Mindjagari Track Banggu Loop (12.5km)

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.