National park · Australia
Namadgi National Park
Entry is free: drive from Canberra to the Namadgi Visitor Centre at Tharwa (about 35 min), then pick one walk — Booroomba Rocks (2–3 h) or Yankee Hat rock art (2 h) — and be back in the city by dark; skip the long Brindabella Road approach unless you have a full day and a 4WD.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
1,061 km² (410 sq mi)410 sq mi (1,061 km²)
approximate
Established
1984
Best months
Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7
- Oceania ↗Oceania's island states guard their farms and reefs at the border: tick 'yes' on the arrival card for any food, plant, animal product, soil or used outdoor gear, and let the officer decide.
- Oceania ↗Across the tropical South Pacific, cyclones are possible from November to April: choose insurance that covers weather delays and keep one spare night before a long-haul departure.
- Australia and New Zealand ↗Both countries drive on the left, with long distances between fuel stops in the outback and on New Zealand's back roads; fatigue causes more visitor crashes than speed.
- Australia ↗Almost every visitor needs a visa or an electronic authorisation (ETA or eVisitor, depending on passport) before boarding: apply only through the official Department of Home Affairs site or the official AustralianETA app, and check the rules for your passport.
- Australia ↗Declare all food, plant material, seeds, wood and animal products on your arrival declaration; undeclared items can bring on-the-spot fines or visa cancellation. When unsure, declare it.
- Australia ↗Drive on the left. An overseas licence in English (or with an official translation or International Driving Permit) is accepted for visitors; check the state rules and your rental contract.
- Australia ↗Swim between the red and yellow flags on patrolled beaches; rip currents cause most beach drownings.
At a glance
- Country
- Australia
- Area
- 1,061 km² (410 sq mi)410 sq mi (1,061 km²)
- About 46% of the ACT; the park borders Kosciuszko and Brindabella national parks in NSW.
- Established
- 1984
- Best months
- Mar–Apr, Oct–Nov
- Permits
- For some areas
- Base
- Canberra
Namadgi National Park covers about 1,061 km² — roughly 46% of the Australian Capital Territory — in the mountains southwest of Canberra. It is the northernmost of the Australian Alps national parks and the only national park in the ACT, bordering Kosciuszko National Park and Brindabella National Park in New South Wales. The park was established in 1984, mainly to protect Canberra's water supply, and is jointly managed with the Ngunnawal people, whose association with the area is recognised under a 2001 agreement. Expect granite peaks, eucalyptus forest, grassy plains, historic huts and old NASA tracking stations — not the crowds of a capital-city attraction.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- Special national site · 1984Northernmost park of the Australian Alps national parks and reserves, a national heritage-listed group.
- Ramsar wetlandGinini Flats Wetlands is the only Ramsar site in the ACT.
Size and age
1,061 km² (410 sq mi)410 sq mi (1,061 km²) · national park since 1984
About 46% of the ACT; the park borders Kosciuszko and Brindabella national parks in NSW.
This page covers the park itself. Nearest base: Canberra.
Why go
- A real alpine-forest day out 35–45 min from Canberra's southern suburbs — no long drive required.
- Booroomba Rocks gives granite views over the ACT for a 4 km (2.5 mi) return walk.Booroomba Rocks gives granite views over the ACT for a 2.5 mi (4 km) return walk.
- Yankee Hat has Aboriginal rock art (kangaroo, dingoes, emus, humans) below a 1,441 m peak.
- Historic huts and two former NASA tracking stations sit along the main roads.
- Free entry, so the only cost is fuel and your time.
When to go
- JanCaution
- FebGo
- MarBest
- AprBest
- MayGo
- JunCaution
- JulCaution
- AugCaution
- SepGo
- OctBest
- NovBest
- DecGo
- JanHot; start early, carry water
- FebWarm; afternoon storms possible
- MarMild, stable autumn weather
- AprClear, cool; good walking
- MayCold nights; snow possible on peaks
- JunWinter; snow and ice on high roads
- JulColdest; snow chains may be needed
- AugSnow on Bimberi and Brindabella
- SepWarming; wildflowers start
- OctMild and clear; best all-round
- NovWarm, long days
- DecHot; go early, watch fire risk
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eastern grey kangaroos and wallabiesAll year · Common around campgrounds and homesteads, especially at dawn and dusk. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| WombatsAll year · Often seen near Gudgenby River and campgrounds. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Australian magpies, parrots and ravensAll year | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Platypus (Gudgenby River)All year · Rare and early-morning; watch quietly from the bank. | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes |
| Ginini Flats Wetlands (Ramsar site)Oct–Mar · The only Ramsar wetland in the ACT; alpine vegetation, no facilities. | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Canberra (Tuggeranong)
Tharwa Drive from Drakeford Drive, then Naas Road to the Namadgi Visitor Centre at Tharwa; the park entrance is about 19 km (12 mi) further south on Naas Road.Tharwa Drive from Drakeford Drive, then Naas Road to the Namadgi Visitor Centre at Tharwa; the park entrance is about 12 mi (19 km) further south on Naas Road.
35–45 min
Open the page →
From Canberra (Civic)
Drive south through Tuggeranong to Tharwa, or west via Point Hut Road and Tidbinbilla Road to Corin Road for Gibraltar Falls and the central park.
