The Camels Hump Summit Hike is a challenging 13-kilometre loop trail located within Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, ACT. This grade 5 hike is recommended for highly experienced bushwalkers due to rough and steep sections throughout. Expect to spend 4-5 hours completing the return journey.
The trail winds its way through diverse landscapes, starting in wet sclerophyll forest and gradually transitioning to subalpine open forest as you ascend nearly 600 vertical metres. Witness the vibrant plant and animal life along the way, from ferns and wildflowers to birds and butterflies, water dragons and even dingoes. The hike rewards you with breathtaking panoramic views encompassing the Brindabella Range, Gibraltar Peak, and even Canberra in the distance.
While the trail offers unique experiences throughout the year, summer can be extremely hot and winter may see snow cover. Nevertheless, each season brings its own beauty.
The hike begins at the Mountain Creek car park. Please be aware that cycling is only permitted on the designated Management Trail section.
Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the
AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.
Total distance: 12764 m
Max elevation: 1412 m
Min elevation: 912 m
Total climbing: 778 m
Total descent: -778 m
Download
No Records Found
Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.
Maps failed to load
Sorry, unable to load the Maps API.
While the Tidbinbilla Visitor Centre serves as a convenient starting point for many explorations within the reserve, the Camels Hump hike commences at Mountain Creek carpark. Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve itself is located on Tidbinbilla Reserve Road, approximately a 45-minute drive from Canberra's city centre. Upon entering the reserve, consult park maps or ask park rangers for specific directions to the Mountain Creek carpark.
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.
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.
Favourite
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Australian Capital Territory
Favourite
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Australian Capital Territory
Favourite
Australian Capital Territory
Favourite
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.
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.
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
Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!
1 Review on “Camels Hump Summit Hike (13km)”