This grade 5 hike to the summit of Mount Bimberi will take you into remote terrain, necessitating strong navigation skills, preparation and self-reliance.
Bimberi Peak or Mount Bimberi with an elevation of 1,913 metres (6,276 ft) located within the Brindabella Ranges is the highest mountain in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). It is located on the border between New South Wales (NSW) and the ACT, the NSW portion in Kosciuszko National Park and the ACT portion in Namadgi National Park. It is accessible by bush walking trails and requires no specialised climbing skills, although there is no marked trail to the very summit.
Bimberi Peak can be reached along the Australian Alps Walking Track, from the east through the ACT, or from the west through NSW, approximately 40 kilometres north northwest of Adaminaby that ascends the southern ridge.
The route to Mount Bimberi starts by following a trail west from the Orroral Tracking Station to Cotter Hut Road. Turning right (north) you then follow the road for around 5.5km to the junction of the Australian Alps Walking Track (AAWT). The trail junction is not overly obvious so keen an eye out for Paririe Dog Creek, its not far after that. Following the AAWT, you will gradually ascend through Cotter Gap to the Pond Creek Campsite. This campsite is around 9.2km from the trailhead and makes a great spot to pause for a break before following Pond Creek as it gradually descends to Pond Creek Flats.
From Pond Creek Flats, it's a 2-kilometer walk to Cotter Flat, a great spot to pitch camp for the night. Open grasslands on the Cotter River make it an excellent base. Bimberi Peak hikers can drop their packs here and tackle the summit with a light daypack for a two or three-day trip.
After leaving the Cotter River, head south along the Cotter Hut Road past Cotter Hut. The trail you are following now takes the name of Yaouk Trail. Follow this trail south for approximately 1.4km to the junction of Murray Gap Trail. You'll now start the first of the descent ascents as the track clicks from an elevation of 1070m to 1480m over a distance of around 3km. Enjoy the climb. After the track levels out, its only around 2km to the swampy Murray Gap (I don't recommend camping here).
From Murray's Gap the ascent is accessed by breaking away from the trail and hiking up the southern ridge of the summit, keeping Little Bimberi to your right (East). The climb to the summit can take you 2-3 hours to cover 3 kilometres. Yes, it's slow going. Following the ridge up is the easiest way to summit, although taking a compass bearing is useful.
Bimberi Peak boasts a prominent surveyor's mark and delivers a staggering 360-degree panorama. Witness both NSW and the ACT unfold beneath you, with shimmering dams scattered across the vast landscape. This remote peak reigns supreme as the Canberra region's most breathtaking summit view.
The return leg of your Bimberi Peak adventure follows the same route back to the Orroral Tracking Station, but that doesn't mean it's a mere retrace. Whether you chose a single overnight push or a multi-day trek, the descent offers a fresh perspective on the stunning landscapes you encountered on the way up.
Alternate Western Approach (22km)
For a shorter and slightly easier climb to Bimberi Peak, consider the western approach. This route starts on Pocket Saddle Road, a dirt track shut during winter, leading to a locked gate at the Currango Plain. From this 1,270-meter starting point, you'll enjoy a two hour walk along a 3.3-kilometer fire trail. The path meanders past Oldfields Hut and crosses several streams before reaching Murray's Gap. This initial leg is a gentle ascent, gaining 430 meters over 4.3 kilometers.
From Murray's Gap the ascent is described above. This variation is also a return hike, so after reaching the summit, retrace your steps back to Pocket Saddle Road.
- The summit of Bimberi Peak is above the tree line.
- Strong winds blow across the summit.
- During winter Bimberi is generally covered in snow.
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Main image: View from summit of Bimberi Peak (Canberra Times)
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Total distance: 50352 m
Max elevation: 1901 m
Min elevation: 933 m
Total climbing: 2106 m
Total descent: -2106 m
Alternate Western Approach
Total distance: 21371 m
Max elevation: 1901 m
Min elevation: 1269 m
Total climbing: 1022 m
Total descent: -1022 m
Getting to the trailhead: Brindabella Ranges.
The former Orroral Valley Tracking Station carpark sits at the end of Orroral Road, offering a convenient starting point for several scenic hikes in the area. To reach the carpark, follow these general directions:
- From Tharwa: Head south on Naas Road, which later becomes Boboyan Road. Look for the turnoff onto Orroral Road on the right, approximately 18 kilometers from Tharwa.
- From Canberra: Take the Kings Highway (Route 23) south towards Tharwa. Once past Tharwa, turn left onto Boboyan Road and then right onto Orroral Road.
Closest towns to this walk: Adaminaby, Cotter River, Tharwa, Uriarra, Wee Jasper
Towering westward of Canberra, Australia's capital city, lies the Brindabella Range, affectionately known as "The Brindabellas" or "The Brindies." This impressive mountain range forms a natural border between New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
Within its 213.6 square kilometers, the Brindabellas encompass diverse landscapes, including the rugged peaks of Namadgi National Park (ACT), the verdant valleys of Brindabella National Park (NSW), and the vastness of Kosciuszko National Park (NSW). Its presence dominates the western horizon of Canberra, serving as a vital green lung and scenic backdrop for the city.
Before European arrival, the land now called the Brindabellas was home to the Ngunnawal, Walgalu, and Djimantan Aboriginal peoples, who hold deep cultural connections to the mountains. They hold a significant place in the region's rich Indigenous heritage.
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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.
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.
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
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