The Square Rock Trail is a sheltered gentle incline hike along a distinct trail which passes through ash and eucalypt woodland and concludes at a prominent granite outcrop known as Square Rock. A metal ladder provides easy access to a large rock ledge for great views across Brindabella Ranges. A short detour from the trail takes you to the Orroral Valley Lookout, from which you get further views down the valley once farmed by early European settlers and in which a space tracking station operated in the late 20th century. Without this detail the total return hike is 8.5km
Total distance: 10255 m
Max elevation: 1451 m
Min elevation: 1218 m
Total climbing: 322 m
Total descent: -322 m
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Square Rock Trail.gpx
- A good family hike without being overly taxing.
- There is a walkers' register at the start of the trailhead.
- While the trail is generally through sheltered woodland, at Square Rock the wind can whip up and on wet days it can get slippery.
- Fortunately there is good shelter in the rock formations for a pleasant rest stop regardless of weather.
- Don't get confused when you come across a giant cube-shaped rock towards the end of the trail. This is not Square Rock, but fascinating all the same. Keep going another few hundred metres to reach Square Rock itself.
- Make sure you take the short detour to the Orroral Valley lookout, though a bit of scrambling is needed to get the best views.
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Follow signs via sealed roads to Corin Forest from Canberra's southern suburbs. Once on the Corin Road, proceed for several hundred metres past the Corin Forest Mountain Reserve on your right and look out for a large gravel carpark on your left. This is the new Square Rock trailhead.
It’s a good idea to let someone know where you’re going. Fill in a trip intention form to send important details about your trip to your emergency contact. If you are lost or require help and have phone reception, call 000 and ask for police. The international standard emergency number is 112, if you dial this number in Australia you will be treated exactly the same as a 000 call. If you believe your life is at risk, activate your personal locator beacon (PLB), then make your position visible to rescue teams and keep warm and dry.
Namadgi National Park
With remote wilderness experiences, a wide range of natural environments, an abundance of native wildlife, and Aboriginal and European cultural sites, there are many reasons to visit Namadgi National Park. Namadgi covers 106,095 hectares, with 160 kilometres of marked walking tracks. Visit the Namadgi Visitor Centre to get expert advice and see displays and audiovisuals. The Visitor's Centre is open 9 am to 4 pm on weekdays and 9 am to 4.30 pm on weekends and public holidays. It is closed Christmas Day.
Walking is a great way to explore Namadgi National Park, with 160 kilometres of walking trails to explore the park.
The following table outlines some of the popular walks within the park. Click on the name of the trail to load a trail guide.
Notes on the park's 160 kilometres of marked walking tracks can be found in the Namadgi Map and Guide, available at the Namadgi Visitor Centre shop and the Canberra Regional Visitor Centre for $4.50.
For more information, a location map and facilities please visit the ACT Government Information Portal.
If you have any great 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.
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Australian Capital Territory
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Australian Capital Territory
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
Australian Capital Territory
Australian Capital Territory
