Canberra Tracks - self-drive heritage trails

Canberra Tracks is an important development in our ongoing education and preservation of our heritage. Our heritage is about our stories, customs, rituals and traditions and each of the Tracks captures these. They distil the essence of our history, Minister for Tourism, Sport and Recreation, Mr Andrew Barr said.

Although Canberra's Centenary will be in 2013, Canberra has a rich history far surpassing this 100-year milestone. This region was settled before the cities of Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide were established. Aboriginal history takes us back at least 20,000 years.

Everyone - residents and visitors alike - will gain an enhanced perspective about Canberra?s beginnings on these tours.

I encourage everyone to take a tour on one of the new Canberra Tracks. It is a perfect introduction to our richly diverse cultural heritage, Mr Barr said.

Track One is titled Ngunnawal Country and describes the traditional landuse patterns of the Ngunnawal people, set against the context of a living culture cared for today by the local Aboriginal community.

Track Two is The Limestone Plains and remembers pastoral life, encounters with the Aboriginal people.

Track Three is Looking at Canberra and looks at the enormous contrast in landuse and settlement through the Griffin Plan.

The Track descriptions can be seen on these signs and the others that will be installed in the coming weeks.

The launch of Canberra Tracks has been a collaborative effort between the National Capital Authority, the many stakeholders managing each site and the ACT Government.