Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 583m
Min elevation: 471m
Total Ascent: 475m
Hike overview
The Casuarina Sands to Kambah Pool section of the Murrumbidgee Discovery Track offers a challenging but rewarding hike for experienced bushwalkers. This 14km one-way journey takes you alongside the scenic Murrumbidgee River, with stunning views of the surrounding countryside the entire way.
Starting at the western end of the Casuarina Sands car park, the track winds its way along the riverbank. Look out for towering river oaks, the distinctive red stringybark, and the hardy scribbly gum clinging to the drier slopes. As you progress, the path occasionally veers away from the water, traversing open grazing land before climbing steadily towards Kambah Pool.
Be prepared for a tough but worthwhile trek. The significant distance and steep sections make this a one-way journey only, so arranging transport for both ends is crucial. Remember, cycling is not permitted on this particular section of the track.
Embrace the challenge and be rewarded with breathtaking views of the Murrumbidgee River and the picturesque surrounds. This hike is sure to leave you with lasting memories of the beauty of the Australian landscape.
Murrumbidgee Discovery Track Sections
Casuarina Sands to Kambah Pool (14km)
Kambah Pool to Pine Island (9km)
Pine Island to Point Hut Crossing (4km)
Track grade
Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 583 m
Min elevation: 471 m
Total climbing: 475 m
Total descent: -430 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: Bullen Range Nature Reserve.
Nestled on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River, Casuarina Sands offers the perfect escape for a relaxing picnic, just a short 22-minute drive (23.2 kilometers) from Canberra via Cotter Rd. Shady riverside beaches provide a picturesque backdrop, while electric barbecues, picnic tables and shelters ensure your comfort. Playgrounds keep the young ones entertained, and toilets are conveniently located. Beyond the riverside haven, 360-degree views of the surrounding hills showcase the beauty of the Cotter Recreation Area.
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: Bonython, Calwell, Conder, Gilmore, Gordon, Kambah, Mawson, Narrabundah, Oaks Estate, Queanbeyan, Tharwa, Tuggeranong, Wanniassa, Weston Creek
About the region
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 views. 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.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Bullen Range Nature Reserve? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
Gallery
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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.





