Corin Forest

Just 45 minutes from Canberra's city centre, Corin Forest is a surprising alpine pocket in the Australian Capital Territory. Nestled in the Namadgi National Park, this mountain playground offers a cool retreat from the capital's urban bustle, with towering eucalypts, crisp mountain air, and a genuine sense of wilderness. Whether you're after family-friendly snow play in winter or bushwalks and mountain biking in summer, Corin Forest delivers a refreshing dose of nature without the long drive to the Snowy Mountains.

Highlights & What to See

• Snowplay & Tubing: In winter (usually June–August), the artificial snow park is a hit with families, offering tobogganing and tubing on dedicated slopes – no ski gear needed, just warm clothes.
• Mountain Biking: The Corin Forest Mountain Bike Park features a network of flowy cross-country and downhill trails for all abilities, with shuttle services available on weekends.
• Bushwalking: Explore the surrounding Namadgi National Park on trails like the Corin Dam walk or the more challenging Mt. Gingera summit, which rewards with panoramic views over the Brindabella Ranges.
• Scenic Drive: The approach via the winding Corin Road is an experience in itself, passing through dense forest and offering glimpses of the Brindabella Valley.
• Picnic & BBQ Areas: Several sheltered spots with fireplaces make for a perfect alpine lunch, especially in the cooler months.

Suggested Time to Spend

Most visitors spend a half-day at Corin Forest, combining a couple of hours on the snow or trails with a picnic. If you're keen on a longer bushwalk or mountain biking session, plan for a full day. The area is best visited as a day trip from Canberra, but camping is available nearby at the Namadgi National Park campgrounds for those wanting to linger.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Namadgi National Park – the vast wilderness surrounding Corin Forest, with excellent hiking, Aboriginal rock art sites, and wildlife spotting.
• Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve – a short drive north, this reserve offers koala viewing, wetlands walks, and the chance to see platypuses in the wild.
• Canberra – Australia's capital is just 45 minutes away, with world-class museums, galleries, and dining in the city centre or at the Lake Burley Griffin foreshore.
• Brindabella Ranges – extend your drive into the scenic Brindabellas for more remote bushwalking and historic mountain huts.

Please check official sources for current details.