Brindabella Ranges

Rising abruptly to the west of Canberra, the Brindabella Ranges offer a wild, forested escape from the capital. This jagged spine of granite and sandstone, part of the Great Dividing Range, is crisscrossed with walking trails, dotted with historic homesteads and alive with birdlife. For travellers who love raw landscapes, quiet national parks and a sense of remoteness just 40 minutes from the city, the Brindabellas are a must.

Highlights & What to See

• Namadgi National Park – The heart of the Brindabellas, protecting subalpine forests, granite tors and Aboriginal rock art sites. Walk to the summit of Mount Gingera for panoramic views over the ACT.
• Bimberi Nature Reserve – A rugged, less-visited area with the highest peak in the ACT (Mount Bimberi, 1911 m). Experienced bushwalkers can tackle the multi-day Australian Alps Walking Track.
• Corin Dam & Corin Forest – A scenic drive leads to this alpine-style recreation area with a mountain café, seasonal snow play and the Tallaganda State Forest nearby.
• Brindabella Valley & historic homesteads – Explore the valley’s pastoral history at places like the Brindabella Homestead (associated with poet A.D. Hope) and the old Brindabella Schoolhouse.
• Mountain biking & fishing – The fire trails around Mount Stromlo and the Cotter River are prime for riding, while the Murrumbidgee and Cotter rivers offer trout fishing.

Suggested Time to Spend

Give the Brindabellas at least a full day to do justice to a walk and a scenic drive. If you’re keen on a longer hike, like the Mount Gingera trail (5–6 hours return), plan a full day with a picnic. For a relaxed taste, a half-day loop from Canberra via the Brindabella Road and return through the valley is rewarding. Overnight camping in Namadgi extends the experience.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Canberra – The national capital is the perfect base, with its museums, galleries and dining scene; the Brindabellas make a brilliant day trip.
• Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve – Just east of the ranges, this reserve offers easy walks, wildlife encounters (kangaroos, platypus) and the historic Tidbinbilla Tracking Station.
• Murrumbidgee River Corridor – Follow the river south of Canberra for swimming holes, canoeing and riverside picnic spots like Point Hut Crossing.
• Australian Alps Walking Track – For serious hikers, the Brindabellas are a gateway to this long-distance trail stretching into Kosciuszko National Park.

Please check official sources for current details.