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.
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.
- 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.
Total distance: 9399 m
Max elevation: 579 m
Min elevation: 525 m
Total climbing: 247 m
Total descent: -241 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: 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.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Bonython, Calwell, Conder, Gilmore, Gordon, Kambah, Mawson, Narrabundah, Oaks Estate, Queanbeyan, Tharwa, Tuggeranong, Wanniassa, Weston Creek
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.
Looking for more walks in or near Bullen Range Nature Reserve? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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