Every year, the National Multisport Festival in Canberra transforms the Australian Capital Territory into a playground of athletic challenge and community spirit. This event is more than a competition; it’s an opportunity to engage with fiercely vibrant terrain, pushing you through paddling rivers, weaving cycling trails, and running routes that demand both stamina and focus. Set against Canberra's open landscapes and tree-lined paths, the festival combines varied disciplines from kayak sprints to mountain biking and trail running, anchored in practical setups and professional organization.

The Festival covers multiple venues around Canberra, including Lake Burley Griffin’s bold, daring waters, where currents test kayakers’ agility along a flatwater course roughly 3 kilometers long. Surrounding forest trails offer mountain biking tracks varying from smooth gravel paths to rocky, technical sections with up to 100 meters of elevation gain. For runners, courses stretch between 5 to 15 kilometers, winding through bushland with sporadic hill climbs that brighten the challenge without overwhelming.

Water tempers, surfaces shift under tires and feet, and wind can gust off the lake, all testing nerves and skill. Participants should expect to engage with a landscape that’s fiercely itself—with eucalyptus trees that brush alongside the trail and the scent of dry earth insisting you stay alert.

Preparation is key. Hydration stations are scattered at key points, but carrying your own water pack is wise, especially in summer. Footwear choice should reflect the discipline: trail shoes with solid grip for running, robust cycling shoes, and for paddlers, quick-drying gear is essential. Early spring or autumn days usually offer moderate temperatures (15–22°C), ideal for endurance and comfort.

Whether you’re competing, volunteering, or cheering from the sidelines, the National Multisport Festival invites you into a dynamic relationship with Canberra’s outdoors—inclusive for novices yet rigorous enough for elite athletes. Expect camaraderie, rugged beauty, and moments that remind you this is an environment that earns every bit of respect you give it.