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 weaves through roughly 26 kilometres of challenging management trails and walking tracks that can be linked in various ways to create your own adventure. These trails lead deep into spectacular country, offering some of the most demanding and rewarding day walks in the ACT. Four distinct routes ascend the Tidbinbilla Range, each with loops that can be combined once you reach the top. From the ridgeline, the sweeping views stretch across the Brindabellas and beyond, while closer to hand the subalpine woodlands, bursts of wildflowers, and striking rocky outcrops create a landscape of rugged beauty. Highlights include the distinctive Pimple rock formation, the 360-degree panorama from Tidbinbilla Mountain, and the vibrant summer displays of native blooms that make every step worthwhile.
Cyclists are welcome on the management trails but not on the walking tracks, and the terrain ensures that every route presents a serious test of endurance. Depending on the path you choose, there are several ways to descend from the range if you prefer to shorten your journey. It is important to familiarise yourself with these options before heading out and to take note of Tidbinbilla’s closure times to avoid being caught out after dark.
All tracks within the Mindjagari network are rated Grade 5 under the Australian Walking Track Standards. These routes are intended for highly experienced bushwalkers who possess strong navigation and first aid skills. Expect rough, steep terrain and limited signage throughout. Mobile phone reception is unreliable across most of the reserve, so preparation and safety planning are essential before setting off.
The Mindjagari Track Full Traverse is the ultimate challenge within the network. Covering 22 kilometres one way, it typically takes around ten hours to complete and involves a demanding ascent of up to 1,360 metres, depending on whether you begin from Mountain Creek or Fishing Gap. The full traverse includes an optional side trip to The Pimple, offering an unforgettable view and a deeper appreciation of the range’s rugged beauty. This route showcases the very best of Tidbinbilla but requires stamina, planning, and an early start. It is best undertaken during daylight saving months when the days are longer, allowing ample time to complete the walk safely. As it is a one-way trail, organise transport by leaving a vehicle at one end and starting from the other. Cycling is permitted on management trail sections only, and walkers should be well equipped for a long, strenuous day in a wild and isolated landscape.
- 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: 22148 m
Max elevation: 1595 m
Min elevation: 839 m
Total climbing: 1396 m
Total descent: -1467 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.
