List of Bushwalks in Namadgi National Park

Environment

Starting from the Yerrabi Track Carpark off Boboyan Road, Booth, this return walk takes you to the summit of Mount Boboyan and the Tor Viewpoint via the Yerrabi Walking Track. THe Tor Viewpoint will provide you beautiful and soothing views of the mountains across the valley, which are covered with snow from winter to spring. You can take a sip of that hot coffee whilst enjoying the landscape as the light snowfall makes the view a little bit more magical. You’ll go through a Peppermint forest, and then a swampy grassland in which the Black Sallee surprisingly grows. Before the summit you’ll enter the Mountain Gum/Snow Gum woodland which is more moist than the Peppermint forest, due to the higher and denser canopy. The area is home to lots of wild animals such as the Red-necked Wallabies and wombats, but the mountain katydid steals the show with its brightly coloured abdomen. Come prepared for snow conditions even if it's not forecasted. Look out for snakes in the swampy grassland section in warmer times of the year. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Mount Boboyan

3.2 km return

1 h 15 min to 1 h 45 min

1 h 15 min to 1 h 45 min

Environment

Starting from Mount Franklin Road, Brindabella, this walk takes you to the Bendora Arboretum and back via Chalet Road(a management road), visiting the historic Bendora Hut as well. Notice the change of smell as you walk through different tree sections in the arboretum as you enjoy the natural views and ambiance. 52 different tree species were planted in groups of 81 when the arboretum was first established in 1940. You can get into the details whilst exploring the arboretum as there are plenty of informative signposts at each section. Don’t miss out on the views over the valley while you’re focused on reading the said signposts. The historic Brenda Hut is there to welcome you to the arboretum, with some benches and a fireplace inside. Some people say that it was built in the early 1940s to serve as a shelter for the Forestry and Timber Bureau workers at the time. Others claim it was built in 1930 by Ted Kennedy for laborers building the road. The arboretum provides an entirely different experience in each season, from deciduous trees shedding their leaves to a silent white blanket over the land. Try to photograph each season to make them into a collage that you can proudly represent on your wall. Keep in mind there is no signal reception in the area, so make sure you inform others prior to the journey. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Bendora Arboretum Track

3.5 km return

1 h 15 min to 1 h 45 min

Bendora Arboretum Track

3.5 km

Return

Walk

1 h 15 min to 1 h 45 min

Mtb

Run

40 min to 1 h

Environment

3 Hut Circuit (Hospital Creek, Frank and Jacks & ACT Forests huts)

3 Hut Circuit (Hospital Creek, Frank and Jacks & ACT Forests huts)

5.6 km circuit

2 h 45 min to 4 h 30 min

5.6 km

Circuit

Walk

2 h 45 min to 4 h 30 min

Starting from Yankee Hat Walking Track off Old Boboyan Road, Rendezvous Creek, this circuit walk takes you through the hills and valleys of Namadgi National Park, visiting 3 huts along the way: ACT Forests, Hospital Creek, and ‘Frank and Jacks’. The kangaroos and wallabies welcome you prior to entering the pine woodland of NNP. After merely meters into the woodland, the ACT Forests Hut is right there for you to explore. Built in 1966, the metal structure is equipped with a rainwater tank. The next hut you’ll visit is the Hospital Creek Hut(3.48km return side trip), which can be considered the highlight of the walk. Located near the aptly named creek, the hut sits amidst prolific gum trees which are full of birds. Also built in 1966, it’s made of sawn timber and bush poles, covered with iron. Plus, it still contains an original kerosene fridge inside. Frank and Jacks Hut is the last hut on the journey(1.42km return side trip), also known as Franks Hut, or Franks in the Pines. Built in 1954 by Cecil Hopkins of Queanbeyan for Frank and Jack Oldfield, the hut has 3 rooms with timber floors and a brick fireplace. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Rural

Starting from Yankee Hat Carpark off Old Boboyan Road, Rendezvous Creek, this walk takes you to the Yankee Hat Rock Art Site and back, crossing the Bogong Creek on the way. A group of kangaroos will probably welcome you at the opening near the start, so don’t forget to salute them back as you move towards Bogong Creek. After you head into the pine woodland of Namadgi National Park, you’ll start seeing the exquisite paintings and art created by the Aboriginal People. You can study them, take pictures and try to guess what the different shapes and colours mean. You may also see pretty wildflowers throughout the track, so keep an eye out for them. You may need a 4WD vehicle that has good clearance, as the route to the start point can get muddy and partially flooded after heavy rain. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Yankee Hat Walk

