Which Canberra skate park is best for beginners?

It depends on the layout, so check each listing. Quiet times such as weekday mornings are best for learners, and a smaller park can be less intimidating.

Are the skate parks free?

Yes, the ones listed here are free to use. You will need your own gear, including a helmet.

Where can kids ride bikes safely in Canberra?

Paths around the lake and through the suburbs are popular with families, and many are separate from roads. Check local signs and the listing for details.

Is it too cold to skate in winter?

Not if the surface is dry, though frosty mornings can be slippery. Wait for the sun to warm the concrete, and wear gloves and layers.

Free skate parks and bike tracks in Canberra

Wheels in Canberra are about concrete and space, and the city's skate parks are some of the better ones in the country for families who care about their quality. Tuggeranong Skatepark at Greenway, Gungahlin Skate Park, Weston Creek Skate Park, Erindale Skate Park, Eddison Park at Phillip and the Fadden Pines Skate Bowl are all free, and each has a different layout and a different crowd. The suburban spread of the city means that there is often one within a short drive, so you can try a few before settling on a local favourite. Beyond the skate parks, Canberra's reputation as a cycling city is earned: paths run beside the lake and through the suburbs, and many are separated from the road, which suits families with young riders. Wheels days work best in the dry and in the mild seasons, because winter frost can make concrete slippery and summer afternoons can make it too hot to touch. Wear a helmet and pads, keep an eye on the youngest scooters and give beginners a quiet time, such as a weekday morning. It is an easy, low-cost way to burn energy, and the teenagers will thank you for it, probably without saying so.

Our picks

Tuggeranong Skatepark Greenway
Tuggeranong Skatepark is an ACT Government skatepark in Tuggeranong Town Park, off Bartlet Place in Greenway.

★ 4.4 (57)
Fadden Pines Skate Bowl Fadden
Fadden Pines has a small public skate bowl in Fadden Pines District Park, Fadden, reached from Bugden Avenue.
Gungahlin Skate Park Gungahlin
The Gungahlin skatepark at Yerrabi District Park is one of seven major skateparks in Canberra that ACT City Services describes as suitable for all levels of use.

★ 4.1 (37)
Weston Creek Skate Park Weston
Weston Creek Skate Park is one of seven major ACT Government skateparks, which City Services describes as suitable for all levels of use.

★ 4.1 (30)
Erindale Skate Park Wanniassa
Erindale Skate Park in Wanniassa is one of the ACT Government's 7 major skateparks, described as suitable for all levels of use.
Lake Ginninderra Learn to Ride Centre Belconnen
The Lake Ginninderra Learn to Ride Centre is an ACT Government facility where families, schools and community groups can teach children from preschool to Year 4 to ride…

Before you go

Best for which ages

School-age children and teenagers get the most out of the skate parks, while younger children can scoot on gentler areas. Balance bikes and beginners will prefer the lakeside paths. Check each listing for features suited to learners. Beginners and little scooters do better on the flatter sections while confident riders use the bowls.

What to bring

A helmet is essential, and pads for knees, elbows and wrists are strongly recommended. Bring water, sunscreen and a first-aid kit for scrapes. In winter, gloves help, since cold hands slip. Closed shoes are a must. A few plasters and a spare drink will save the day when someone takes a tumble.

Parking and facilities

Most skate parks have street or nearby parking, but facilities such as toilets and shade vary. Check the listing before you go, and bring your own water. Parks near shops or community centres usually have more amenities. Concrete bowls can be exposed, so check the listing for seating and shade.

Best time of year

Spring and autumn offer mild weather and dry surfaces. Summer concrete cooks by the afternoon, so aim for the cool end of the day. Winter mornings can be icy, so wait for the frost to clear before riding. After rain the bowls stay damp for a while, so give them time to dry.

How to make a day of it

Pair a skate session with a picnic or a visit to a nearby playground for younger siblings. Take breaks, rotate between parks to keep things fresh, and let the kids set the pace. Finish with a snack by the lake.

Skate parks, pump tracks and bike paths

Council-run and free. Bring helmets; the listing notes lighting, shade and whether there is a beginner area.

Tuggeranong Skatepark Greenway
Tuggeranong Skatepark is an ACT Government skatepark in Tuggeranong Town Park, off Bartlet Place in Greenway.

★ 4.4 (57)
Fadden Pines Skate Bowl Fadden
Fadden Pines has a small public skate bowl in Fadden Pines District Park, Fadden, reached from Bugden Avenue.
Gungahlin Skate Park Gungahlin
The Gungahlin skatepark at Yerrabi District Park is one of seven major skateparks in Canberra that ACT City Services describes as suitable for all levels of use.

★ 4.1 (37)
Weston Creek Skate Park Weston
Weston Creek Skate Park is one of seven major ACT Government skateparks, which City Services describes as suitable for all levels of use.

★ 4.1 (30)
Erindale Skate Park Wanniassa
Erindale Skate Park in Wanniassa is one of the ACT Government's 7 major skateparks, described as suitable for all levels of use.
Lake Ginninderra Learn to Ride Centre Belconnen
The Lake Ginninderra Learn to Ride Centre is an ACT Government facility where families, schools and community groups can teach children from preschool to Year 4 to ride…
Eddison Park Skate Park Phillip
The skate park in Eddison District Park, on the eastern edge of Woden Town Centre, is one of the ACT Government's 7 major skateparks, described as suitable for all…

All skate parks and bike tracks in Canberra, free and paid

Questions parents ask

Which Canberra skate park is best for beginners?: It depends on the layout, so check each listing. Quiet times such as weekday mornings are best for learners, and a smaller park can be less intimidating.
Are the skate parks free?: Yes, the ones listed here are free to use. You will need your own gear, including a helmet.
Where can kids ride bikes safely in Canberra?: Paths around the lake and through the suburbs are popular with families, and many are separate from roads. Check local signs and the listing for details.
Is it too cold to skate in winter?: Not if the surface is dry, though frosty mornings can be slippery. Wait for the sun to warm the concrete, and wear gloves and layers.