Starting from the intersection of Phillip Avenue and Kellaway Street, Hackett, this circuit walk explores Mount Ainslie Nature Reserve, leading via West & East 132 Tracks along with other tracks. Also visiting the summit of Mt. Ainslie with a side trip, the hike loops back to the start. Speaking of, with its iconic view of the Australian War Memorial and beyond, the lookout is a must-visit if you’re a fan of the inauguration of the president in the USA. There is also a handy drinking fountain there to help cool you down as you enjoy the view. There are kangaroos and birdlife present, so hold on to your dog’s leash just in case. Be mindful that there are unexploded ordnance on the eastern side of the Nature Reserve, so stay on track to be safe. 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.
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
Continue onto Antill Street and drive for another 1.8 km
At roundabout, take exit 3 onto Phillip Avenue and drive for another 1.3 km
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started From the intersection of Phillip Avenue and Kellaway Street, head towards the green metal gate along the pavement. Head around the gate and continue straight along the concrete path(still Phillip Avenue), moving directly away from the gate. Veer left after about 200 metres as the road splits into two to continue along Mount Ainslie via West ....
Turn map
Directions & comments
At the intersection of Phillip Avenue & Kellaway Street Start heading along Phillip Avenue (a vehicle track).
After another 30 m (at the intersection of Phillip Avenue & Hancocks Road) continue straight, to head along Phillip Avenue (a service road).
After another 195 m continue straight, to head along Phillip Avenue.
Veer left.
After another 130 m (at the intersection of Phillip Avenue & Old Tip Track (Summit Access)) turn left, to head along Old Tip Track (Summit Access) (a vehicle track).
After another 175 m continue straight, to head along Old Tip Track (Summit Access).
After another 45 m (at the intersection of Old Tip Track (Summit Access) & West 132 KVA Track) turn right, to head along West 132 KVA Track.
After another 240 m turn left.
After another 110 m continue straight.
After another 360 m continue straight.
After another 345 m turn right.
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. A highly recommended side trip to Mount Ainslie Lookout, providing you with a spectacular view over Canberra. To start this optional side trip veer right here. On returning from this side trip turn right when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 25 m turn sharp left, to head along Old Tip Track.
After another 25 m (at the intersection of Old Tip Track & Old Tip Track (Summit Access)) continue straight (a walking track).
Then head down the very steep (21% ~ 11.9°) earthen incline (about 540 m long)
Continue straight.
After another 90 m turn left, to head along East 132 KVA Track.
After another 440 m continue straight, to head along East 132 KVA Track.
After another 100 m (at the intersection of Hancocks Road & East 132 KVA Track) veer right (a walking track).
After another 105 m veer right, to head along Old Tsr Track.
Then head up the very steep (11% ~ 6.3°) incline (about 1.2 km long)
At the intersection of Old Tsr Track & Cherryburn Trail continue straight, to head along Cherryburn Trail.
Then head up the very steep (11% ~ 6.3°) incline (about 330 m long)
Then head down the very steep (15% ~ 8.5°) incline (about 345 m long)
Veer left.
Then head down the moderately steep (7% ~ 4°) earthen incline (about 880 m long)
Continue straight, to head along Blue Metal Road.
Then head down the moderately steep (7% ~ 4°) surface|gravel incline (about 730 m long)
Continue straight, to head along Blue Metal Road.
After another 370 m continue straight, to head along Blue Metal Road.
The starting point of an alternate access track. An alternate access point from/to MacKenzie Street, Hackett. Details below.
After another 10 m continue straight.
After another 85 m continue straight.
After another 640 m cross the ford.
After another 20 m continue straight.
After another 130 m cross the ford.
After another 55 m continue straight.
After another 190 m veer right, to head along Hancocks Road.
After another 100 m (at the intersection of Hancocks Road & Hackett Houses Track (South)) continue straight, to head along Hancocks Road.
After another 330 m (at the intersection of Hancocks Road & Phillip Avenue) turn right, to head along Phillip Avenue (a vehicle track).
After another 30 m come to the end.
An alternate access point from/to MacKenzie Street, Hackett.
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start heading along Blue Metal Road.
After another 70 m (at the intersection of Blue Metal Road & Hackett House Track) continue straight, to head along Blue Metal Road.
After another 205 m (at the intersection of Blue Metal Road & Hackett Houses Track (North)) continue straight, to head along Blue Metal Road (a service road).
After another 9 m head through the bicycle barrier.
After another 20 m come to the end.
A car park.
A highly recommended side trip to Mount Ainslie Lookout, providing you with a spectacular view over Canberra.
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start heading along Old Tip Track.
After another 20 m continue straight.
Then head up the very steep (11% ~ 6.3°) earthen incline (about 630 m long)
Continue straight.
Then head up the steps (about 65 m long)
Turn right.
After another 170 m continue straight.
After another 50 m pass the "Mount Ainslie" (35 m on your left).
Then come to the "Marion Mahony Griffin Lookout" (on your right).
After another 7 m pass the water tap (20 m on your right).
After another 15 m turn right.
Then head down the steps (about 30 m long)
After another 3 m come to the end.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 950 m to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Mount Ainslie via West & East 132 Circuit
Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length
6.9 km
Time
2 h to 3 h 15 min
Quality of track
Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Gradient
Very steep (4/6)
Signage
Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure
Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)
Experience Required
Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather
Weather generally has little impact on safety (1/6)
Bushwalk
2 h to 3 h 15 min
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After another 30 m (at the intersection of Phillip Avenue & Hancocks Road) continue straight, to head along Phillip Avenue (a service road).
Then head down the very steep (21% ~ 11.9°) earthen incline (about 540 m long)
After another 640 m cross the ford.
After another 9 m head through the bicycle barrier.
A car park.
Then head up the steps (about 65 m long)
After another 50 m pass the "Mount Ainslie" (35 m on your left).
Then come to the "Marion Mahony Griffin Lookout" (on your right).
After another 7 m pass the water tap (20 m on your right).
Then head down the steps (about 30 m long)
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 950 m to the main route.
