The Glenburn Heritage Trail offers a moderately challenging 10-kilometre return hike through Kowen Forest in the Australian Capital Territory. This scenic route takes approximately 3 hours to complete on foot or 1.5 hours by bicycle.
The trail, marked with blue markers, winds past several significant historical sites near Charcoal Kiln Road. These include the Shearing Shed complex, a testament to the area's past agricultural activities; the Colverwell Graves, a poignant reminder of early settlers; Glenburn Homestead, a well-preserved example of colonial architecture; the Charcoal Kilns Site, showcasing remnants of an early industry; and the Kowen School Site, a glimpse into local education history.
The return journey utilises a shortcut on Charcoal Kiln Road after reaching the Glenburn Homestead, making the route a manageable loop. Like the rest of the Glenburn Heritage Precinct, the trail is rich in history, featuring remnants of early European settlement in the Canberra-Queanbeyan region. As you explore, you'll encounter ruins of structures, plantings, graves, farm machinery, and other remnants offering a window into the area's pioneering days. The trail itself is well-marked for easy navigation, with intersecting trails providing opportunities to extend your exploration if desired. Don't miss the fascinating historical ruins near the Molonglo River, a highlight of the trail and 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.
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.
- 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.
Total distance: 8834 m
Max elevation: 745 m
Min elevation: 705 m
Total climbing: 126 m
Total descent: -125 m
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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 to the trailhead: Kowen Forest.
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.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
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.
Looking for more walks in or near Kowen Forest? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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