Namadgi National Park: Mount Tennent (2)

General Information

Distance:  15.7 kilometers return
Total climb:  899 meters
Time taken:  4 hours 10 minutes
Map:  Williamsdale 8726-4N, 1:25 000
Guide:   link
Start point distance by road from Canberra GPO:  36 kilometers
Start point map grid reference:  55H FA 87286 66083
Destination map grid reference:  55H FA 85340 64040
End point:  same as start
Note: I had previously done this walk on 2 April 2016 in far better weather, so I have used photographs from this earlier walk.

Route

http://maps.six.nsw.gov.au/

Description

This hike follows part of the Australian Alps Walking Track (AAWT), which begins at the Namadgi Visitor Centre, as does this particular hike. The Visitor Centre is on Naas Road 2.5 kilometers south of the village of Tharwa. From the Visitor Centre carpark, the first part of the trail leads back to Naas Road about 500 meters southwest of the carpark entry. We crossed the road and continued the trail on the other side, having first entered our intentions on the walkers' register there. The track climbs fairly gently at first, but starts to get steeper. About 2.8 kilometers from the start, having climbed about 170 meters, Cypress Pine Lookout offers some good views over the valley of the Murrumbidgee River to the east.

About 2.3 kilometers from Cypress Pine Lookout, the track forks, with the AAWT continuing to the right, and another trail to Mount Tennent heading left, which is the one that we wanted. This is well signposted, so does not present any difficulties. [Note: The Williamsdale map shows no fork in the track and has the AAWT following the track to Mount Tennent. There was a rerouting of the AAWT into the valley west of Mount Tennent and this has yet to find its way onto the printed map.]

Continuing along the  track, after 1.3 kilometers we struck the Mount Tennent Fire Trail and continued uphill. The Fire Trail leg of the hike is only about 1.2 kilometres long, but climbs about 160 meters in elevation, so very steep in most places. It is quite a relief to get to the summit, where there are great views in most directions. Or at least there are in good weather - we found ourselves up in the clouds on this particular day, but on a good day:

We returned the same way we came up, but it is also possible to continue down the Mount Tennent Fire Trail until it meets Apollo Road. This would require, however, either someone to pick you up at that end, or a long walk of over 10 kilometers back up Naas Road to the Namadgi Visitor Centre.

Make no mistake, this is quite a climb, but a very rewarding one. It can be quite busy on weekends, so if you are the type of hiker who likes peace and solitude it's best to go on a weekday if you can. The track is easy to follow and quite well maintained. On a good day, the views are spectacular, but if there is cloud and rain about it's probably best to leave it for another time. 

Kowen Pine Forest: Mount Cohen, Amungula and Glen Burn Homestead

General Information

Distance:  19.5 kilometers
Total climb:  570 meters
Time taken:  5 hours 10 minutes
Map:  Bungendore 8727-2N, 1:25 000
Guide:  none available
Start point distance by road from Canberra GPO:  26 kilometers
Start point map grid reference:  55H GA 13682 88573
Destination map grid references:  Mount Cohen - 55H GA 12899 91821
                                                      Amungula - 55HGA 11129 9261
                                                      Glen Burn Homestead - 55H GA 10374 90389
End point: same as start

Route

http://maps.six.nsw.gov.au/

Description

The starting point for the hike was the gate at the end of Sparrow Hill Road, which comes off the Kings Highway just after Burbong. From here we entered the Kowen Pine Forest and followed management trails in a general northerly direction until we reached Mount Cohen, a peak at 918 meters elevation which is thick with tall pine trees and did not offer any views.

After a coffee break, we followed fire trails in a general westerly direction to the top of Amungula at 915 meters elevation. There were some views north towards Wamboin just before we reached the summit.

From Amungula we followed management trails south through the pine forest until we came to Glen Burn Homestead, where we took the opportunity to look at the homestead and nearby pioneer graves.

From the gravesite we headed east through very boggy ground to get back into the pine forest with the intention of following management trails east to out starting point. Unfortunately we were blocked by a large area of recent logging activity which we were prohibited from entering. As a result, we ended up on Charcoal Kiln Road, which we followed down to Sparrow Hill Road. We started slogging our way up Sparrow Hill Road to get back to the car, but luckily my hiking companion started up a conversation with a passing motorist who kindly drove us the remaining way.

