Trail Fast Facts

Gudgenby Bush is a 5km, grade 2 hike in Namadgi National Park, Australian Capital Territory. This hike typically takes 2 hours to complete.

Length: 5km

Duration: 2 hrs

Grade 3 (Moderate)

Style: Circuit

Start: Yankee Hat Carpark

End: Yankee Hat Carpark

Location: Namadgi National Park

State: Australian Capital Territory

Nearby town: Tharwa

From state capital: 68km

Latitude: -35.757152267341915

Longitude: 148.9739763736725

Overview

Map and GPX file

Directions

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Hike Overview

The Gudgenby Bushwalk is an easy (grade 2) 5-kilometre loop trail within Namadgi National Park, typically completed in around 2 hours. This walk offers a unique opportunity to witness the ongoing ecological restoration project transforming a former pine plantation back into a natural forest ecosystem with native trees.

The trail begins at the Yankee Hut Carpark and follows the Boboyan Pines Fire Track. You'll meander through woodlands featuring Candlebarks and Snow Gums, with the option of cycling along this section if preferred. The trailhead is situated roughly 300 metres from the Yankee Hat carpark along a short branch track leading off the main trail and Old Boboyan Road, just past the locked gate.

For the more adventurous, a side trip to Eleanor's Grove on Hospital Creek can be incorporated into your hike. It's important to note that four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended for navigating Old Boboyan Road itself.

The historical context adds another layer of interest to this walk. During the 19th and early 20th centuries, grazing activities in the Gudgenby Valley contributed to soil erosion and shrub encroachment. In response, the Boboyan Pine Plantation was established in the mid-1960s to address these issues. This 380-hectare plantation, encompassing Pinus radiata trees, was incorporated into Namadgi National Park upon its declaration in 1984.

The ACT Forest Huts, remnants of the pine plantation era, can be found along the track. These historically significant huts were built to support the forest management activities and have been preserved for their heritage value. While walkers can use them for temporary shelter, they are no longer actively used for forestry purposes.

Getting there

Gudgenby Bush Walk (5km)

Situated within Namadgi National Park, the carpark can be reached from Canberra via several routes. Travel south along Tuggeranong Parkway, past Lanyon Homestead and Tharwa village. This route eventually joins Kings Highway. Follow Kings Highway for a short distance until you see the turnoff for Old Boboyan Road. Take this turn and continue for approximately 21 kilometres on the unsealed Old Boboyan Road. Look out for signage for Yankee Hat carpark, which will be on your right. Remember, the final stretch of road may require a four-wheel drive vehicle, particularly after heavy rain.

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Map and GPX file

Gudgenby Bush Walk (5km)

Total distance: 4774 m
Max elevation: 1078 m
Min elevation: 999 m
Total climbing: 126 m
Total descent: -126 m

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If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.

A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.

Track Grade

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.

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.

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Gudgenby Bush Walk (5km)

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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.

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.

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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.

Trail Fast Facts

Hike Overview

Getting there

Gudgenby Bush Walk (5km)