6.1 km return

1 h 45 min to 2 h 45 min

1 h 45 min to 2 h 45 min

Environment

Starting from Fishing Gap Car Park, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, this return walk takes you along a branch of Tidbinbilla River via the Fishing Gap Fire Trail. You'll be mesmerized by the lush and dense bushland which contains heaps of butterflies and birdlife, stimulating your eyes and ears simultaneously. You'll be well-protected from the sun for the journey, so don't hesitate to stop and birdwatch or listen to the burbling sound of water. Besides the birds and the butterflies, wallabies are also present in the area. Although the actual gap is a saddle and doesn't have panoramic views, you'll still be able to see the surrounding mountains through the eucalypts. There are some outstanding granite boulder formations along the way. Remember to sign in and out at the trail register. If coming by car, you'll need to pay a fee at the visitor centre (unless you have an annual pass). Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Fishing Gap

7.7 km return

2 h 30 min to 4 h

Birdwatching

Environment

Brandy Flat Hut from South

Brandy Flat Hut from South

9.1 km return

3 h 15 min to 5 h

Starting from the car park off Boboyan Road, Booth, this walk takes you to the Brandy Flat Hut and back via mostly a fire trail. Located in Namadgi National Park, this cosy little hut is one of the best alpine huts in ACT and sits beautifully in nature. Equipped with a fireplace and a toilet nearby, it surely is a convenient stop. You’ll probably spot lots of kangaroos and other wildlife as you go up and down the hills of Namadgi. And if by any chance you’re there on a foggy day, the walk transforms to a mysterious challenging adventure through nature. Just make sure you stay on the fire trail till the fog dissolves. Keep in mind that you have the option to make this a one-way trip as the fire trail is also accessible by motor vehicles. A 4WD vehicle is recommended. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

Starting from Square Rock Car Park, Paddys River, this walk goes through the woodlands of Namadgi National Park to Square Rock and back, passing by Smokers Flat along the way. When you make it to the top, prepare to be dazzled by the colossal rock formations and amazing views over Paddys River region. This walk is particularly gorgeous when snowing, with the chance of seeing beautiful wildflowers pierce through the white blanket. That being said, the cliffs are not fenced so be careful throughout the track. Additionally, the phone signal is close to non-existent, so plan accordingly. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Square Rock Track

9.2 km return

2 h 45 min to 4 h 30 min

2 h 45 min to 4 h 30 min

Environment

Starting from the David Brayshaws Hut off Boboyan Road, Mount Clear, this walk takes you on a circuit near the southern border of Namadgi National Park, visiting 3 historic huts in the process. David Brayshaws Hut will be your first stop on this journey, which was built in 1903 by Edward Brayshaw for grazing purposes. It was the home of Davey Brayshaw, who lived here until the end of his life(1931). Shortly after came Henry and Iris Curtis, working timber and fibro in the early 1930s. The hut was comprehensively renovated in the late 1980s. After visiting the first hut on the journey, you’ll leave the rural area and head into the eucalypt woodland along the track. You may come across kangaroos and wallabies throughout the hike, but you have to be stealthy to take close-up pictures as they’re not used to walkers. As you make it out of the forest and past the creek, the historic Waterhole Hut will appear in the distance. It has some old sheep yards and horse stalls nearby for you to explore. From here, the track meanders along Grassy Creek towards the Westermans Homestead. Known for its nostalgic bargeboards and stone chimneys, this hut was built in 1916 by Bruce Jeffrey. Two family members of the Westermans are buried up the hill. Keep an eye out for the Octopus Stinkhorn, a fungus that looks like an upside-down octopus(hence the name) with red tentacles. As a ‘plus’, it smells like cow dung. If you decide to come here in summer, cover yourself well and bring an insect repellent to be protected from the relentless flies. In winter on the other hand, remember to check the forecast to be safe against storms and drastic temperature drops. Expect to get wet feet in some areas around the walk regardless of the season, so an extra pair of socks or waterproof boots may come in handy. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

