monkey is sure to leave you full and satisfied.

Busy Explorers need a hearty meal

Charlie often stops in here for a hangover cure called the ‘Greasy Vegan’, so we followed his lead and all dove headfirst into the best American-style burgers in town.

Grease Monkey is also famous for its Detroit-style pizzas, hot dogs, and wings. We topped off dinner with Gelato Messina from two doors down and were rolling out of Lonsdale St back to our hotel.

6. Take a Run or Ride at Camels Hump

If you’re still feeling hungry for another physical challenge, then sink your teeth into this spicy 12.6km trail located just over an hour’s drive out of the city within the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. Just note that the Visitor Centre is currently closed!

Named after the shape of the mountain head, The Camels Hump trail offers incredible views of Namadgi and Tidbinbilla right before a 300m scramble up to the top. Make sure to play it safe and always follow paths and signage. And remember, you’re not a camel – take plenty of water. This one is a leg burner.

So, there you have it. I promised an itinerary with burning legs, chalked-up hands, full tummies, and smiles. Charlie and Canberra did not disappoint.

This is your sign to make a trip to Canberra the next on your priority list, get your body moving, and keep your plate full. It’s also worth following along with Charlie’s adventures, athletics, and music career (if you can keep up!). He’s one to keep an eye on.

Read more: Dr Kate Grarock’s Top 7 Places in Canberra

Photos by @mikaylaatkins