The ultimate guide to Namadgi National Park

hero media
Taking up almost half of the Australian Capital Territory, Namadgi National Park is one of Australia’s greatest natural wonders.

Namadgi National Park represents 46 per cent of the ACT, lying just 40 minutes southwest of Canberra City with more than 106,000 hectares of alpine, sub-alpine and mountain areas.

Since it was first declared a national park in 1984, this immensely diverse region has been a source of great inspiration for nature lovers, offering an incredible range of landscapes from grassy pains and snow gum woodlands to sub-alpine meadows and hidden fern gullies.

It’s often unexplored because visitors are unsure of what to do with something so wonderfully vast. To help, we’ve rounded up some of the top things to do in Namadgi National Park so you can make the most of your visit to this important, largely underappreciated, part of Australia’s geographically diverse east coast.

1. Search the national park for historic huts

a man sitting outside a homestead, Orroral

The Orroral homestead was built in the 1860s and has stood the test of time. (Image: Michael Maconachie)

Several historic homesteads lie across Namadgi National Park, retelling the story of colonial pastoralists and early recreational skiers. Filled with character, these homes are not only great photo opportunities but they tell the story of this region with every crack and crevice.

Gudgenby, for example, is a timber slab hut built in 1845. After serving time in a shipping container, it’s been beautifully restored and reconstructed near the Namadgi National Park visitors’ centre and can be viewed anytime. Audio features retelling tales of early settlers help contextualise the park before you set off to explore.

You’ll also want to look for Orroral, the park’s oldest original homestead which was built in the 1860s and can be found near the Orroral campground.

2. Walk to Booroomba Rocks

a couple standing atop Booroomba Rocks, Namadgi National Park

One of Namadgi’s best walks, hiking to Booroomba Rocks affords spectacular views. (Image: Visit Canberra)

If you’ve only got time for one hiking trail in Namadgi National Park, take the short 2.5 Booroomba Rocks tail up to the park’s most cinematic section. The 40-minute walk will take you through tall forests up to sweeping granite cliffs surrounded by big, beautiful boulders.

With great views of the Brindabella Range, this is one of the most scenic walks in the state, starting from Booroomba Park Park with clear markings along the way.

The walk is best done in spring when the area is blanketed in beautiful multi-coloured wildflowers like yellow and orange peas, daisies and flax lilies. Keep an eye out for Canberra’s signature royal bluebells along some of the wetter areas of the trail.

3. See Australia’s tallest mountain range

a woman walking along the Mount Tennent Trail, Canberra

Mount Tennent Trail is one of Canberra’s hardest walking trails. (Image: We Are Explorers for VisitCanberra)

Namadgi National Park is notable for many reasons, though mostly because it forms the northern tip of the Australian Alps. The various microclimates created by Australia’s tallest mountain range mean the park has an incredible diversity of environments, from steep slopes and open plateaus to dramatic alpine meadows strewn with natural beauty.

The best way to experience this end of the Australian Alps is by walking the 13.7-kilometre Mount Tennent Trail. Challenging as it may be, this is one of the most rewarding walks in Australia, taking you through many of these landscapes across five hours.

4. Pitch a tent

kangaroos grazing on the field, Orroral

Spot kangaroos grazing on lush green grass. (Image: Visit Canberra)

Camping in Namadgi National Park is allowed at either of three designated campgrounds – Orroral, Mt Clear, or Honeysuckle. And each offers a remarkably different experience for those who want to really give themselves over to this cinematic slice of Australia.

Orroral Campgrounds is ideal for anyone wanting easy access to the picturesque Orroral Heritage Walking Track, which is around 6 kilometres one-way and should take around 2.5 hours to complete. Mt Clear is preferred for its bounty of historic huts nearby. Meanwhile, Honeysuckle is frequented by history buffs, keen to camp at the actual spot where the world’s first vision of the moon landing was transmitted.

If you don’t want to camp, hire out the historic Ready-Cut Cottage instead. The heritage cottage can sleep up to seven and is positioned in one of the most beautiful areas of the park near the Gudgenby River.

