Trail Fast Facts
Grassy Creek to Boboyan Valley is an 25km, grade 4 hike in Namadgi National Park, Australian Capital Territory. This hike typically takes 8 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
The Grassy Creek to Boboyan Valley loop trail is a challenging 25-kilometre (grade 4) circuit hike located within Namadgi National Park. This trek typically takes around 8 hours to complete and offers a glimpse into the region's rich pastoral heritage.
The journey begins on Boboyan Road and follows the Grassy Creek Fire Trail, traversing scenic rural landscapes and eucalypt woodlands. Keep your eyes peeled for remnants of the area's past, including historic huts, ruins, stockyards, and even some exotic plant species.
Several noteworthy historic sites dot the trail. Your first stop will likely be Westermans Homestead, famed for its decorative bargeboards and stone chimneys. Continuing alongside Grassy Creek, the route offers a chance to detour to Waterholes Hut, where you'll find old sheep yards and horse stalls. As you skirt the border and delve into the eucalypt forest, Lone Pine Homestead comes into view. Erected around 1890 by Dan Crawford, this homestead served as a home for him and his family. Legend suggests a lone pine tree was planted alongside the hut during this period. The final historic stop, Luton's Crutching Shed, is an optional side trip. Built in 1964, this structure was used to shear sheep.
Be mindful of weather conditions, especially during winter. Checking the forecast beforehand can help ensure your safety in the event of storms or sudden temperature drops. Additionally, expect to encounter wet sections on the trail. Packing an extra pair of socks or opting for waterproof boots is recommended for these areas.
Before setting off, it's important to acknowledge the traditional custodians of this land, the Ngunnawal people, and pay respects to their elders past and present.
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.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 1311 m
Min elevation: 1142 m
Total climbing: 477 m
Total descent: -477 m
Trail Location (trailhead)
Sorry, no records were found. Please adjust your search criteria and try again.
Sorry, unable to load the Maps API.
Getting there
Accessing the Grassy Creek to Boboyan Valley loop trail requires reaching either the northern or southern trailhead. The northern trailhead is situated on Boboyan Road, a short distance from the ACT-NSW border near Mount Clear. From Tharwa, head south along Naas Road for roughly 36 kilometres. You'll see Boboyan Road branching off to the left shortly after this point. Follow Boboyan Road for a few more kilometres until you reach the designated carpark for the trailhead. The southern trailhead is located on Old Boboyan Road near Naas Creek. If approaching from Tharwa, take a similar route along Naas Road, turning left onto Old Boboyan Road a few kilometres after passing the turnoff for Boboyan Road. The carpark for the southern trailhead will be on your right. Remember, both Boboyan Road and Old Boboyan Road are unsealed surfaces, so adjust your driving speed accordingly.
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
The Namadgi National Park lies on Ngunnawal Country. This land, rich in cultural significance, has been managed by the Ngunnawal people for countless generations. Their deep connection to this landscape encompasses cultural, social, environmental, spiritual and economic aspects.
Encompassing over 106,000 hectares, Namadgi National Park safeguards a vast area of alpine, sub-alpine and mountain bushland. Nearly half of the Australian Capital Territory falls within its boundaries. The park is crucial for the preservation of high-altitude sphagnum bogs. These bogs provide critical habitat for endangered species and act as natural reservoirs, slowly releasing clean water that sustains the ACT.
For visitor information, maps, firewood permits, or general inquiries, head to the Namadgi Visitor Centre.
Hikers will find hundreds of kilometres of trails to explore within Namadgi National Park. Before venturing out, it's important to familiarise yourself with the Australian Walking Track Grading System. Additionally, inform someone of your planned route and estimated return time. Be sure to record your trip details in the designated bushwalking registers located throughout the park. Straying from marked trails is only recommended for experienced navigators with proper map and compass skills. As weather conditions in the mountains can change rapidly year-round, always pack warm and waterproof clothing.
Namadgi National Park is home to numerous significant Ngunnawal cultural sites and objects scattered across the landscape. These include the Yankee Hat Rock Art and other locations that hold stories of vital knowledge, cultural values, and wisdom. These sites are deeply important to the Ngunnawal people. Their history is not only documented in archaeological finds but also preserved in the landscape itself, passed down through generations through oral stories, dance, memory, ceremonies and the artistic depictions found in rock art sites.
The Ngunnawal people emphasise the importance of protecting these stories, sites and objects for future generations. Visitors to Namadgi are asked to treat these locations with respect, recognising them as a rich and ancient part of the park's narrative.
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
Suggest an edit
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!
Weather
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.