This is an easy and quite pleasant walk through pine forest, but without any particularly interesting views. The Kowen Pine Forest itself, however, is quiet and not without its nice spots, although obviously the areas that have been logged (and we passed by or through a few of these) are pretty awful. The highlight of the hike for me was Glen Burn Homestead, which can be visited also by driving up Charcoal Kiln Road (gravel). Navigating through pine forest requires a good map and compass to make the right route choices.

Tinderry Nature Reserve: Tinderry Peak (1)

General Information

Distance:  16.8 kilometers
Total climb:  767 meters
Time taken:  6 hours 20 minutes
Map:  Tinderry 8726-1S, 1:25 000
Guide:  none available
Start point distance by road from Canberra GPO:  72 kilometers
Starting point map grid reference:  55H GA 06863 43178
Destination map grid reference:  55H GA 05525 47202 [not achieved]
End point:  same as start

Route

http://maps.six.nsw.gov.au/

Description

The starting point for the hike was the small carpark off Tinderry Road where it meets the Round Flat Fire Trail,15 kilometers east of Michelago. We set out by following the Round Flat Fire Trail until it intersects with the East Tinderry Fire Trail, just over 3 kilometers into the hike. We followed the East Tinderry Fire Trail north for another 2.5 kilometers.

At a slight kink in the Trail at map reference GA802470, we walked due east through the bush until we met a minor road leading on the right to a pig trap at map reference GA073471. From the pig trap we followed Groggy Creek after it bends to the northwest to its source, but eventually left the creek travelling southwest to try to locate a spot to the south of Tinderry Peak itself where, based on other bushwalker accounts, we could climb to the summit. This is where we came unstuck, finding ourselves in the maze of rocks around map reference GA595471 only a few hundred meters from Tinderry Peak which we could see clearly.

Having had a fairly late start to the hike we were running out of time, so to be sure of getting back before dark we decided to head back and leave the Peak for another day. Initially we hiked in an easterly direction where we found a large rock platform around map reference GA066471 which offered an excellent view to the east.

Since the rock shelf ended in a high cliff to the east, we turned north until we cleared the rocks and using the GPS which I had programmed with the coordinates earlier, made our way back to the pig trap. From there we followed the small side track which actually took us all the way back to the East Tinderry Fire Trail just a bit south of where we left it on the way up. We then retraced our steps down the East Tinderry and Round Flat Fire Trails to the carpark.

While it was disappointing not to reach Tinderry Peak, we had taken the safe option to ensure we didn't get caught out on the track after sunset. At least this failure gives us a reason for doing it all again. Next time we may try another route: Round Flat Fire Trail until it bends sharply east; then north through the bush until Roberts Creek; then follow Roberts Creek to just south of Tinderry Peak; then climb the Peak from the south. Overall, however, this was a very good hike with a nice mix of fire trails and bush-bashing; an opportunity to use map/GPS navigation skills rather than just following someone else's trail. The forest is thick, but reasonably easy to pass through. The rock outcrops which scatter throughout the area make navigation more difficult, and we probably should have paid more attention to the map and GPS as we were ascending to avoid these.

Canberra Nature Park: One Tree Hill (2)

General Information

Distance: 7.2 kilometers return
Total climb: 232 meters
Time taken: 1 hour 50 minutes
Map:  Hall 8727-4S, 1:25 000
Guide:  ACT Centenary Trail - link
Start point distance by road from Canberra GPO:  15 kilometers
Start point map grid reference:  55H FB 88578 06552
Destination map grid reference:  55H FB 90528 09191
End point:  same as start

Route

http://maps.six.nsw.gov.au/

Description

This is a short and very easy hike along a small section of the Centenary Trail. The starting point is the northern corner of Hall Village, where Hoskins Street meets Hall Street. Some on-road car parking is available here, and the start of the trail is well signposted. The trail starts on a gated vehicular track which leads up to a water reservoir above Hall Village. From here it narrows to a walking track which hugs the eastern side of the small range which includes One Tree Hill. There are views of residual farmland in the early part of the trail with the city and older suburbs of Canberra in the background.



As elevation is gained the view starts to be dominated by the new suburbs of Gungahlin. Construction noise can sometimes be heard, which detracts from the walking experience a bit, but is only temporary. There are still some good rural views towards the north as the trail continues.



