Search bushwalks in Australian Capital Territory, Page 15

Environment

Starting from the car park at the end of Excelsior Ave, Castle Hill, this return walk takes you on a stroll in the Bidjigal Reserve via the Platypus Track. This walk is a gem for families with children as it is relatively undemanding and its location is convenient. You can have a short, tranquil walk through the forest and along the stream and get away from the urban crowdedness for a while. It is best to visit the area during springtime as the wildflowers bloom and the diversity of the flora through the walk becomes clearer. 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

Platypus Track

2.2 km circuit

40 min to 1 h

Pets

Environment

Urban

Bus

Starting from the Piccaninny Creek Car Park, Purnululu, this return walk takes you to the famous beehive domes and back. The walk is suitable for those who want to get an insight into the geological formations of the landscape but are into shorter walks. The rock formations in the area date back to 360 million years ago, and they are great examples of how erosive outside forces help shape unique outcrops. There is a mini amphitheatre at the end of the walk and a pool to which a wet season fall flows. The area is either open in the dry season or in between winter months, May to October. There may not be a lot of shade in the area; you might want to bring sunscreen, plenty of water and glasses with you. 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 Domes

900 m circuit

30 min to 45 min

Waterfall

Environment

Starting from the south of Adams Point Whale Lookout, Recherche, this return journey takes you to Fishers Point via multiple beaches. Trace the sandy shores and rugged coastline to the historic remnants of the Fishers Point Pilot Station and Lighthouse, which date back to 1843. As you wander, immerse yourself in the breathtaking vistas overlooking Rocky Bay and the majestic Southern Ranges, with panoramic views extending towards Bruny Island and the vast expanse of the Southern Ocean. The pristine beaches boast powdery white sands and clear turquoise waters, evoking a tropical ambience. Look out for playful dolphins, penguins, seals, and majestic whales gracing the waters. Highly recommended for exploration during low tide, the track presents challenges during high tide and might require rock hopping/bush bashing. Let us begin by acknowledging the Nuenonne people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Fishers Point

4.8 km return

1 h 15 min to 2 h

Ruins

Environment

City View Track, Acron Oval

City View Track, Acron Oval

740 m return

15 min to 20 min

Starting from Acron Oval car park on Acron Rd, St Ives, this walk leads you across the oval then through a turpentine forest to a rock platform with views over vast bushland to the tall buildings of the Sydney CBD. This short and mostly flat walk leads along the wide track through the tall forest and is a perfect walk if you want to bring a dog (on leash). The walk leads to a set of unfenced rock platforms, at the top of these cliffs you can enjoy the distant views over the canopy to the Sydney CBD (on the left) and Chatswood CBD (on the right). Retrace your steps to return to the car park. If you are feeling more adventurous and want to explore more, there are series of narrower & rougher tracks that radiate off this walk. The rock platforms are a nice quiet area to sit and enjoy a snack. Always stay at least full two body lengths back from cliff edges. Let us begin by acknowledging the Darramuragal people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Pets

Environment

Bus

Starting from Greenglade Track parking area this short return walk in Nadgee Nature Reserve will take you along the boardwalk to the shores of Wonboyn Lake. The calm water of the lake is great for paddling or fishing. Let us begin by acknowledging the Yuin people, Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

Highlights

Jewfish Walk

700 m return

15 min to 1 h

Swim

Environment

Glenburn Heritage Circuit

Glenburn Heritage Circuit

10.6 km circuit

2 h 45 min to 4 h 30 min

10.6 km

Circuit

Walk

2 h 45 min to 4 h 30 min

Starting just off Kings Highway, Kowen, this circuit walk explores the historic Glenburn Heritage Area leading via Charcoal Kiln Road first. After going through several historic landmarks and a creek, the track goes into a pine plantation and loops back. Take on this walk if you’re interested in the history of Canberra, as it explores historic homesteads, stockyards, orchards and a graveyard dating back to the 1800s. After you read the informative signpost and brochure, you’ll be ready to go back in time. You may also run into some timid kangaroos and not-so-timid(in a good way) bulls on the way, so keep your camera ready. There is a clay shooting club next to the starting point, be careful not to go in there. Also the fence next to the gate is electrified, so try to keep your hands to yourself. 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

