What to know about Canberra
- In the Canberra - Queanbeyan urban area, about 32.7% of the 490,517 residents at the 2021 Census were aged 20 to 39, by our count of the ABS age rows.Source: ABS 2021 Census QuickStats, Canberra - Queanbeyan
- Weighing up the drive to a gym: at the 2021 Census, 59.9% of employed people in the Canberra - Queanbeyan urban area got to work as a car driver.Source: ABS 2021 Census QuickStats, Canberra - Queanbeyan
- The ACT Government manages the contracts for seven public pools, and five offer indoor facilities all year: Erindale, Canberra Olympic Pool, Gungahlin, Lakeside and Stromlo.Source: ACT Sport and Recreation
- Under the ACT Fitness Industry Code of Practice 2026, a membership of three months or more has a seven-day cooling-off period from the date of purchase, and any refund must be paid within seven days.Source: ACT Legislation Register, Fitness Code 2026
- ACT cooling-off cancellations must be in writing with evidence of membership, delivered or sent by certified mail to the gym's registered or business address.Source: ACT Legislation Register, Fitness Code 2026
- Canberra's parks have free outdoor fitness stations with sit-up benches, chin-up bars and balance beams.Source: ACT City Services, Fitness stations
- In January 2026 the ACT Government said construction of a new Canberra Aquatic Centre at Commonwealth Park is expected to begin in 2027, subject to approvals.Source: ACT Government media release
Public pools and leisure centres
The ACT Government manages the contracts for seven public pools. Five offer indoor facilities all year round: Erindale Leisure Centre, Canberra Olympic Pool, Gungahlin Leisure Centre, Lakeside Leisure Centre and Stromlo Leisure Centre. Ask each centre whether it has a gym and what the gym floor includes before you compare it with a private gym.
More is on the way. In January 2026 the government said construction of a new Canberra Aquatic Centre at Commonwealth Park is expected to begin in 2027, subject to final design and planning approvals.
The ACT's fitness code
The ACT has a written code for gyms, the Fitness Industry Code of Practice 2026. Buy a membership of three months or more and you get a seven-day cooling-off period that starts on the date of purchase. The gym must pay any refund within seven days of receiving your notice.
The code is specific about how that notice is given:
- Put it in writing and include evidence of your membership.
- Deliver it in person, or have it delivered, to the gym's registered or business address.
- Or post it to that address by certified mail.
The code lists delivery and certified mail, not email, so use one of those during cooling-off and keep proof.
Fitness stations between gym days
The fitness stations in Canberra parks are free to use, with sit-up benches, chin-up bars and balance beams. They suit a short body-weight session close to home.
Who trains in Canberra
Canberra - Queanbeyan had 490,517 residents at the 2021 Census, and by our count about 32.7% were aged 20 to 39. The Census also recorded 59.9% of employed people driving to work. Tell us your suburb and the times that suit and we pass your enquiry to one local gym.
Canberra gym questions
How long is the gym cooling-off period in the ACT?
Seven days from the date of purchase for a membership of three months or more, under the ACT Fitness Industry Code of Practice 2026.
Which Canberra public pools are open indoors all year?
The ACT Government lists Erindale Leisure Centre, Canberra Olympic Pool, Gungahlin Leisure Centre, Lakeside Leisure Centre and Stromlo Leisure Centre.