About 2.5 kilometers along the main trail there is a signposted minor track off to the left which leads to the summit of One Tree Hill. This side track is approximately 1 kilometre in length and climbs about 55 metres in elevation. There are around 200 steps to climb, so this is by far the most strenuous part of the hike. One Tree Hill is 855 metres elevation, making it higher than both Black Mountain and Mount Ainslie. One Tree Hill is right on the ACT/NSW border, and is in fact the north-eastern end of the only straight line in the ACT/NSW border (the other end being at Mount Coree). There are views in all directions, although somewhat blocked to the west by a fire tower. At the summit there is a welcome seat to admire the view, and a panoramic photograph pointing out some of the features visible from there.





The return hike was by the same route.

This is my favourite short walk around Canberra, but it can also be included in longer walks that follow the Centenary Trail.

Canberra Nature Park: Black Mountain

General Information

Distance:  8.7 kilometers
Total climb:  about 300 meters
Time taken:  about 2 hours
Map:  Canberra 8727-3N, 1:25 000
Guide:  link
Start point distance by road from Canberra GPO:  6 kilometers
Start point map grid reference:  55H FA 89742 94003
Destination map grid reference:  55H FA 90795 94553
End point:  same as start

Route

http://maps.six.nsw.gov.au/

Description

There are a number of possible starting points for walking around Black Mountain, but I used the carpark off William Hovell Drive near Glenloch Interchange. From here I first walked south along the cycle path until I came to a track on the left with a gate. I followed this track to the east and then north, gradually climbing until I came to the track at map grid reference 55H FA 90818 95033 which leads up to the summit of Black Mountain. Reaching the Summit after a hefty climb. I then descended to the ring trail that goes around the Mountain at roughly 750 meters elevation. Following the ring trail I came to the carpark off Black Mountain Drive at map grid reference 55H FA 90848 94130 and from here walked down Black Mountain Drive to a gated track at map grid reference 55H FA 90781 93755. There were some good views towards Lake Burley Griffin and Scrivener Dam from this track.



I followed the track back to the gate off the cycle path and returned to my car.

Black Mountain has a large number of excellent trails and is perfect for just exploring. I found some of the traffic noise on the western side a bit distracting, but the bushland is very pretty. 

Bungonia National Park: White Track to Shoalhaven River

General Information

Distance: 9.5 kilometers
Total climb: 491 meters
Time taken: 4 hours 25 minutes
Map:  Caoura 8928-III-N 1:25 000
Guide:  Bungonia National Park - link
Start point distance by road from Canberra GPO:  124 kilometers
Start point map grid reference: 56H KG 27160 44914
Destination map grid reference:  56H KG 29266 45882
End point:  same as start

Route

http://maps.six.nsw.gov.au/

Description

The Bungonia White Track begins at the David Reid carpark, which is on the Bungonia Lockdown Road about 1.3 kilometers northeast of the Bungonia National Park information centre. We purchased our parking permit ($8) at the information centre on our way through. From the carpark we set out along the White Track, skirting around the southern side of Mount Ayre until we reached a lookout just beyond it. For here there were excellent views of the Marulan South limestone quarry and the Shoalhaven River.



















Continuing along the White Track, we initially followed a ridge to the east of Mount Ayre until it starts a steep descent to the Shoalhaven River which can occasionally be glimpsed far below.





About 1.75 hours into the hike we reached the Shoalhaven River near where Bungonia Creek runs into it.



This is the end of the White Track, but rather than going back the way we came, we headed west along Bungonia Creek.



For most of the time it was relatively easy to follow the Creek on its south side, although there were some rocks to be scrambled over in some places. About 2 kilometers up the Creek, we found the point at which the Bungonia Red Track ascends out of Bungonia Canyon. This is a very challenging climb, ascending just under 400 metres in a distance of about 1 kilometre. It offers some good views of the eastern end of Bungonia Canyon, which we had many opportunities to look at during our very frequent rest stops.



Eventually we crossed the White Track west of Mount Ayre, and due to fatigue and inattention, failed to turn right back on to the White Trail and instead followed the Bungonia Green Trail until it met Bungonia Lockdown Road, and then following the road back to the car. Once in the car, we decided to drive down to the spectacular Bungonia Lookdown, which provides excellent views of the area we had just walked through.