Booloumba Creek Day Use Area to Wongai Walkers Camp

Booloumba Creek Day Use Area to Wongai Walkers Camp

10.7 km oneway

4 h to 6 h

Starting from Booloumba Creek Day Use Area, Kenilworth, this walk takes you to the Wongai Walkers Campground via the first section of the 56 km long Conondale Range Great Walk track. This journey along Booloumba Creek is full of highlights such as the Strangler Cairn and the abandoned barred-up gold mine from the 1920s. You’ll also pass by two gorgeous waterfalls named Artists Cascades and Booloumba Falls. This adventurous hike can be made into a return walk as well, if you’re not doing the great walk. Keep in mind that the track can be quite slippery when wet, along with the higher number of leeches. Depending on the weather and track conditions, you may need to park your vehicle 2-3 kilometres up north and cross Booloumba Creek twice on foot unless you have a 4WD vehicle with good clearance. 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

Granite Island Kaiki Walk

Granite Island Kaiki Walk

2 km circuit

30 min to 45 min

Starting from the end of the Granite Island Causeway, Granite Island Recreation Park, this walk takes you on a circuit around Granite Island via the Kaiki Walk. Granite Island is connected to the mainland at Victor Harbor by a newly built concrete causeway, serviced by a unique horse-drawn tram that began operating in 1894. The island is home to a colony of rare little penguins, and from May to October, pods of southern right whales can be spotted in the sheltered waters around the harbour. This family-friendly walk is a great way to discover the island, winding around its perimeter past several granite formations, with excellent coastal views and plenty of benches along the way. Interpretive signs along the trail provide an insight into the island's history, wildlife, geology and significance to the Ramindjeri Aboriginal people. This loop consists of gently sloping gravel trails, boardwalks and sealed paths, suitable for all ages and fitness levels. There is a long flight of steps in the island's eastern corner, which wheelchair users and parents with prams can avoid by taking the trail across the middle of the island. Dogs are not permitted in this 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

Cafe

Environment

GPT S5: Jimmy Creek to Griffin

GPT S5: Jimmy Creek to Griffin

23.6 km oneway

8 h, 2 days to 3 days

23.6 km

Oneway

Walk

8 h, 2 days to 3 days

Run

3 h to 5 h

Starting from the Jimmy Creek Campground, Mafeking, this trail takes you to Griffin Picnic Area, visiting Wannon Crossing Campground and passing through the open grasslands along the way. This is the fifth of the sixth segments of the Grampians Peaks Trail. You can traverse the open grassland areas along with river flats that welcome you towards the end of the trail, after you walk through the towering forest. There are some steep parts as you get deeper into the forest, but the scenery at the end is worth it for many. 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.

Environment

Starting from the end of Westlake Drive, The Leap, this return walk takes you to The Leap Lookout via a track along the creek bed, exploring the dense woodland of Pioneer Peaks National Park along the way. Involves rock scrambling/hopping. As you go through the forest and traverse the steep dirt tracks and boulders, you may question your decision to do this hike. But as soon as you get to the top and be rewarded by the extraordinary views over the land, that doubt will leave its place to admiration. Along with the views, you’ll be met by eye-catching rock formations and daunting cliffs as well. Savor the views and enjoy the peaceful ambiance as you catch your breath. On your way back, you can motivate yourself by imagining the ice-cold beer provided at the pub nearby. This track requires a decent level of fitness and sturdy shoes. Also, bring layers of clothing to protect yourself from the windy and cooler weather conditions at the top. Keep an eye out for snakes and ticks. Avoid the track in wet conditions as it gets slippery and dangerous. 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 Leap Track

