Trail Fast Facts
Western Foreshores Walk is a 19.7km, grade 3 hike in Googong Foreshores, Australian Capital Territory. This hike typically takes 7 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
The Western Foreshores Walk is a 19.7km journey through the Googong Foreshores in the ACT. This Grade 4 hike is perfect for walkers seeking a challenging adventure. Expect to spend roughly 7 hours traversing this scenic return hike.
The beauty of this walk is its accessibility. You can choose to start from either the northern end near the Upper Foreshores car park or the southern end at Tin Hut car park. The trail primarily follows management trails, winding through open woodlands and grasslands. Along the way, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking vistas of the Googong Dam and the majestic Queanbeyan escarpment rising to the east.
Be aware that this extended distance and the use of management trails can take a toll. The track can be hard on the feet, so ensure you're well-prepared for a physically demanding hike.
The Googong Foreshores hold deep significance for the Ngunnawal people, who have inhabited and cared for this land for millennia. The Queanbeyan River served as a vital pathway for the Ngunnawal and their neighbours, connecting them to hunting grounds and ceremonial sites. The London Bridge Arch itself is considered a place of spiritual importance. Please treat all cultural heritage sites within the Foreshores with respect.
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: 735 m
Min elevation: 668 m
Total climbing: 477 m
Total descent: -477 m
Trailhead
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Getting there
This walk can be accessed from either end of Googong. The northern trackhead is near the upper Foreshores car park and the southern end is at Tin Hut car park. The track follows management trails through grassland and open woodland providing many scenic vantage points of the dam and the Queanbeyan escarpment to the east.
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
Located 10 kilometres south of Queanbeyan, Googong Foreshores is a great place to observe wildlife and go canoeing, fishing and mountain biking. It also has a fascinating historic homestead and London Bridge Arch. The entire Foreshores area is a Wildlife Refuge.
Whether you like picnicking, birdwatching, bushwalking, mountain bike riding, enjoy sailing and fishing or delving into history - at Googong there's something for everyone.
In the north of Googong Foreshores is the Googong Dam with lookouts, walking trails, BBQ and boating facilities. To the south off Burra Road, the historic London Bridge Homestead beckons visitors to explore the history of farming and settlement in the area. A remarkable natural feature in this area is London Bridge Arch which formed over thousands of years.
Similar trails nearby
Looking for things to do in Googong Foreshores? Try these hikes or bushwalks.
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.