They don’t name Canberra the Bush Capital for nothing! Whether or not you’re eager on a day of exploration, a dose of nature over the weekend, or plan to remain slightly longer, Canberra’s nationwide parks are near town and full of journey.
We acknowledge that this journey is positioned on the lands of the Ngunnawal individuals who have occupied and cared for these lands and waters for 1000’s of years. We pay our respects to them because the Conventional Custodians and recognise that sovereignty was by no means ceded.
Fast Overview
Gaze into the gap from the Canberra CBD, in any course, and it’s not lengthy earlier than the thoughts begins to wander. The chance for a post-coffee or pre-dinner enterprise into the mountains may not be so distant in spite of everything.
Solely a stone’s throw from town, you’ll really feel an on the spot sense of calm because the surroundings modifications, and also you head in direction of the mountains into Namadgi Nationwide Park and Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. Right here you’ll discover an abundance of rugged terrain and delicate forest walks ready, as they at all times have been.
Learn extra: The Greatest Issues to Do in Canberra on a Finances (In line with a Uni Scholar)
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
The title Tidbinbilla comes from the Ngunnawal phrase ‘Jedbinbilla’ which implies ‘a place where boys become men’. Very becoming as Ngunnawal males have a particular connection to the valley and its use for ceremonies and passing on of conventional customary males’s legislation.
This nature reserve is a crucial historic place to the Ngunnawal folks, the Conventional Custodians of the Canberra area who’ve lived and gathered within the valley and its surrounds for 1000’s of years. There are even rock shelters used within the Tidbinbilla Valley that date way back to the Ice Age, woah.
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is a straightforward 45-minute drive southwest from Canberra’s centre and is surrounded by the beautiful Namadgi Nationwide Park. It’s an ideal day journey and the drive out is fairly nice too!
Learn extra: Peak Hopping Throughout Tidbinbilla Mountain
Hikes in Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Whether or not you want a slow-paced mosey or a full-blown hike, you’ll discover one thing you want in Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. We’ve chosen a few of our favourites, however there are 22 hikes on supply!
Cascade Path
Distance: 1.8km
Length: 1 hour
The Cascade Path is a straightforward stroll via moist forest to fulfill a cascading mountain stream. For those who’re there after some rain like I used to be, this stream turns into a full-on waterfall and is a superb alternative to tug out the rain jackets and get moist.
Learn extra: Greatest Locations To Cool Off in Canberra
Xanthorrhoea Loop
Distance: 2.5km
Length: 45 minutes
To start out sluggish, try the Xanthorrhoea Loop, a reasonable 2.5km return (45 minutes) stroll that climbs to a formidable bunch of grass bushes.
Gibraltar Peak
Distance: 8.2km
Length: 3-4 hours
In order for you a bit extra of a problem, Gibraltar Peak may be up your alley. Ranging from Dalsetta, that is an 8.2km return reasonable hike that passes via grasslands on a comparatively flat observe earlier than a tricky climb to Eliza Saddle.
On the summit you may take within the sweeping 180 diploma views over the Canberra area – attempt to spot some iconic landmarks and admire the large granite rocks that encompass you. Please respect the realm and don’t contact the rocks, as they’re a part of a big Aboriginal males’s web site.
This can be a great place to reward your self for the exhausting slog with a scorching cup of tea from the thermos and a great old style packed lunch.
With a few of the greatest views on the town, I’m not shocked that is one in all Canberra’s hottest hikes! Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is bursting with hikes, so there’s at all times someplace new to take a look at.
Learn extra: The best way to Keep Secure within the Bush: The Final Mountaineering Security Information
Campgrounds in Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
For those who do select an overnighter, Woods Reserve campground is a superb spot to camp with mates.
For many who need a rustic wilderness expertise, Nil Desperandum is an outdated homestead with heritage allure and fundamental services that provides a way of remoteness all of us crave typically.
Bear in mind to pack all your individual foods and drinks and make use of the hearth pits, BBQs, and picnic tables scattered all through the character reserve.
Learn extra: Bear in mind to go away no hint
Namadgi Nationwide Park
Namadgi Nationwide Park can be round a 45-minute drive southwest from Canberra’s centre and borders the close by Kosciuszko Nationwide Park. Namadgi is so big and wondrous, it covers almost 50% of the ACT’s land space!
Sadly within the devastating early 2020 bushfires, over 80% of the park was burnt then shortly after, it was hit once more by damaging floods. Regardless of adversity, Namadgi Nationwide Park is resilient and recovering strongly with an abundance of native wildlife and the regeneration of the pure surroundings. Fairly unimaginable actually.
With its robust connection to Aboriginal tradition and heritage, Namadgi is residence to a number of cultural websites which provide a fantastic likelihood to immerse your self within the area’s pure historical past.
Learn extra: Right here’s The place You Can Discover Aboriginal Cultural Excursions in Australia
Hikes in Namadgi Nationwide Park
Like Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Namadgi Nationwide Park has a vary of nice hikes to fulfill the Explorer in all of us.
Settlers Monitor
Distance: 6km or 9km
Length: 3.5-5 hours
For a visit again in time, try Settlers Monitor which has a brief 6km choice or lengthy 9km choice and can take you previous historic huts (as soon as ramshackle however now completely restored) and beautiful native bushland. At first of the observe, have a look inside Brayshaws Hut which gives you a glimpse into life within the early 1900s. There are some steep hill sections however general this observe is appropriate for everybody.
