Sports

Love sports? You’ll love Canberra. We’re the most active population in Australia.

Canberra is Australia’s sport and fitness capital. Whether you’re in the grandstands cheering our elite sportspeople or training for your first fun run, there’s plenty here to keep you on the go as a participant and a spectator.

Get involved

We have the highest participation level for organised sport in the country. There’s something for everyone, from the tiniest kids through to Masters-level games. Whether you’re into netball or soccer, tennis, squad swimming, triathlons, badminton or horse-riding or something else, you’ll find your team here.

If you’re craving that sense of accomplishment, grab a friend and climb one of our mountains. There are several peaks worth reaching, each with a brilliant view over the city and its country surrounds:

Explore Lake Burley Griffin and several of our smaller lakes by bike or on foot. Or go rowing, sailing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding or fishing.

Conquer the Centenary Trail. It’s a 145-kilometre self-guided trail that loops around the ACT with spectacular views and scenery.

You don’t have to go far for ski and snowboard play at Corin Forest Mountain Resort. Or take a day trip to the spectacular ski fields of New South Wales or to the state’s south coast beaches.

Canberra is tailor-made for cyclists, with cycle paths woven throughout the city. Our outer suburbs are so well connected, many cyclists ride to work every day. Stromlo Forest Park offers 50km of world-class mountain bike trails. You’ll also find a criterium racing track, equestrian facilities and cross country running.

Become a fan

Our elite sporting calendar features international cricket, AFL, rugby league and union, basketball, mountain bike racing, tennis, car racing, running festivals, adventure racing, horse racing and more. We’re a sport-loving city with large, loyal fan bases who’ll welcome you into the fold.

Published date: 15 Aug 2023

Ricky Stuart

“You don’t have to be born in Canberra to feel as though you’re a Canberran.”

Bronwyn Fagan

As a born and bred Canberran, there’s a lot Bronwyn Fagan loves about living and working in the nation’s capital — but nothing more than the thrill of a Raiders home game.