The Settlers Loop

9.2 km circuit

2 h 30 min to 4 h

Environment

Brandy Flat Hut from North

Brandy Flat Hut from North

10.7 km return

3 h 15 min to 5 h

Starting from the Glendale Depot Car Park on Brandy Flat Road, Booth, this walk takes you to Brandy Flat Hut via the Brandy Flat Hut North Fire Trail and back, crossing Reedy Creek along the way. Considered as one of the best alpine huts in the ACT, this cute little hut looks like it truly belongs in nature. Built in the late 70s, it has served as a shelter for bushwalkers for decades. You’ll probably run into lots of kangaroos as you make your way through the hills and forests of Namadgi, and some echidnas and reptiles if you are stealthy enough. Keep in mind that you have the option to make this a one-way trip as the fire trail is also accessible by motor vehicles(if the gate at the start is open). A 4WD vehicle is recommended. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment

The Camel's Hump Trail, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, starts from Mountain Creek Carpark, Paddys River leading mostly via the Camelback Fire Trail to Camel’s Hump. You will feel on top of the world as you round the summit of the Camel’s Hump, the view goes on forever. As you wander up to and back from the peak keep an eye out for the wide range of wildflowers scattered among the route. And if you’re lucky enough, you may see a wild dingo strolling around. Although most of the walk is on a wide firetrail the climb for the summit should not be underestimated. The rock scramble requires you to do some short climbs using hands and feet. Don’t forget about coming back down as that can be scarier for many people. Take care in wet conditions, especially in the rock scrambling part if you decide to make it to the top. Also keep in mind that the reserve closes at 8 PM in summer and 6 PM in winter. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Camel's Hump Trail

12.7 km return

4 h 30 min to 7 h

Environment

Starting just metres away from the ACT-NSW border on Boboyan Road, Mount Clear, this walk takes you through the scenic rural areas and eucalypt woodlands of Namadgi National Park via the creekside Grassy Creek Fire Trail, visiting multiple historic huts along the way as you follow Grassy Creek. Ending at Old Boboyan Road near Naas Creek, this walk can also be done in reverse. Famous for its gorgeous bargeboards and stone chimneys, Westermans Homestead is going to be your first historic stop. Enjoy the rural areas of the walk as you’re following Grassy Creek, then take the side trip to Waterholes Hut if you want to see some old sheep yards and horse stalls. After skirting the border and entering the eucalypt forest area, you’ll come across the Lone Pine Homestead. Supposedly built around 1890 by Dan Crawford, it was home to him and his family of seven. Some say the pine tree might have been planted at the same time the hut was built. Your last historic stop is the Luton’s Crutching Shed, if you’re willing to take the side trip out to it. Built around 1964, it was used to remove excess wool from the rear of the sheep. If you’re here in winter, please check the forecast to be safe against storms and drastic temperature drops. Also, expect to get wet feet in some areas around the walk, so an extra pair of socks or waterproof boots may come in handy. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Grassy Creek Fire Trail

13.9 km oneway

3 h 30 min to 6 h

Grassy Creek Fire Trail

Environment

Starting from Corin Road, Paddys River, this walk takes you into the woodland of Namadgi National Park via Smokers Trail and comes back. Walk along the valleys and hills of the park as you disconnect from modern life more and more as you go deeper. Providing you with spectacular views along the way, this walk requires a decent amount of fitness as some parts of the trail are pretty steep. Hiking through the Black Sallee flats and the Alpine Ash forest, you’re likely to run into eastern grey kangaroos, echidnas, pygmy possums along with various reptile species. Don’t forget to leave your furry friend at home, as domestic pets are not allowed in the park. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Smokers Trail Short

16.2 km return

5 h to 8 h

Environment

7 h 30 min, 11 h to 2 days

Mount Gingera

19.5 km return

7 h 30 min, 11 h to 2 days

Mount Gingera, Namadgi National Park, starts from the carpark near Corin Dam, Cotter River, visiting the Pryor’s Hut, then moving onto the summit of Mt. Gingera and back. Mountains and forests as far as the eye can see. With practically no sign of civilization in sight, you’ll feel like you’re back in the middle ages as you come across this staggering view that can not be matched by many. That’s what you’re going to get as you take a deep breath of fresh air after the challenging hike you just overcame. Embrace the rewarding feeling of making it to the top, and maybe crack open your bag to enjoy a celebration meal. Make camp near the Pryor's Hut if you'd like to. If the forecast says the track might be covered in snow, bring trekking boots and poles as they will come in handy. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Environment