Sq. Rock
Distance: 10km
Length: 3.5 hours
For those who’re on the lookout for the proper half-day hike with a rewarding view on the finish, Sq. Rock is right and showcases a few of the greatest surroundings Namadgi has to supply. Taking you previous forests of combined eucalypts, spectacular granite boulders and wonderful views of the wilderness, this stroll is round 10km return on a comparatively flat observe with some steep inclines (gotta maintain it attention-grabbing proper?).
Take within the stunning array of native Snow Gums and Alpine Ash and in case you go in spring or summer season, you’ll be sure you see the wildflowers sitting fairly. When you attain Sq. Rock, you may climb a small metallic ladder up onto the large granite boulders to absorb the expansive view over the encircling mountains and Orroral Valley.
Be careful for that clumsy mate although, the cliffs are fairly intense and also you wouldn’t need anybody too near the sting!
Booroomba Rocks
Distance: 2.5km
Length: 1.5 hours
Tight on time? Or are you the pal who can’t deal with the prolonged walks? By no means concern, Booroomba Rocks is right here and it’s no marvel it’s one of many extra well-known and well-loved bushwalks in Canberra. This hike is a brief 2.5km return and winds its means upwards at a gentle however typically steep incline via a forest of native bushes.
The reward is ready for you on the high with a few of the greatest views of Canberra metropolis via the Brindabella Ranges. Decide one of many big boulders to perch your self and take all of it in (with snacks, after all). Inhale, exhale.
Regardless of hearth injury, it’s fairly spectacular and the regeneration of native vegetation reminds you of how resilient the Australian bush is.
Campgrounds in Namadgi Nationwide Park
For those who’re wanting to remain in a single day, try Honeysuckle Campground (near Booroomba Rocks for these searching for a dawn or sundown hike) or Gudgenby Prepared-Minimize Cottage for a comfy cottage to base your self out of.
Adventures Nearer to Canberra
In search of one thing nearer to city? There are a couple of golden spots which are positively value a go to.
Kambah Swimming pools & Crimson Rock Gorge
First on the checklist are Kambah Swimming pools and Crimson Rock Gorge, solely a 20-minute drive south of town. Kambah Swimming pools is successful with the locals and is thought for being a nudie swimming spot within the summertime.
Crimson Rock Gorge is the proper Sunday afternoon hike and solely a bit over 2km via flat grassland earlier than you attain the observe right down to the gorge nestled on the Murrumbidgee River. The gorge itself is the results of hundreds of thousands of years of abrasion from the flowing river and appears fairly spectacular with morning or afternoon gentle shining on it.
Dhawura Tour
To actually recognize Canberra, its Aboriginal tradition and its distinctive pure areas, e-book a Dhawura Tour with an skilled Aboriginal information. A half or full-day tour will make it easier to swap off from trendy life, centre your self with the land and be taught concerning the native Ngunnawal tradition. Carry a bunch of mates and check out your hand at conventional weaving or a bush tucker cooking class.
Capital Brewing
A street journey to the capital wouldn’t be full with out dropping in for a good-natured brew at Capital Brewery in Fyshwick’s industrial space. Sit again and benefit from the relaxed vibe within the expansive warehouse with 12 brewery faucets to select from.
Carry a crowd and pair a chilly beer with a scrumptious burger from Canberran phenomenon Brodburger, town’s favorite meals truck. That is the proper place for afternoon classes within the solar and don’t overlook to top off the bar fridge at residence along with your new favorite drop.
Canberra is a lot greater than the nation’s capital. Seize a couple of mates, make the most of the pure wonderland at your fingertips, and get exploring. It’d be impolite to not.
Learn extra: Dr Kate Grarock’s Prime 7 Locations to Discover Canberra Like a Native
FAQs for Mountaineering and Tenting in Canberra
Do I have to e-book prematurely to camp in Canberra?
Each the Woods Reserve Campground in Tindinbilla Nature Reserve and Honeysuckle Campground in Namadgi Nationwide Park require bookings prematurely. For those who’re driving out of the ACT on a giant street journey, attempt these campgrounds in NSW for some free tenting spots.
What’s the climate like in Canberra?
Canberra usually has a dry local weather that runs on the milder aspect. Anticipate it to be fairly chilly in winter! It may dip near 0˚C. Normal temps in summer season high out across the 30s, and the area can expertise bushfires – know what to do throughout this season earlier than venturing out.
What wildlife would possibly I see on Canberra hikes?
Canberra is a sub-alpine space with an enormous vary of distinctive and great native animals. In Tindinbilla, you would possibly spot the Canberra Grassland Earless dragon, North Corroboree frog, and the Southern Brush-tailed rock wallaby. In Namadgi, there are over 35 species of mammals! You’re prone to see the Japanese Gray kangaroo and Crimson Neck wallaby.
Need Extra Canberra Adventures to Conquer? Attempt These Out
- The place To Journey, Run, and Rock Out in Canberra: A Native’s Information With Athlete and Muso Charlie Hamilton
- Thirstypacker Threehundo – A Weekend Bikepacking Loop From Canberra
- Mountain Biking in Canberra – The Greatest Trails to Hit in a Weekend
- Conquer The Canberra Centenary Path as 12 Day Hikes
- Outside Bouldering ‘Over The Fence’ In Canberra
Desk of Contents picture by Lisa Owen