Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 725m
Min elevation: 684m
Total Ascent: 54m
Hike overview
The Birrigai Time Trail is a 3-kilometre loop hike within Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, ACT, suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Rated as grade 3, the trail offers a historical and educational experience, taking roughly one hour to complete.
The highlight of this walk is the Birrigai Rock Shelter, the oldest known shelter in the Alpine region. Here, interpretive signs share insights into the rich culture and history of the Ngunnawal people, the Traditional Custodians of the land. Evidence suggests the shelter was used by the Ngunnawal for tens of thousands of years.
As you return through open grasslands to the Visitor Centre, consider the traditional land management practices employed by the First Peoples for generations. The walk also explores the lives of early European settlers in the valley.
While the trail is generally suitable for most, some bushwalking experience is recommended. There are short, steep hill sections, uneven terrain, and numerous steps.
The walk begins at the Tidbinbilla Visitor Centre. Remember, Birrigai Rock Shelter holds deep cultural significance for the Ngunnawal people. Please show respect by staying on designated tracks, taking only memories, and leaving no rubbish behind.
Track grade
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 725 m
Min elevation: 684 m
Total climbing: 54 m
Total descent: -54 m
GPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.
Explore safely
Planning this hike? Most incidents develop before you even start. Safe outcomes depend on how navigation, hydration, environment, load and judgement work together. Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Hiking Safety Systems Foundations. Then use the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.
Leave a trip plan
Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.
Planning checklists
Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is located on Tidbinbilla Reserve Road, Paddys River, about 40km from the centre of Canberra. Nestled within the Tidbinbilla Valley and surrounded by Namadgi National Park, both the drive and destination are experiences in themselves. Tidbinbilla is an easy 45-minute drive south-west from the centre of Canberra. Access is off Paddys River Road, via Cotter Road (from North Canberra) or via Drakeford Drive, Woodcock Ave and Point Hut Crossing (from South Canberra).
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Accommodation nearby
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Banks, Calwell, Conder, Cooleman, Cooleman Ridge, Coree, Cotter River, Dunlop, Durras, Gordon, Hall, Isaacs, Kambah, Mawson, Narrabundah, Paddys River, Tharwa, Tuggeranong, Uriarra Village, Wanniassa, Weston Creek, Woden
About the region
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, a 54.5-square-kilometre sanctuary located just 40 minutes' drive from Canberra, the capital of New South Wales, offers a captivating glimpse of Australian nature. The reserve encompasses diverse landscapes, from rugged peaks and rolling grasslands to ancient rock shelters and cascading creeks. Diverse habitats like wetlands, forests and woodlands provide a haven for a rich variety of wildlife. Kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, and even the elusive platypus can all be spotted here.
Tidbinbilla caters to all interests. Explore the network of 24 marked walks, ranging from gentle strolls to challenging hikes that lead to the summit of the Tidbinbilla Range. Enjoy a picnic in one of the designated areas with free barbecue facilities, or let the kids loose at the Nature Discovery Playground. Learn about the rich cultural heritage of the Ngunnawal people, the Traditional Custodians of the land. Visit significant sites like Hanging Rock, Birrigai Rock Shelter, Gibraltar Peak and the Wandarawari Track. Ascend Gibraltar Peak, Johns Peak or Camels Hump for breathtaking panoramic views.
The Tidbinbilla Visitor Centre provides valuable information, sells snacks, gifts and barista-made coffee. Guided activities are available on weekends and during school holidays, with options for custom group bookings. Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is a significant conservation area, playing a vital role in protecting Australian ecosystems since 1936.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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Acknowledgement of Country
Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.





