With the relay taking place around the capital, Canberrans are warned of temporary road closures starting from 9.30am until 4pm.

Marketing and communications manager Trish Quayle said the relay marked the count down to the start of the games.

"This is actually the longest relay in history, travelling a record 388 days and 230,000km around the world," Ms Quayle said.

"In Australia, the Queen's Baton will traverse 40,000km, travelling through every state and territory until it arrives at the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games Opening Ceremony on April 4."

Approximately 3800 batonbearers will carry the Queen's Baton in Australia.

"The Queen's Baton Relay recognises the achievements and aspirations of Australians from all walks of life," she said.

"It's an opportunity to bring people together and celebrate sport and inspire community pride.

"We understand not everyone can make it to the Gold Coast for the Games, so the Queen's Baton Relay is an opportunity to be a part of the excitement and this major event in your own community."

Paralympic gold medalist Lindy Hou is one of more than 70 Canberrans who will carry the baton.

Hou said she was honoured to participate in the relay and said losing her vision had not stopped her pursuing athletics, competing in the 2004 and 2008 Paralympic Games.

She wanted to show her disability was not a barrier from living her life.

"I just love the opportunity to be a part of this relay to be able to say well, hang on, we're not different to anyone else," Hou said.

"I still need special aids to do that but I can still manage to carry the baton and manage to cover the distance."

She works as a motivational speaker, encouraging others to work hard to achieve their goals.

"It's not the challenges we have to face in life, it's how we face those challenges that determine the quality of our life."

Hou will be relaying the baton with her guide dog Comet and friend at 2.08pm.

The temporary road closures are expected from the Australian Institute of Sport in Bruce to the Australian War Memorial in Campbell.

Sections of road will be reopened once the relay has passed through.

There will be some traffic diversions and alternate routes will be made at some locations and motorists are asked to follow signs and directions from traffic controllers.

Location and timing of road closures:

The Queen's Baton Relay is not expected to impact the ACT road network on Australia Day.

From Canberra, the Queen's Baton will head to Wagga Wagga, then Narrandera and Griffith on the weekend. Then on to every other state and territory, before arriving at the Commonwealth Games opening ceremony on April 4.