Hike at a Glance
Max elevation: 735m
Min elevation: 668m
Total Ascent: 477m
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 views 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.
Gallery
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Content use
Please don’t copy GPX files or content from this site to AllTrails or other platforms. Each trail has been personally mapped, documented, and refined to support Australia’s bushwalking and hiking community. While some details come from land managers, every listing reflects significant personal effort. This is a free, community-driven initiative—your respect helps keep it that way.
Walk map and GPX file
Max elevation: 735 m
Min elevation: 668 m
Total climbing: 477 m
Total descent: -477 m
Getting there
Getting to the trailhead: Googong Foreshores.
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.
Closest towns to this walk: Banks, Bungendore, Canberra, Fyshwick, Googong, Jerrabomberra, Narrabundah, Pialligo, Queanbeyan, Tharwa, Tuggeranong, Uriarra Village, Yass
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 walks nearby
Looking for more walks in or near Googong Foreshores? Try these trails with a similar difficulty grade.
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.
Explore safe
Plan ahead and hike safely! Carry enough water, pack layers for changing conditions, and bring safety gear like a torch, PLB, and reliable communication device. Check official sources for trail updates, closures, and access requirements, and review local weather and bushfire advice. Most importantly, share your plans with someone before you go. Being prepared makes for a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe.
Packing checklists
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, and your adventure type. Not sure what to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists are a great starting point, covering day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them to customise your kit and always prioritise safety.
Let someone know
Before heading out, take a moment to fill out your trip intentions form. It’s a quick way to share your hike details with family or friends. If something goes wrong, they can notify emergency services, ensuring a faster response and peace of mind. Stay safe and enjoy your adventure
Suggest an edit
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
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.