After taking in this view, we heard a lyrebird singing in the scrub just off the carpark. While I was content just to listen to the song, my companion went bush looking for the bird and was rewarded with nothing more than a fleeting glimpse at it scurried away.

This is a fantastic hike, particularly in the sunny conditions we met. The White Track is well-marked and easy to negotiate, even in the steep sections. The walk up Bungonia Creek was  a pleasant change from the Track, and the ascent back up the Red Track, while I cursed it all the way, gives a great sense of achievement at the end. The scenery at Bungonia is among the best to be found so close to home.

Brindabella National Park: Pig Hill

General Information

Grading:  medium

Distance: 11 kilometers return 

Total climb: about 400 meters 

Time taken: about 3 hours 

Maps: Cotter Dam 8627-2N 1:25 000; Umburra 8627-1S 1:25 000 

Start point distance by road from Canberra GPO:  38 kilometers 

Start point map grid reference:  56H FA 71303 97832 [Cotter Dam] 

Destination map grid reference:  56H FB 72652 00832 [Umburra] 

End point:  same as start

Route

http://maps.six.nsw.gov.au/

Description

To get to the starting point we drove to Uriarra Crossing and turned right immediately after crossing the river into Fairlight Road. We followed Fairlight Road until it ends at Mountain Creek Road and turned left. About 3.7 kilometers south of the Fairlight/Mountain Creek Road intersection there is an unsignposted gravel road on the right. This is Two Sticks Road. We followed Two Sticks Road for about 4 kilometers until we found is a vehicular track obliquely to the right with a steep descent. You can either park near this intersection and walk down the side track, or if your vehicle is up to it, drive down this track until it meets Swamp Creek. This is the start point.

At the start point there is a trail that crosses over Swamp Creek - this is shown on the Umburra map as Pig Hill Trail. Following Pig Hill Trail, however, is not simple as there are many other tracks intersecting with it that are not marked on the map, and it is not always the clearest of these tracks. It is therefore essential to continually refer to the map and use a compass or GPS to ensure the correct track is followed. About 2.5 kilometers from the start point at Swamp Creek the Pig Hill Trail meets Doctors Flat Road. We followed this road to the east until we met a locked gate about 1 kilometre from where we joined the road. To the left of this gate is the start of the well-signposted Pig Hill Summit Trail. We followed this trail to the summit of Pig Hill (979 meters).

The summit is largely bare of trees and provides excellent views back towards Belconnen.

There are also views of surrounding farmland to the north and east, and less clear views of the mountains to the west.

After pausing at the summit we retraced our steps back to the car at Swamp Creek.

This is an excellent short walk with plenty of navigational challenges, despite being on formed tracks all the way. The views from Pig Hill are well worth the effort. Hikers should note that some tracks may go through private property.

Hill End Historic Site: Bald Hill Walking Track

General Information

Distance:  4 kilometers loop
Total climb:  negligible
Time taken:  1 hour
Map:  Hill End 8731-1N 1:25 000
Guide:  National Parks and Wildlife Service - link
Start point distance by road from Canberra GPO:  354 kilometers
Start point map grid reference: 
Destination map grid reference:  loop trail
End Point:  same as start

Route

http://maps.six.nsw.gov.au/

Description

This is a very short walking track through the old gold mining land in the Hill End Historic Site. The track begins outside the Post Office in Reef Street and winds its way past a number of mining remains (information boards are provided at various points of interest).







Just past the furthest point of the track, the Bald Hill Mine can be found. Guided tours of this mine are available, apparently.



The trails loops back to where it began through some pretty bushland.



This walk should be part of any visit to the Hill End Historic Site. When we did it we were the only people walking along it; nice for us, but a shame that all the other visitors seemed to be missing it. It can be done without any hiking equipment except for a bottle of water, a hat and some good walking shoes.

