Hike at a glance

11,274

Quick overview: Find tranquillity in the Australian Capital Territory with the 5km London Bridge Walk, an easy circuit trail nestled within the Googong Foreshores, just a short trip from Burra. Kicking off from the London Bridge Car Park, the walk guides you across the historic London Bridge Arch to the heritage-listed London Bridge Homestead. Get a sneak peek of the homestead behind the security fence and explore the outbuildings and original woolshed. Don't miss the arch, a natural wonder formed over 420 million years ago, and remember to check with the Ranger Station for possible open days.

Hike length

5km

Average duration

2 hrs

Trail Difficulty

Grade 2 (Easy)

Hike Type

Circuit

Technical details

Max elevation: 726m
Min elevation: 670m
Total Ascent: 108m

Start: London Bridge Car Park

End: London Bridge Car Park

Location: Googong Foreshores

State: Australian Capital Territory

Nearest town: Burra

State capital distance: 40km

Latitude: -35.51068394403683

Longitude: 149.2583011449683

Hike details

Difficulty

Planning

Safety

Getting there

The region

Nearby hikes

Weather

Trail details

Hike summary

The London Bridge Walk is a pleasant 5km circuit trail located within the Googong Foreshores of the Australian Capital Territory. This easy, two-hour walk is perfect for those seeking a leisurely exploration of the area's natural and cultural heritage.

Your journey begins at the London Bridge car park. Crossing Burra Creek via the historic London Bridge Arch, you'll soon find yourself on the path leading to the London Bridge Homestead, a significant property listed on the National Estate.

The return route takes you along a management trail, offering glimpses of the homestead through a security fence. Fortunately, many of the outbuildings and remains of the original woolshed stand outside the fence, free to explore at your leisure. Open days are also occasionally held, allowing a closer look at the homestead itself. Be sure to contact the Ranger Station for details on upcoming open days.

As you wander the trails, take a moment to appreciate the awe-inspiring London Bridge Arch. Formed over 420 million years ago from compressed seabed sediment and coral, this natural wonder has been shaped by time and water erosion. Imagine Captain Mark Currie, the first European to lay eyes on this arch in 1823, marveling at its "perfect Saxon arch."

Additional Information:

The Googong Foreshores hold deep significance for the Ngunnawal people, who have inhabited and cared for this land for millennia. The Queanbeyan River served as a vital pathway for the Ngunnawal and their neighbours, connecting them to hunting grounds and ceremonial sites. The London Bridge Arch itself is considered a place of spiritual importance. Please treat all cultural heritage sites within the Foreshores with respect.

Track difficulty

Grade 2 (easy) badge

Grade 2 (Easy)

Gentle tracks with some variation
These walks are still accessible for most people, but introduce mild hills, occasional steps, and slightly uneven surfaces. No prior bushwalking experience is required.

Tracks are usually well-defined and hardened, but you may need to manage small changes in elevation and footing. Distances can extend up to 10km, making these a good step up from Grade 1 for those building confidence.

Good to know: Small hills and longer distances can add up quickly if your fitness or pacing is off.

Planning essentials

Map and GPX file

London Bridge Walk (5km)

Total distance: 4583 m
Max elevation: 726 m
Min elevation: 670 m
Total climbing: 108 m
Total descent: -108 m

GPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.

Safety and preparation

Planning this hike?

Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Interactive Safety Scenarios. Then refer to the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.

Let someone know

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.

Free 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

Googong Foreshores

Googong Foreshores is located 10 kilometres south of Queanbeyan, NSW. The London Bridge area is a further 10 kilometres south. The area is managed by ACT Parks and Conservation Service for water catchment, recreation and as a wildlife refuge.

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Get there with Google Maps

Access Conditions:

2WD Access
Gravel Road
Small Car Park
Public Toilets
Picnic Table

Accommodation nearby

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Or browse accommodation in nearby towns: Banks, Bungendore, Canberra, Fyshwick, Googong, Jerrabomberra, Narrabundah, Pialligo, Queanbeyan, Tharwa, Tuggeranong, Uriarra Village, Yass

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About the region

Located 10 kilometres south of Queanbeyan, Googong Foreshores is a great place to observe wildlife and go canoeing, fishing and mountain biking. It also has a fascinating historic homestead and London Bridge Arch. The entire Foreshores area is a Wildlife Refuge.

Whether you like picnicking, birdwatching, bushwalking, mountain bike riding, enjoy sailing and fishing or delving into history - at Googong there's something for everyone.

In the north of Googong Foreshores is the Googong Dam with lookouts, walking trails, BBQ and boating facilities. To the south off Burra Road, the historic London Bridge Homestead beckons visitors to explore the history of farming and settlement in the area. A remarkable natural feature in this area is London Bridge Arch which formed over thousands of years.

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Weather on the trail

Googong Foreshores

The map below shows the rain forecast for the trail area. Tap the toggle in the top right corner to explore other layers including wind, temperature, UV index, thunderstorms, fire danger, and weather warnings — all useful for planning a safe hike.

Trail Reviews

Acknowledgement of Country

London bridge walk (5km) trail hiking australia

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

Technical details

Trail details

Hike summary

Track difficulty

Grade 2 (Easy)

Planning essentials

Map and GPX file

Safety and preparation

Planning this hike?

Let someone know

Free checklists

Getting there

Accommodation nearby

Discover more

About the region

Explore nearby hikes

Western Foreshores Walk (19.7km)

Queanbeyan River Loop Hike (19.7km)

Shoreline Walk (4km)

Black Wallaby Loop Track (2.6km)

Photo gallery

Weather on the trail

Trail Reviews

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Notice something different about this trail?

Acknowledgement of Country

Curated by: Darren Edwards | Trail Hiking Australia

Last modified:

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