Uriarra Loop Walk (3.5km)

The Uriarra Loop is a moderately challenging 3.5-kilometre hike within the Uriarra Crossing Recreation Area, located roughly 25 minutes south of Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory. This scenic loop trail takes approximately 2.5 hours to complete and traverses sections of Molonglo River Reserve and Woodstock Nature Reserve. It's important to note that dogs are not permitted within these reserves with the exception of the Shepherds Lookout track accessed from Stockdill Drive, a designated off-leash area in Woodstock Nature Reserve.

The Uriarra Loop begins at Uriarra East picnic area and follows the Murrumbidgee River downstream until it meets the Molonglo River. The path then takes a southerly turn, tracing the Molonglo River upstream before returning westward through open grazing land. Notably, the steep Molonglo River gorge fosters a unique ecosystem with a higher-than-average plant diversity compared to the surrounding plateaus. This protected environment, created by mist trapped within the gorge, allows for the growth of rare plant species such as the nationally vulnerable Pale Pomaderris shrub and the unusual Anchor Plant.

Hikers can access Shepherds Lookout via a footbridge across the Molonglo River while on the Uriarra Loop track. This optional 3.8-kilometre return detour, known as the Shepherds Lookout to Molonglo River Walk, leads uphill and offers stunning views down the Murrumbidgee River towards the New South Wales-Australian Capital Territory border, with Black Cypress Pines lining the path.