Trail Fast Facts
Orroral Heritage is a 6km, grade 3 hike in Namadgi National Park, Australian Capital Territory. This hike typically takes 2.5 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
The Orroral Heritage Walking Track is a 6-kilometre (one-way) journey through Namadgi National Park, classified as a moderate grade 3 hike. This track typically takes 2.5 hours to complete. Be aware that this is a one-way route, so you'll either need pre-arranged transportation back to the starting point or plan to retrace your steps, turning it into a 12-kilometre return hike.
The trail begins at Orroral Campground and winds through the Orroral Valley, culminating at the former Orroral Valley Space Tracking Station. Established in 1963, this station played a role in the Satellite Tracking and Data Acquisition Network (STADAN) as Station 21. After its closure in 1985, the station's impressive 26-metre antenna was relocated and repurposed for radio astronomy at the University of Tasmania's Mount Pleasant Observatory. STADAN's primary function was tracking various Earth-orbiting satellites, with stations initially established in Orroral Valley, Rosman (North Carolina), and Fairbanks (Alaska).
The Orroral Heritage Walking Track offers a unique opportunity to explore the valley's rich history, encompassing Ngunnawal Aboriginal heritage, pioneering efforts, and the space age. Informative signs positioned along the trail will guide you through this fascinating journey. The well-maintained track features easy walking through open grasslands, rewarding you with scenic views of the surrounding mountains and the Orroral River.
Track Grade
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 929 m
Min elevation: 886 m
Total climbing: 128 m
Total descent: -86 m
Trail Location (trailhead)
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Getting there
Accessing the Orroral Heritage walk is relatively easy, as the trailhead is located directly within the Orroral Campground. The campground sits 19 kilometres from the Namadgi Visitor Centre. You'll follow a series of sealed roads, including Naas Road, Boboyan Road, and finally Orroral Road, to reach your destination.
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.