5. Look for Indigenous rock art

a couple admiring ancient Aboriginal paintings at Yankee Hat rock art site

See ancient Aboriginal paintings at Yankee Hat rock art site. (Image: Tourism Australia)

There are plenty of things that make Namadgi National Park one of the most historically significant regions in Australia. Although the primary reason would be more than 200 recorded Aboriginal sites, not only covered with fascinating rock art but plenty of other details best showcased by Dhawura Tours on one of their custodian-led itineraries.

6. Spot the incredible flora and fauna

a Corroboree Frog in Namadgi National Park

Only hundreds are left of the Critically Endangered Northern Corroboree Frogs (NCF) in the wild. (Image: Visit Canberra)

Namadgi National Park is also one of the most bountiful regions of on Australia’s east coast, rivalling Western Australia when it comes to beautiful, multi-coloured wildflowers. Search the park and you might even spot the reddish-purple Brindabella midge orchid, found nowhere else on Earth.

You’ll almost certainly bump into kangaroos and wallabies but Namadgi is home to 13 threatened species so wildlife encounters are pretty much a given. This also includes wombats, gliders, lyrebirds, wedge-tail eagles and the critically endangered Northern Corroboree Frog.

Discover the best things to do in Canberra.

Chris Singh is an arts, travel and food journalist with 17 years of experience in digital media and 4 years of experience in SEO writing. He is the former travel editor of premium men's lifestyle title Boss Hunting and currently balances his role as Deputy Editor-At-Large of the AU review with freelance travel writing gigs at Australian Traveller, Luxury Escapes, Cruise & Travel and Sydney Travel Guide. Chris holds a Bachelor of Arts & Sciences (Sociology and Psychology) from the University of Sydney and once worked as a line dancer for steakhouse chain Lone Star (no, seriously). He's always got his finger on the pulse for good live music and delicious new restaurants, has a particular love of historic hotels and is starting to see the restorative value of the ever-present wellness industry. Although he is a born-and-bred Sydneysider, his favourite Australian cities are Hobart and Adelaide. Internationally, he can never get enough of big cities like Tokyo, New York and Chicago. If you're looking for him, he's either at a concert, on a plane or behind a laptop.
See all articles

This snowy day trip is magical for kids and just 45 mins from Canberra

    By Emily Murphy
    hero media
    Forget the alpine resort haul.

    Dreaming of snowball fights, toboggan runs and frosty fun without the long drive to the ski fields? You don’t need to trek to the Snowy Mountains to get your winter fix, because Corin Forest, Canberra’s only commercial snowfield, is just 45 minutes from the city.

    Tucked into the Tidbinbilla Range in Namadgi National Park, Corin Forest delivers a full-blown snow experience for families looking for a quick, easy and affordable day trip. And thanks to snow machines, you’re guaranteed a snowy playground even when the rest of Canberra is dry.

    Corin Forest snowmaking by SandwichCafe

    You’re guaranteed snow thanks to snow machines. (Image: SandwichCafe)

    The main event at Corin Forest in winter is the Snowplay area – a safe, supervised space designed for tobogganing, snowman-making and general chilly chaos. Snowplay sessions run for two hours, and you’ll want to book ahead: they’re incredibly popular during weekends and school holidays.

    You don’t need to bring anything with you. All the snow gear you need, including toboggans, jackets and pants, is available to hire onsite.

    If your crew is keen to try skiing or snowboarding, Corin Forest also has beginner lessons on a gentle 80-metre slope, complete with a magic carpet lift. Packages include everything from equipment hire to instruction, so all you have to do is show up and try not to stack it. Corin’s ski and snowboard instructors are friendly and patient, and the slope is perfect for first-timers, young and old.

    After you’ve had your fill of frosty fun, head to the lodge for a hot chocolate and a bite to eat by the crackling wood fire.

    Need-to-know details

    Two children tobogganing at Corin Forest

    Corin Forest is perfect for kids. (Image: VisitCanberra)

    Where: Corin Forest is a 45-minute drive from Canberra.

    When: Snowplay sessions run multiple times a day through winter.

    Cost: Snowplay from $25, with gear hire extra. Lesson packages start from $149, including gear.

    Whether you’re travelling with kids, trying snow for the first time or just chasing that winter wonderland vibe, Corin Forest delivers all the thrills – no ski lift pass required.