Trail Fast Facts
Burbong Heritage Trail is a 10km, grade 3 hike in Kowen Forest, Australian Capital Territory. This hike typically takes 3 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
The Burbong Heritage Trail is a 10-kilometre return hike offering moderate difficulty within Kowen Forest, Australian Capital Territory. This scenic route, marked with red markers, takes roughly 3 hours to complete on foot or 1.5 hours by bicycle.
The trail departs from Charcoal Kiln Road, turning onto Atkinsons Road. It winds through the Burbong area, showcasing significant historical sites and offering glimpses of the Molonglo River. The return journey follows the same path, ensuring a straightforward loop. A highlight of the Burbong Trail is the panoramic vista from Atkinson Trig. This vantage point provides stunning views across the entire precinct, stretching towards the hills that mark the ACT and NSW border.
As with the Glenburn Heritage Trail, the Burbong Trail is steeped in history. Remnants of early European settlement in the Canberra-Queanbeyan region are scattered throughout the area. You'll encounter ruins of structures, plantings, graves, farm machinery, and other remnants offering a fascinating glimpse into the area's pioneering past. The trail itself is well-marked for easy navigation, with intersecting trails providing opportunities to extend your exploration if you wish. Don't miss the captivating historical ruins near the Molonglo River, a chance to connect with the colonial era.
Collier Homestead and Orchard
During the late 1800s, several settler families lived in Burbong, near this section of the Molonglo River. Among them were the Colliers and the Edmondses. Their substantial stone homestead, built around 1880, stands out from the surrounding timber dwellings of the area. It likely employed stonemasons from Pialligo and boasted six rooms, two fireplaces, an entrance hall, and even a separate guest room with its own external access. Originally, verandahs graced both the east and west sides, with a dedicated iron kitchen to the north and a baker's oven conveniently located outside in the northeast corner.
East of the homestead lies a substantial orchard, likely planted in the 1880s. Today, visitors can still see a large pear tree, two apple trees, several plum trees, and even two copses dedicated to quinces – some of which continue to bear fruit.
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.
Tips
- Always stay on designated trails. Respect private property boundaries, including the Canberra International Clay Target Club and adjacent farms.
- Be aware of forestry operations; logging trucks and other vehicles use the forest roads.
- Cross creeks only when safe to do so.
- The trail is exposed, so bring plenty of water and snacks. Sturdy shoes, sun protection, and a hat are recommended.
- The area is closed during days of Total Fire Ban.
- Dogs must be kept on leash at all times due to the possibility of encountering livestock grazing in some areas.
- Treat Aboriginal and European heritage sites with respect. Removing, damaging, or defacing these sites is an offence.
- There are no bins in the area; please take your rubbish home with you.
- Toilets are not available, so plan accordingly.
- Maintain a distance of at least 100 metres from waterways and heritage sites when burying waste.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 763 m
Min elevation: 672 m
Total climbing: 264 m
Total descent: -264 m
Trailhead
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Getting there
Accessing the Glenburn Heritage Precinct is straightforward. By car, navigate to the intersection of Kings Highway and Charcoal Kiln Road. Look for signage for the Glenburn Heritage Precinct. There's a designated car park located right off Charcoal Kiln Road, next to the trailhead. Here, you'll find information boards with a map of the area and details on the various trails available within the precinct.
Photo gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
About the region
As well as being Canberra's largest commercial pine plantation, Kowen Forest is very popular with organised recreation groups including orienteering, bush walking, running, mountain bike riding, horse riding and car rallies. Size: 4,670 ha Kowen Forest east hosts the Australian 24 Hour Mountain Bike Championships and it has a strong network of trails. Following its initial design as a trail catering to beginners, the later expansion of trails has been developed with the same friendliness in mind. The parking area for Kowen Forest east is just off the Kings Highway which also accesses Sparrow Hill. Please note the campground may be closed during fire danger periods and adverse weather conditions such as heavy rain.
Similar trails nearby
Looking for things to do in Kowen Forest? Try these hikes or bushwalks.
Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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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.