All trails within the Mindjagari Track Network are rated Grade 5 under the Australian Walking Track Standards. They are suitable only for highly experienced bushwalkers with advanced skills in navigation and emergency first aid. The tracks are extremely rough and steep, with limited wayfinding and signage. Before setting out, ensure you have read the safety information below and remember that mobile phone reception is unreliable across most of Tidbinbilla.
The Mindjagari Track network offers around 26 kilometres of demanding management trails and walking tracks that can be linked in a variety of ways. Winding through some of the ACT’s most rugged and scenic landscapes, this network rewards those willing to take on its challenges with access to truly spectacular country and some of the most strenuous day walks in the region.
There are four routes that climb the Tidbinbilla Range, each offering different ways to experience the area’s striking natural features and varied terrain. Once up on the range, a number of loop options make it possible to tailor the walk to your level of endurance and time available. From the heights, the outlook stretches across to the Brindabellas and beyond, with sweeping views that reveal the contours of the land and, on clear days, the Canberra skyline in the distance. The climb passes through subalpine woodlands rich with native flora and bursts of wildflowers in summer, while granite outcrops and boulder-strewn ridges add to the sense of adventure.
The track highlights include the distinctive rock formation known as The Pimple, the wide-ranging panorama from Tidbinbilla Mountain, and seasonal displays of wildflowers that transform the hillsides into a patchwork of colour. These are walks that stay with you long after you’ve returned, not only for their physical challenge but also for their sense of isolation and beauty.
Cycling is permitted on management trails but not on the narrower walking tracks, helping to preserve the fragile terrain. Depending on the route you choose, there are several options for returning from the range that allow you to shorten your walk if needed. It’s important to familiarise yourself with these options before heading out, and to be mindful of Tidbinbilla’s closure times, as access to some areas may be restricted.
All trails within the Mindjagari Track network are rated Grade 5 under the Australian Walking Track Standards. This means they are intended for very experienced bushwalkers with advanced navigation and first aid skills. The terrain is often steep and rough, with limited wayfinding and no facilities. Mobile reception is unreliable or non-existent across much of the area, so preparation and self-sufficiency are essential before setting off.
For those visiting the network for the first time, the Mindjagari Track Banggu Loop offers a challenging but slightly less demanding introduction. This 12.5-kilometre circuit, beginning and ending at the Mountain Creek car park, typically takes around five hours to complete and climbs about 790 metres. The route follows the Camelback Fire Trail for a steady ascent, taking in remarkable views from both Johns Peak and Tidbinbilla Peak before descending via the steep Banggu Track back to the start. While it may be considered the easiest of the Mindjagari routes, it still presents a serious test of fitness and endurance, rewarding those who take it on with an unforgettable day in the high country of Tidbinbilla.
- Allow enough time: Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve closes at 6:00 pm during AEST (winter) and 8:00 pm during daylight saving time (summer). Make sure you finish your walk and drive out before the gates close. Exiting late may trigger a search and rescue response.
- Check your experience: Be honest about your fitness and skill level before attempting these routes. It’s strongly recommended to complete the Camel’s Hump walk first to gauge your readiness for the more challenging Mindjagari Track walks.
- Prepare for the conditions: Weather in the mountains can change rapidly. Carry clothing and gear for all conditions, including cold, wind, and rain, even on fine days.
- Plan ahead: If you’re tackling a one-way route, remember that there is an additional 4.4 km between the Mountain Creek and Fishing Gap car parks. Arrange a car shuttle or pickup in advance to avoid being stranded.
- Track your progress: Keep an eye on your pace and remaining daylight. If you’re running short on time, take a shorter descent option rather than risking being out after dark. Build in extra time for breaks or unexpected delays.
- No camping: The Mindjagari Track network is designed for day walks only. Camping is not permitted anywhere along the track or within Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.
- Be safe: Carry a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), as mobile reception in Tidbinbilla is limited or non-existent. PLBs can be hired from the visitor centre and are strongly recommended for all walkers on Grade 5 tracks.
Grade 5 (Difficult) - Walks for the Most Experienced: Grade 5 represents the most challenging walking tracks on the
AWTGS. These are only recommended for very experienced and fit walkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are likely to be very rough, very steep, and unmarked. Walks may be more than 20 kilometers. These challenging walks demand a high level of fitness and experience to navigate difficult terrain, significant elevation changes, and potentially unformed paths.
Total distance: 11888 m
Max elevation: 1554 m
Min elevation: 911 m
Total climbing: 829 m
Total descent: -829 m
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Main image: ACT Government Parks and Conservation Service
Getting to the trailhead: Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.
The Mountain Creek Carpark is located within Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, southwest of Canberra. It serves as a main access point for several walking trails, including the challenging route to The Pimple and the Mindjagari Track network. The carpark sits at the edge of native forest, offering an inviting starting point for those exploring the reserve’s rugged terrain, diverse wildlife, and sweeping mountain views. Access is via Tidbinbilla Road, which leads through scenic bushland before reaching the reserve entrance and continuing on to the carpark. This spot is well signposted within the reserve and provides a convenient base for day walkers looking to experience some of the ACT’s most rewarding trails.
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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.
Heading out? Fill in a trip intentions form so someone knows your plans. If things go wrong, they can raise the alarm fast, giving you peace of mind on the trail.
Looking for more walks in or near Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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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.
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.
