Gibraltar Peak Walking Trail is an 8.2km, grade 4 hike located in Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Australian Capital Territory. The hike should take around 4 hours to complete.
Warning
Call in at the Tidbinbilla Visitors Centre to check on latest conditions and departure points before embarking on any walk in the National Park. Plan ahead for your walk, don't rely on a mobile phone and avoid walking alone.
Hike overview
Hike the Gibraltar Peak Trail for Panoramic Views in Tidbinbilla. Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is a haven for wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts. One of its most rewarding hikes is the 8.2-kilometer Gibraltar Peak Trail. The summit offers breathtaking panoramic views, making the challenging climb absolutely worthwhile.
The trail starts at Dalsetta, where you'll trek through open grasslands before tackling the climb to Eliza Saddle. This section provides a taste of the scenic beauty to come. After Eliza Saddle, the path gets steeper as you ascend towards the imposing peak.
For the return trip, you can choose the same route or opt for a longer loop via Eliza Saddle. This extended option takes you on the Birrigai Time Trail, past the Visitor Centre, and along the Congwarra Trail before returning to Dalsetta. Allow an extra hour for this 13-kilometer loop.
This hike is rated moderate to hard and takes approximately three to four hours to complete. The path is a mix of grassland and forest, with some sections quite steep and rough. Bushwalking experience is recommended for tackling this challenging yet beautiful trail.
As you make your way up, keep an eye out for interpretive signs that share stories about the area's Indigenous significance, plants, animals, and landscape. Remember, Gibraltar Peak holds cultural importance for the Ngunnawal people. It served as a men's initiation site. To show respect, stay on the designated trail, take only memories, and leave only footprints.
Route and GPX file
GPX file by Melany T courtesy of Bryan J Rollins.
Max elevation: 1039 m
Min elevation: 737 m
Total climbing: 414 m
Total descent: -414 m
Alternate circuit hike via Xanthorrea Forrest - 7.5km
GPX file by Darren Edwards.
Max elevation: 1044 m
Min elevation: 737 m
Total climbing: 384 m
Total descent: -383 m
Trail location
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Getting there
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).
Gallery
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About the region
The Tidbinbilla Valley has played an important part of the Australian Capital Territory's (ACT) nature conservation efforts since 1936 and was gazetted as a nature reserve and national park in 1971. Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is home to a wide range of Australian animals living in diverse sub-alpine habitats including wetlands, grasslands, wet and dry forests and woodlands. These habitats support a wide range of wildlife including, kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, platypus, potoroos, bandicoots, wallaroos, echidnas, emus, lyrebirds as well as many other birds and reptiles.
Tidbinbilla is part of the Australian Alps national parks, a series of parks and reserves that span Australia's south-eastern high country. The Australian Alps are National Heritage listed, recognising that its natural and cultural values are of outstanding national significance.
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
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.