CANBERRA.AUSTRALIA
Walks FAQ
‘Come say G’day’ in 2026. Make new friends as you walk in peace and support a worthy cause.
Walking Festival
From 24-29 March 2026, we will hold the first OceaniaPiad in conjunction with the Aussie Peace Walk, (the 35th Canberra Two-Day Walking Festival).
We call all our events ‘Mingle Walks’
Mingle Walk is a term we coined to describe a walk that offers a unique blend of personal challenge and social connection.
“Mingle Walks are the heart of the AussiePeaceWalk experience.”
The AussiePeaceWalk is more than just exercise – it’s an opportunity to enrich your life through new experiences and forming lasting friendships.
We encourage you to ‘Come Say G’day’ and strike up conversations as you walk.
It is through meaningful conversation that we gain greater understanding. And it is only through understanding that we can hope to create a peaceful world… (That’s why we call it a Peace Walk!)
NO RUNNING
The Aussie Peace Walk is not a race; it’s a challenge. If you are running, you’ll be disqualified. How can you meet new people and create new friendships if you are racing?
If you are ambling along and enjoying the capital city’s fresh country air and chatting with other walkers, you are doing everything right.
Take in the sights, stop for a coffee, take photos and enjoy each other’s company as you take on a one or two-day walking exercise challenge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Dates in coming years?
For all the Aussie Peace Walk event dates as well as related Aussie Peace Walk see this page.
Do I need camping gear far the 2-day walk?
No. Each day the walk finishes in Canberra. Once you finish walking for the day you return to your accommodation for the night.
We have provided a list of accommodation options, however, there are many others available across the city.
Are refreshments available?
Checkpoints will be at regular intervals and will be marked on your route maps—usually every 5km or so.
Water will be available at each checkpoint. Some checkpoints will have food options and some routes pass shops along the way.
Walkers should carry their preferred snacks. More details about foods en-route and at Event HQ will be posted closer to the event.
We recommend that walkers take their own water bottle on the walk, particularly if the weather is hot.
Can I bring my dog?
No, unless it is a registered assistance dog.
Many of the routes, particularly the longer ones, will pass through reserve areas where dogs are not permitted. (Except assistance dogs.)
Can I enter on the day of the walks?
We encourage you to register online in advance if possible. This will enable us to better plan for the numbers of people in each event.
Yes, late entries can be made at Event HQ. However, the entry fees will be higher than if purchased online prior to the event.
Is parking available?
There is pay parking within easy walking distance of Event HQ.
Optional bus transport can be purchased upon entry to go between selected accomodation locations to and from Event HQ.
Further details on parking and transportation will be available closer to the event.
How long will the walk take each day?
This depends on the distance you walk and your natural walking speed.
Remembering that this is NOT a race. We encourage you to enjoy the experience, make new friends and enjoy the scenery.
The following times are provided as a general 'rule-of-thumb':
- 5km walkers usually take 1-2 hours
- 10km walkers usually take 2-3 hours
- 20km walkers usually take 4-5 hours
- Marathoners (42.2km) walkers usually take 5-8 hours
Can I run?
No! Running is NOT permitted.
This is one of the unique aspects of this event. We designed it to encourage participation but still provide an individual challenge with the various distance options available.
Importantly, our public liability insurance is granted on the basis that this is a walking event only. Runners would invalidate our insurance. Also, our checkpoint opening times are calculated on the basis of walking speeds, so if you run you will arrive before some checkpoints open and they will not record your participation.
We do have some fast walkers and race-walking is permitted, but it is not a timed event. Most will take their time and enjoy the scenery and the company of the other walkers along the way.
What should I carry for the walk?
Most people take a small day pack. We suggest you consider bringing: sunscreen, hat, water bottle (although drinks will be provided at checkpoints), sunglasses, camera, a small amount of money and any snacks you might require during the walk.
Some routes will pass shops and many Rotary Clubs manning checkpoints will offer optional fun activities for a small donation.
Some walkers on the longer routes may wish to pack a picnic lunch to eat on the way.
What type of shoes should I wear?
The terrain ranges from formed concrete and asphalt paths to corrugated loose dirt or gravel trails. In most cases, cross-trainers or jogging shoes will be adequate.
Seasoned walkers may prefer trail shoes or hiking boots if walking any pre-Festival trails or any of the routes on Sunday.
Hiking poles may also be of help for some walkers.
Are the routes the same on both days?
No. There are no repeating circuits for the walks. All routes will be different each day.
The routes will cover a significant parts of Canberra, showcasing the beautiful Lake Burley Griffin and Parliamentary Triangle and many bush trails close to the city.
Canberra has a vast network of bush trails and multi-use paths (for pedestrians and cyclists), so walkers will seldom need to cross roads.
Wheelchairs and Strollers
Wheelchairs and strollers can be used on the Saturday 7km route but are impractical on other walks because the walks include some unsealed paths and bush tracks.
If you are planning to enter with a wheelchair, please contact us in advance to determine the suitability of the terrain.
Some walkers may choose to take young children in 'off-road style' strollers. These are permitted, however, may not be easy to push on some sections of walks.
What time should I arrive?
We suggest arriving at least 30 minutes before your scheduled start time.
You will have a QR code that will be scanned when you start. This code must be carried and scanned at each marshalling point along the route.
A final scan at the finish will tell the management team that you have finished.
What if I enter a 2-walk combination but want to change distances on the day?
We recommend you challenge yourself, but be realistic.
If you are not accustomed to long walks, we recommend you start with one of the middle distances.
You can change your second walk distance on the day by notifying the administration volunteers at Event HQ before the event you entered is due to start. So, if you entered the MultiMingle (21k + 24k) but after the 21km on Saturday you think you can't complete the 24km on Sunday, you can change to the 12km or the 7km on Sunday.
If you enter the Mingle Marathon on Saturday but find it too challenging, you can pull out at the halfway point and you will still be credited with completing a 21km HalfMingle.
You will miss out on the marathon medal, but if you walk again on Sunday, you will still achieve the two-day walker medal.
Do I need to train?
Yes, training is recommended.
Unless you are in the minority and have a good base fitness level, you will find the distances required for this event a challenge.
Even if you can complete the first day without a problem, heading off on a second consecutive day adds an extra degree of difficulty.
We suggest you consider our training programs for longer distances. Until you have tackled a long walk, you will not realise what other issues will arise – blisters are a good example!
Make sure you have broken in the shoes you plan to wear and have trained appropriately for the distance you aim to do.
What are the events affiliations?
The AussiePeaceWalk is affilliated event of the IML Walking Association and IVV Sports (Internationaler Volkssport Verband)