Hike at a Glance

Quick overview: Discover the natural beauty of the Bullen Range Nature Reserve on the moderate 9km hike from Kambah Pool to Pine Island. Just 20km from the heart of Australia's capital, you'll traverse native forests, historic farmland, and marvel at the spectacular Red Rocks Gorge found along the Murrumbidgee River. Don't forget to look out for local wildlife, including wombats and diverse birdlife, as you soak in the breathtaking riverside views. This trail in Kambah, ideal for bushwalkers and mountain bikers, manages to perfectly blend history, nature, and adventure into a three-hour journey.

Length:

9km

Duration:

3 hrs

Grade:

Style:

One Way

Max elevation: 579m

Min elevation: 525m

Total Ascent: 247m

Start: Kambah Pool

End: Pine Island

Bullen Range Nature Reserve

Australian Capital Territory

Nearby town: Kambah

From state capital: 20km

Latitude: -35.39755554804715

Longitude: 149.01177411618065

Overview

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Hike overview

The Kambah Pool to Pine Island section of the Murrumbidgee Discovery Track offers a scenic and enjoyable 9km journey, perfect for both walkers and mountain bikers. This moderate track winds its way through native forest and farmland, taking you above the spectacular Red Rocks Gorge, a highlight of the Murrumbidgee River.

A designated lookout provides breathtaking views of the gorge, allowing you to fully appreciate its natural beauty. As you continue, you'll carefully cross Tuggeranong Creek before reaching a historic dry-stone wall, a testament to the area's rural past built in the 1860s.

The path is mostly flat with a few gentle inclines, making it a comfortable trek. Be prepared to encounter a couple of gates, some left open and others requiring you to climb over them.

Starting your exploration at Kambah Pool allows you to experience the diverse river habitats firsthand. Take in the magnificent river views from various vantage points and keep an eye out for the resident wombats that call Kambah Pool home. Birdwatchers will also be delighted by the area's diverse birdlife. Watch for large flocks of Yellow-faced Honeyeaters migrating in late autumn, or if you're lucky, you might even spot a Peregrine Falcon soaring near Red Rocks Gorge, the fastest bird on Earth.

Murrumbidgee Discovery Track Sections

Casuarina Sands to Kambah Pool (14km)
Kambah Pool to Pine Island (9km)
Pine Island to Point Hut Crossing (4km)

Tips

Kambah Pool gates have closing times: 6pm to 8am in winter and 9pm to 8am during daylight saving time.
No bins are available, so please take all rubbish home with you.
Dogs are not permitted on this section of the track. For dog-friendly recreation areas along the Murrumbidgee River, head to Uriarra Crossing, Murrays Corner, or Point Hut Crossing.

Gallery

Kambah Pool to Pine Island Hike (9km)

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Walk map and GPX file

Kambah Pool to Pine Island Hike (9km)

Total distance: 9399 m
Max elevation: 579 m
Min elevation: 525 m
Total climbing: 247 m
Total descent: -241 m

Getting there

Getting to the trailhead: Bullen Range Nature Reserve.

For those with a car, reaching Kambah Pool is easy. The drive from central Canberra takes about 30 minutes. Simply head south on Kings Highway (A23) for roughly 18 kilometers, keeping an eye out for the Kambah Pool turnoff on your right. Take this turn onto Kambah Pool Road and follow it for 2 kilometers until you arrive at the car park.

Get there with Google Maps

Closest towns to this walk: Bonython, Calwell, Conder, Gilmore, Gordon, Kambah, Mawson, Narrabundah, Oaks Estate, Queanbeyan, Tharwa, Tuggeranong, Wanniassa, Weston Creek

About the region

The Bullen Range Nature Reserve and the Murrumbidgee River Corridor offer a captivating natural escape within the Australian Capital Territory. The Bullen Range, with its wild landscapes crisscrossed by hiking trails, is a haven for native Australian wildlife and a paradise for hikers. Trails cater to all levels, with the Murrumbidgee Discovery Track section here being a popular challenge for experienced trekkers, rewarding them with breathtaking river views. Meanwhile, the Murrumbidgee River Corridor itself stretches for roughly 66km, a ribbon of nature rich in Aboriginal and European heritage.

Over 370 Aboriginal heritage sites and historic European locations can be found alongside the river, making it a place steeped in history. The corridor is also a recreational playground, perfect for bushwalking, camping, picnics, birdwatching, and enjoying water activities like swimming, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Together, the Bullen Range Nature Reserve and the Murrumbidgee River Corridor offer a stunning combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and outdoor activities for Canberrans and visitors to explore.

Remember, the Bullen Range falls within the larger Murrumbidgee River Corridor, so you'll find the reserve nestled alongside the river. Be sure to check for any closures, especially around Red Rocks cliff in the Bullen Range, which might occur during wildlife breeding seasons.

Similar walks nearby

Looking for more walks in or near Bullen Range Nature Reserve? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.

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.

Explore safe

Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.

Packing checklists

What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.

Let someone know

Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure

Reviews

Kambah Pool to Pine Island Hike (9km)

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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.

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

February 25, 2025

Hike at a Glance