2.5 km return

1 h to 1 h 30 min

Environment

Conondale Range Great Walk

Conondale Range Great Walk

51.5 km oneway

3 days to 4 days

Starting from the Booloumba Creek Day Use Area, Kenilworth, this circuit walk gives you a tour of the Conondale Range via the 56 km long Conondale Range Great Walk, visiting heaps of landmarks along the way. From waterfalls to unique works of art and historic sites, this walk is filled with experiences. You can swim in the cool waters of Booloumba Creek, take in the panoramic views from any of the lookouts along the way or just enjoy this adventurous journey through this diversely vegetated national park. Learn more about the history of the area beforehand to see the signs of logging more clearly. The walk is usually quite empty and you have a chance of not seeing anybody for the entire circuit, so be ready for that immense feeling of remoteness. Look out for snakes. Depending on the weather and track conditions, you may need to park your vehicle 2-3 kilometres up north and cross Booloumba Creek twice on foot unless you have a 4WD vehicle with good clearance. 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

Tjaetaba Falls via Greenant Creek

Tjaetaba Falls via Greenant Creek

21.5 km return

6 h to 10 h

Tjaetaba Falls via Greenant Creek is a return walk starting from the Wangi Falls Campground car park. Enjoy the natural landscape and the views of the waterfall. There is a deep swimming hole just before the upper lip of the 25-metre waterfall. The best time to visit is in the early Dry Season for healthy flow and relatively safe swimming. There is one toilet along the way, and you can stop at the Wangi Falls Kiosk for a bite to eat. There is a much shorter (2.7 km return) track to get to these falls from the south, which is considered the primary way to get to them. If you're not a Northern Territory resident, you need a park pass to enjoy the falls. Due to cultural reasons, swimming is prohibited at the base of the falls. 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

Sullivan Rock to Mount Cooke

Sullivan Rock to Mount Cooke

18 km return

4 h to 6 h

Starting from the Sullivan Rock car park on Albany Highway, Mount Cooke, this walk takes you past Sullivan Rock to the summit of Mount Cooke and back via the Bibbulmun Track. One of the best sectional day walks in the area, this hike leads walkers from the granite formation known as Sullivan Rock to the summit of Mount Cooke, the scarp's highest peak. A campsite is located at the base of Mount Cooke, making this also a good option for an overnight walk. The hike to Mount Cooke begins with a walk right up the middle of Sullivan Rock. There are cairns alongside the track which can be used for navigation, with moss and Gnamma scattered around. Once over the rock and down amongst the jarrah trees, you'll reach the junction where the Bibbulmun Track begins. The track continues through low-lying jarrah and sheoak forest on flat ground, with the trees eventually thinning out into a swampy floodplain area. A noteworthy landmark along this stretch is an old rusty car sitting upside-down on the side of the track. The forest becomes increasingly dense and the track starts to incline slightly as it approaches the Mount Cooke Campsite. If you've decided to stay the night, you can set everything up and leave it at the campground before going for the summit walk. From the campsite, the track climbs steeply towards the summit of Mount Cooke, with some nice views to the east. After exploring the summit and enjoying the views, you can return via the same route or choose to continue following the Waugal markers and rock cairns down the southern slope of Mount Cooke. If you are lucky enough, you might even find the elusive Mount Cooke Cave and have a chance to leave a note in the 'Cave Book'. This is a relatively long and challenging walk, suitable for walkers with a moderate level of fitness and experience. The track is generally easy to follow, with the Waugal markers providing clear directional information. The terrain is mixed but the majority of the hike is quite gentle, with a few rocky sections and some manageable ascents and descents. Sullivan Rock and Mount Cooke are largely made of granite, so extra care must be taken in wet and slippery conditions. 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

Caves

Environment

Starting from the Wongai walkers’ camp, Kenilworth, this walk takes you to the Tallowwood campground via the second section of the 56 km long Conondale Range Great Walk track. Exploring the rainforest of the national park, this scenic journey through the woods features heaps of wildlife including short-nosed echidnas, rufous fantails and noisy pittas. The male regent bowerbird will be relatively easier to spot due to its distinct black & yellow body. On the other hand, gigantic strangler figs and yellow carabeens along the track are bound to draw your attention. The bodies of water you’ll come across are actually home to multiple frog species that are at risk of extinction. Enjoy the lovely views of the canopy as you hike through the land and see if you can see the coastline in the distance. Keep in mind that you’ll need a 4WD vehicle with good clearance to get to the start. 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

Wongai to Tallowwood

16.5 km oneway

7 h to 8 h 30 min

Environment