Brindabella National Park: Swamp Creek

General information

Distance:  12.1 kilometers return
Total climb:  375 meters
Time taken:  3 hours 40 minutes
Maps:  Cotter Dam 8627-2N 1:25 000; Umburra 8627-1S 1:25 000
Start point distance by road from Canberra GPO:  38 kilometers
Start point map grid reference:  56H FA 71303 97832 [Cotter Dam]
Destination map grid reference:  56H FA 69193 99331 [Umburra]
End point:  same as start

Route

http://maps.six.nsw.gov.au/

Description

This hike actually started out as an attempt to climb Pig Hill, but with a cavalier approach to navigation, we ended up finding this gem of a walk along Swamp Creek instead. The starting point for this hike is a point off Two Sticks Road at map reference FA717975 (Cotter Dam). To get there we drove to Uriarra Crossing and turned right into Fairlight Road, which we followed until Mountain Creek Road and turned left. About 3.7 kilometers south of the Fairlight/Mountain Creek Road intersection there is an unsignposted gravel road on the right - Two Sticks Road. We followed Two Sticks Road for about 4 kilometers until we found our start point, a side track to the right with a steep descent. We parked a little further down Two Sticks Road and backtracked to the side track to start the hike. We walked down the steep track off Two Sticks Road for about 1 kilometer until it met a T-intersection, which we followed to the left. It was at this point that we inadvertently passed the Pig Hill Trail and continued to follow the track we were on. A point of interest we found was a burnt out tractor in the undergrowth on the side of the road, possibly a victim of the 2003 bushfires.

The track climbed for some time until we came to an un-gated fence on the other side of which another track crossed the one we were on. We continued straight ahead, however, and about 3 kilometers from the start of our hike we met another T-intersection. After some discussion, we decided to turn right at this intersection and after about 500 meters we struck Swamp Creek. At this point the track we had been following ended, but there was a cut and ribbon-marked narrow walking trail that we were able to continue on. Keeping to the walking trail we followed Swamp Creek upstream for about 3 kilometers, having to cross the Creek 17 times to keep on the trail. Most crossings were easy, others required some ingenuity.

Eventually the trail ended at a locked gate with a "No Trespassing" sign - presumably the western edge of Brindabella National Park. This would have been only a few hundred meters from the Firebreak Trail, which we had some idea by this stage of the hike of following back to Two Sticks Road and our parked car. With the unequivocal sign on the gate, however, we decided to go back the way that we had come.

While this walk was a navigational nightmare of my own making in that we never got anywhere near Pig Hill, it was actually a great discovery that we would not otherwise have made.  

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve: Nil Desperandum

General Information

Distance:  10.2 kilometers
Total climb:  500 meters
Time taken:  3 hours 40 minutes
Map:  Tidbinbilla 8627-2S 1:25 000
Guide:  link
Start point distance by road from Canberra GPO:  45 kilometers
Start point map grid reference:  55H FA 74866 76263
Destination map grid reference:  55H FA 74483 78216
End point:  same as start

Route

http://maps.six.nsw.gov.au/

Description

There are various options for where to start this walk, but we chose the parking area at Greens picnic area. From Greens we followed the marked trail along management roads hiking steadily upwards to an elevation of around 830 meters (the start point at Greens being around 680 meters). From here the trail heads down again to Nil Desperandum homestead, a bit under 5 kilometers from the start point.





This homestead is hired out for overnight stays, but the toilet and rainwater tank are available to hikers. Since the homestead was unoccupied at the time of our hike, we were able to have a look around and pause there for lunch. The northern part of the Tidbinbilla Range looms over the homestead to the west, with Camels Hump particularly prominent. After our break we followed the trail a little further to the northwest to do some sightseeing. With the help of signs and information boards we found the remnants of the camellia garden, some still in flower.



We also found the ruins of the old family swimming pool which was constructed on Hurdle Creek, and the rusted remnants of a commercial eucalyptus oil distiller.



Instead of following the same trail back to our car, we decided to backtrack only as far as the management road (Boundary Fire Trail) up the very steep hill that starts at map reference FA741782. This was a climb of about 100 meters elevation over a distance of only 800 meters. There are some good views once the peak has been reached.



Having descended to bottom of their peak, there was another substantial hill which we also had to climb. It gave us a great view towards the sun coming down over the Tidbinbilla Range.



From there we followed the trail back to Greens and our waiting car.

This is a reasonably good walk through what used to be pine forest, but following the 2003 bushfires is now going back to a natural state. The route we took to get there, which is what the guide recommends, is circuitous but is much easier than the more direct Boundary Fire Trail which we followed on the way back. In fact, I suspect it took us longer to walk back along the more direct route given the steepness of the terrain. Nil Desperandum homestead is well worth a look if you happen to find it vacant. It is also a great place to stay for a few nights - I did this in October 2016 as a result of taking this hike.