Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 837m
Min elevation: 807m
Total Ascent: 45m
Hike overview
Hanging Rock is a 500-metre, grade 2 hike in Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, Australian Capital Territory, taking approximately 15 minutes to complete. This short and easy loop trail is suitable for visitors of all ages and fitness levels, offering a brief but enriching exploration of a culturally significant and naturally beautiful area.
The walk begins by crossing Ashbrook Creek and passes through a tall wet eucalyptus forest. It then gently ascends to Hanging Rock, a large granite tor that served as an ancient rock shelter for the Ngunnawal people. Hanging Rock Shelter is of profound cultural and spiritual importance to the Ngunnawal people, so visitors are asked to tread gently and respectfully.
The trail continues around the shelter, looping back to the carpark. Along the way, keep an eye out for swamp wallabies that inhabit the area. The track is well-maintained, with a hardened or compacted surface, gentle hill sections, and occasional steps, making it accessible for those without bushwalking experience.
As you walk, remember the cultural significance of Hanging Rock to the Ngunnawal Traditional Custodians. Please honour their request to stay on the designated trail, take only memories, and leave only footprints behind. The walk begins at Hanging Rock carpark.
Track grade
Grade 2 (Easy) -Â A Gentle Introduction to Inclines: Grade 2 on the AWTGS represents easy walking tracks that offer a slightly more challenging experience compared to Grade 1. Similar to Grade 1, no prior bushwalking experience is required. The track surface is typically hardened or compacted and may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. The total distance of a Grade 2 walk is typically no greater than 10 kilometers. These walks are still suitable for families with a bit more experience or those seeking a gentle introduction to some inclines.
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 837 m
Min elevation: 807 m
Total climbing: 45 m
Total descent: -45 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: Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.
Accessing the Hanging Rock Walk is straightforward. Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is located on Tidbinbilla Reserve Road, approximately a 45-minute drive from Canberra’s city centre. Upon entering the reserve, follow signs for the Hanging Rock car park. This car park serves as the starting point for the walk, where your short journey to uncover Hanging Rock’s beauty and cultural significance commences.
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: Banks, Calwell, Conder, Cooleman, Cooleman Ridge, Coree, Cotter River, Dunlop, Durras, Gordon, Hall, Isaacs, Kambah, Mawson, Narrabundah, Paddys River, Tharwa, Tuggeranong, Uriarra Village, Wanniassa, Weston Creek, Woden
About the region
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, a 54.5-square-kilometre sanctuary located just 40 minutes' drive from Canberra, the capital of New South Wales, offers a captivating glimpse of Australian nature.
The reserve encompasses diverse landscapes, from rugged peaks and rolling grasslands to ancient rock shelters and cascading creeks. Diverse habitats like wetlands, forests and woodlands provide a haven for a rich variety of wildlife. Kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, and even the elusive platypus can all be spotted here.
Tidbinbilla caters to all interests. Explore the network of 24 marked walks, ranging from gentle strolls to challenging hikes that lead to the summit of the Tidbinbilla Range. Enjoy a picnic in one of the designated areas with free barbecue facilities, or let the kids loose at the Nature Discovery Playground.
Learn about the rich cultural heritage of the Ngunnawal people, the Traditional Custodians of the land. Visit significant sites like Hanging Rock, Birrigai Rock Shelter, Gibraltar Peak and the Wandarawari Track. Ascend Gibraltar Peak, Johns Peak or Camels Hump for breathtaking panoramic views.
The Tidbinbilla Visitor Centre provides valuable information, sells snacks, gifts and barista-made coffee. Guided activities are available on weekends and during school holidays, with options for custom group bookings.
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is a significant conservation area, playing a vital role in protecting Australian ecosystems since 1936.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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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.





