Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 564m
Min elevation: 552m
Total Ascent: 55m
Hike overview
The Pine Island to Point Hut Crossing section is the shortest and easiest leg of the Murrumbidgee Discovery Track, clocking in at a leisurely 4km. Perfect for walkers and mountain bikers alike, this flat, well-marked trail offers stunning views of the Murrumbidgee River throughout the entire journey.
Starting from the southern car park at Pine Island, you'll weave through the scenic Pine Island Reserve before emerging into open grasslands. Keep your camera handy, as the panoramic views of the Murrumbidgee will leave you breathless. Both Pine Island and Point Hut Crossing are ideal spots to take a break, enjoy a picnic lunch, or even take a refreshing dip in the river during the warmer months.
Pine Island is a popular destination for locals, boasting barbecue facilities and a designated swimming area. Point Hut Reserve, on the other hand, provides a welcome respite with its shady picnic areas and leash-free zones where your furry companion can stretch their legs. Allow approximately two hours for a return trip, making this a perfect option for a relaxing afternoon stroll or a family outing in nature.
Murrumbidgee Discovery Track Sections
Casuarina Sands to Kambah Pool (14km)
Kambah Pool to Pine Island (9km)
Pine Island to Point Hut Crossing (4km)
Track grade
Grade 2 (Easy) -Â A Gentle Introduction to Inclines: Grade 2 on the AWTGS represents easy walking tracks that offer a slightly more challenging experience compared to Grade 1. Similar to Grade 1, no prior bushwalking experience is required. The track surface is typically hardened or compacted and may have gentle hill sections or occasional steps. The total distance of a Grade 2 walk is typically no greater than 10 kilometers. These walks are still suitable for families with a bit more experience or those seeking a gentle introduction to some inclines.
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 564 m
Min elevation: 552 m
Total climbing: 55 m
Total descent: -49 m
GPX files, maps and content are copyright Trail Hiking Australia. Not to be copied, redistributed or uploaded to other platforms including AllTrails.
Explore safely
Planning this hike? Most incidents develop before you even start. Safe outcomes depend on how navigation, hydration, environment, load and judgement work together. Small oversights can compound quickly in Australian conditions. See how it happens in the Hiking Safety Systems Foundations. Then use the Hiking Safety Systems, planning calculators, and make sure a trusted contact has your trip plan before heading out.
Leave a trip plan
Before you go, complete a trip intentions form and share it with a trusted contact. Agree on a Late-Back Time and ask them to call 000 (Police) if you have not checked in. A clear trip plan is one of the simplest and most effective safety steps you can take.
Planning checklists
Download the hiking preparation and safety checklists before leaving home to help you think through your plans. They help ensure important considerations are not overlooked and support safer decision-making on the trail.
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Bullen Range Nature Reserve.
Reaching Pine Island from Canberra is a straightforward drive, taking about 22 minutes and covering roughly 25 kilometers. Start your trip in Canberra, following Tuggeranong Parkway until you arrive at the Pine Island Reserve.
Need a rental car to get you to the hike? Find one here.
Accommodation nearby
Find accommodation close to the trailhead including hotels, cabins, and campgrounds. Use the interactive map to explore available options in nearby towns.
Nearby towns: Bonython, Calwell, Conder, Gilmore, Gordon, Kambah, Mawson, Narrabundah, Oaks Estate, Queanbeyan, Tharwa, Tuggeranong, Wanniassa, Weston Creek
About the region
The Bullen Range Nature Reserve and the Murrumbidgee River Corridor offer a captivating natural escape within the Australian Capital Territory. The Bullen Range, with its wild landscapes crisscrossed by hiking trails, is a haven for native Australian wildlife and a paradise for hikers. Trails cater to all levels, with the Murrumbidgee Discovery Track section here being a popular challenge for experienced trekkers, rewarding them with breathtaking river views. Meanwhile, the Murrumbidgee River Corridor itself stretches for roughly 66km, a ribbon of nature rich in Aboriginal and European heritage.
Over 370 Aboriginal heritage sites and historic European locations can be found alongside the river, making it a place steeped in history. The corridor is also a recreational playground, perfect for bushwalking, camping, picnics, birdwatching, and enjoying water activities like swimming, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Together, the Bullen Range Nature Reserve and the Murrumbidgee River Corridor offer a stunning combination of natural beauty, historical significance, and outdoor activities for Canberrans and visitors to explore.
Remember, the Bullen Range falls within the larger Murrumbidgee River Corridor, so you'll find the reserve nestled alongside the river. Be sure to check for any closures, especially around Red Rocks cliff in the Bullen Range, which might occur during wildlife breeding seasons.
Similar walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Bullen Range Nature Reserve? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
Gallery
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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.





