Discover Curtin: Radburn history and walking routes

Curtin’s Radburn planning as local history

Improvements to the public space in the central courtyard of the Curtin shops on Carruthers Street have been completed. The ACT Government page was reviewed in 2026 and describes this completed work. The Curtin Radburn Residential Precinct was designed in 1961–62 according to Radburn planning principles and includes landscaped parklands and a network of paths to nearby services, schools and playgrounds.

The Curtin Radburn development included underpasses and paths through parklands to schools, preschools and shops. Its historical character can be placed in context: a 1972 report describes Curtin as the first group centre in the Woden/Weston Creek area; a 1975 photograph shows the main ring path of Curtin Radburn, which connected residents with local shops and schools.

A stroller-friendly route in Curtin

A route description published in 2016 lists a stroller-friendly walking route in Curtin. It starts and ends at the Curtin shops and follows paved paths throughout. If you plan to do this loop, you can use the Curtin shops as your start and finish point. Path surfaces may change; check them locally.

The final section of the route identifies the North Curtin Playing Fields as an off-leash area. As this description was published in 2016, check local dog rules and sports-use conditions before your visit; both may change. This lets you factor the route and off-leash area into your plans while keeping local conditions in mind.

More nature and culture in the Australian Capital Territory

The wider destination of the Australian Capital Territory also features expansive natural landscapes. Namadgi National Park protects 106,095 hectares of alpine, subalpine and montane bushland, with several hundred kilometres of walking trails. A short, easy walk to Yankee Hat leads to ancient Ngunnawal rock art; check current access before visiting. You can observe wildlife and birds in their natural habitat in almost every park or reserve in the Australian Capital Territory.

The Canberra Centenary Trail is 138 kilometres long, self-guided and designed for walkers, runners and cyclists. It includes sites and landscapes of significance to the Ngunnawal. At Lake Burley Griffin, you can explore paths around the lake on foot, by bike or on an e-scooter. Boat cruises, picnics on the water and pedal-boat trips are available on the lake. Operator information may change; if one of these experiences is important to your plans, check the latest details.

The wider Australian Capital Territory also offers a range of cultural experiences. The Australian War Memorial’s permanent exhibitions include more than 7,000 objects from the Memorial’s collection. Paved paths for pedestrians and cyclists lead to the entrance; check current access arrangements before visiting. The National Bonsai and Penjing Collection of Australia is located at the National Arboretum Canberra. The options range from a large collection of historical objects to bonsai and penjing.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Kambah, Macquarie, Acton, North West Rural Canberra, Barton, Nicholls, Campbell and Majura.

Back to the main travel overview: Australian Capital Territory.