Murrumbidgee River
The Murrumbidgee River winds its way for a staggering 1,600 kilometers, starting high in Kosciuszko National Park and meeting the Murray River near Balranald in New South Wales. This vital waterway forms a significant part of the Murray-Darling Basin, a network of rivers crucial to Australia's ecosystem.
For tens of thousands of years, the Ngunnawal people and other Aboriginal groups have held a deep connection to the Murrumbidgee. Today, the river continues to be a lifeblood, supplying water for human consumption, agriculture, and the natural world that thrives along its banks.
Interestingly, the ACT cradles roughly 66 kilometers of the Murrumbidgee's journey, stretching from Angle Crossing in the south to beyond Uriarra Crossing in the north. This section, known as the Murrumbidgee River Corridor, encompasses a diverse 9,800 hectares of land. Within the corridor, five nature reserves and eight special purpose reserves offer a haven for native plants and animals.
The rich tapestry of the corridor is further woven with the threads of both Ngunnawal and European heritage. Over 370 Aboriginal heritage sites and several historic European locations lie nestled along the riverbank. These Aboriginal sites primarily consist of scattered stone artifacts and singular standing stones, but also include significant rock shelters and scarred trees, all silent testaments to a long and deep history.
It's important to remember that all Aboriginal places and objects within the ACT are protected by law under the Heritage Act 2004. Disturbing these sites is strictly prohibited. Those fortunate enough to discover an unregistered Aboriginal object or place have a responsibility to report it to the Heritage Council to ensure its preservation.
Bullen Range Nature Reserve
The Bullen Range Nature Reserve and the Murrumbidgee River Corridor offer a captivating natural escape within the Australian Capital Territory. The Bullen Range, with its wild landscapes crisscrossed by hiking trails, is a haven for native Australian wildlife and a paradise for hikers. Trails cater to all levels, with the Murrumbidgee Discovery Track section here being a popular challenge for experienced trekkers, rewarding them with breathtaking river vistas. Meanwhile, the Murrumbidgee River Corridor itself stretches for roughly 66km, a ribbon of nature rich in Aboriginal and European heritage.
Over 370 Aboriginal heritage sites and historic European locations can be found alongside the river, making it a place steeped in history. The corridor is also a recreational playground, perfect for bushwalking, camping, picnics, birdwatching, and enjoying water activities like swimming, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Together, the Bullen Range Nature Reserve and the Murrumbidgee River Corridor offer a stunning combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and outdoor activities for Canberrans and visitors to explore.
Remember, the Bullen Range falls within the larger Murrumbidgee River Corridor, so you'll find the reserve nestled alongside the river. Be sure to check for any closures, especially around Red Rocks cliff in the Bullen Range, which might occur during wildlife breeding seasons.
1 Review on “Murrumbidgee Discovery Track (27km)”
The Murrumbidgee Discovery Track is a fantastic hike that’s easy to follow for most of the way, starting from Casuarina Sands. The trail itself is in excellent condition. There’s a slightly overgrown section near Urambi Hills where the track detours down to a creek. Despite the overgrown bit, this hike is amazing. The scenery changes frequently, keeping things interesting, and there’s plenty of wildlife to spot. Just be aware that completing the entire trail in a day can be physically demanding. I was stuffed by the end.