Trail Fast Facts
Old Boboyan Road is a 24km, grade 4 hike located in Namadgi National Park, Australian Capital Territory. The hike typically takes 7-8 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
Traversing a section of the historic Old Boboyan Road offers a unique adventure for hikers of varying abilities. This mostly flat, 24-kilometre (grade 4) trail within Namadgi National Park is ideal for those seeking a moderate challenge. The journey typically takes 7-8 hours to complete, beginning at Yankee Hat Carpark.
The hike presents a fascinating opportunity to learn about the ongoing ecological restoration project transforming a former pine plantation back to its natural state with indigenous trees. Witnessing this firsthand provides valuable insight into ecosystem rehabilitation efforts.
A highlight of the trail is undoubtedly the breathtaking Boboyan Valley meadow. Explore this scenic area and soak in the panoramic vistas encompassing wetland fens, remnants of the region's pastoral past, and rolling hills teeming with diverse plant and animal life. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a beginner, this route promises a memorable experience.
The trail starts at Yankee Hat Carpark and includes optional detours to historic sites like Frank and Jack's Hut and Hospital Hut. The full route culminates at Luton's Crutching Shed and Crawford's Homestead before requiring a return journey along the same path. For those seeking a shorter adventure, arranging a car drop-off at either end or turning back at any point is perfectly acceptable.
Track Grade
Grade 4 (Hard) - Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 1217 m
Min elevation: 1029 m
Total climbing: 512 m
Total descent: -512 m
Trail Location (trailhead)
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Getting there
Reaching the Old Boboyan Road hike's starting point at Yankee Hat Carpark is relatively straightforward. Situated within Namadgi National Park, the carpark can be accessed from Canberra via several routes. You can travel south along Tuggeranong Parkway, past Lanyon Homestead and Tharwa village. This route eventually joins Kings Highway. Follow Kings Highway for a short distance until you see the turnoff for Old Boboyan Road. Take this turn and continue for approximately 21 kilometres on the unsealed Old Boboyan Road. Look out for signage for Yankee Hat carpark, which will be on your right. Remember, the final stretch of road may require a four-wheel drive vehicle, particularly after heavy rain.
Photo gallery
If you have any photos from this hike and are happy to share them, please upload your .jpg files here.
Please note: Uploading photos does not transfer ownership of copyright away from you. If requested, you will be credited for any photos you provide and can ask they be deleted at any time.
About the region
The Namadgi National Park lies on Ngunnawal Country. This land, rich in cultural significance, has been managed by the Ngunnawal people for countless generations. Their deep connection to this landscape encompasses cultural, social, environmental, spiritual and economic aspects.
Encompassing over 106,000 hectares, Namadgi National Park safeguards a vast area of alpine, sub-alpine and mountain bushland. Nearly half of the Australian Capital Territory falls within its boundaries. The park is crucial for the preservation of high-altitude sphagnum bogs. These bogs provide critical habitat for endangered species and act as natural reservoirs, slowly releasing clean water that sustains the ACT.
For visitor information, maps, firewood permits, or general inquiries, head to the Namadgi Visitor Centre.
Hikers will find hundreds of kilometres of trails to explore within Namadgi National Park. Before venturing out, it's important to familiarise yourself with the Australian Walking Track Grading System. Additionally, inform someone of your planned route and estimated return time. Be sure to record your trip details in the designated bushwalking registers located throughout the park. Straying from marked trails is only recommended for experienced navigators with proper map and compass skills. As weather conditions in the mountains can change rapidly year-round, always pack warm and waterproof clothing.
Namadgi National Park is home to numerous significant Ngunnawal cultural sites and objects scattered across the landscape. These include the Yankee Hat Rock Art and other locations that hold stories of vital knowledge, cultural values, and wisdom. These sites are deeply important to the Ngunnawal people. Their history is not only documented in archaeological finds but also preserved in the landscape itself, passed down through generations through oral stories, dance, memory, ceremonies and the artistic depictions found in rock art sites.
The Ngunnawal people emphasise the importance of protecting these stories, sites and objects for future generations. Visitors to Namadgi are asked to treat these locations with respect, recognising them as a rich and ancient part of the park's narrative.
Explore Safe
While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.
Let someone know
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
Gear to consider
What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.Â
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Acknowledgement of Country
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.
3 Reviews on “Old Boboyan Road Hike (24km)”
Rachel Miller