50–70 min
Open the page →
From Tumut, NSW
Bombowlee Creek Road, then Brindabella Road about 80 km (50 mi) to the ACT/NSW border; the road is single-lane gravel and winds over 1,500 m mountains, then another 78 km (48 mi) (about 1.5 h) to the main sights.Bombowlee Creek Road, then Brindabella Road about 50 mi (80 km) to the ACT/NSW border; the road is single-lane gravel and winds over 1,500 m mountains, then another 48 mi (78 km) (about 1.5 h) to the main sights.
3–4 h
Open the page →
From Australia trip planning
Where Namadgi fits into a wider Australia itinerary.
Open the page →
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Tharwa and the visitor centre | Namadgi Visitor Centre on Naas Road, maps and park information; the park gate is about 19 km (12 mi) south.Namadgi Visitor Centre on Naas Road, maps and park information; the park gate is about 12 mi (19 km) south. | Open; centre hours Mon–Fri 9:00–16:00, weekends and public holidays 9:00–16:30.Open; centre hours Mon–Fri 9:00 AM–4:00 PM, weekends and public holidays 9:00 AM–4:30 PM. |
| Northern and central park | Corin Road, Gibraltar Falls, Corin Dam, Mount Franklin and the Brindabella Road edge. | Open; some roads unsealed and winter-affected. |
| Boboyan Road corridor | Yankee Hat, Brayshaws and Westermans homesteads, Gudgenby Homestead, Hospital Hill Lookout and Mount Clear. | Open; sealed road to the main stops. |
| Orroral and Honeysuckle | Orroral Homestead and Campground, Honeysuckle Creek and Orroral Valley tracking stations, Booroomba Rocks trailhead. | Open; campgrounds free. |
| Remote southwest | Mount Bimberi (1,911 m, the ACT's highest) and the long backcountry routes. | Walk-in only; no facilities. |
Sketch map
- 1Namadgi Visitor Centre (Tharwa) · Headquarters≈-35.531, 149.065Map ↗
- 2Gibraltar Falls · Viewpoint≈-35.538, 148.878Map ↗
- 3Booroomba Rocks · Trail≈-35.584, 148.977Approximate trailhead location near Honeysuckle Creek.Map ↗
- 4Honeysuckle Creek Tracking Station · Ranger station≈-35.584, 148.977Site of the former NASA tracking station.Map ↗
- 5Yankee Hat · Trail≈-35.756, 148.934Map ↗
- 6Mount Bimberi · Summit≈-35.659, 148.791Map ↗
- 7Bendora Dam · Viewpoint≈-35.447, 148.828Map ↗
- 8Ginini Flats Wetlands · Trail≈-35.517, 148.767Map ↗
Take the points offline
8 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Approximate positions for orientation only; the park spans about 1,061 km² southwest of Canberra.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry | Free | person | No entry fee for Namadgi National Park. |
| Camping (Honeysuckle, Orroral, Mount Clear) | AUD 10–25 (≈ US$7–17) | person/night | 2026 estimate. Check Parks ACT for current rates and booking requirements. |
| Ready-Cut Cottage (whole cottage) | Free | night | Booked through Parks ACT; closed until February 2026 for maintenance. |
| Corin Forest Mountain Resort (outside the park) | Free | person | Separate commercial snowplay and ski area on Corin Dam Road; prices set by the operator. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Park entry no permit
Camping permit or guide
Remote walking no permit
Drones permit or guide
Park rules
- Camping
- Only in designated campgrounds; no camping elsewhere, to protect the fragile environment.
- Fires
- Use only provided fireplaces and check total fire bans before lighting anything.
- Rubbish
- Take all rubbish out with you; bins are limited.
- Rock art
- Do not touch or mark the Yankee Hat art or any other Aboriginal site.
- Drones
- Check Parks ACT rules before flying; permission is likely required.
- Winter roads
- Unsealed roads and high routes can need snow chains or winter tyres; drive to conditions.
Where to stay
In the park
Honeysuckle Campground
Historic campground near the former tracking station, on the Australian Alps Walking Track; check-in from 14:00.Historic campground near the former tracking station, on the Australian Alps Walking Track; check-in from 2:00 PM.
In the park
Orroral Campground
Non-powered sites near Orroral Homestead with gas BBQs, a communal fireplace, picnic tables, shelter and toilets; check-in from 14:00.Non-powered sites near Orroral Homestead with gas BBQs, a communal fireplace, picnic tables, shelter and toilets; check-in from 2:00 PM.
In the park
Mount Clear Campground
Remote, minimal facilities, unsuitable for campervans and caravans; check-in 14:00, check-out 10:00.Remote, minimal facilities, unsuitable for campervans and caravans; check-in 2:00 PM, check-out 10:00 AM.
In the park
Ready-Cut Cottage
Three-bedroom cottage for up to eight by the Gudgenby River; closed until February 2026 for maintenance.
Near the park
Canberra
The obvious base: hotels and hostels of every level, 35–70 min from the main trailheads.
Near the park
Corin Forest Mountain Resort
Commercial lodge and snowplay area on Corin Dam Road, outside the park.
Safety
Cold and snow medium
Fast weather changes medium
Phone reception high
Bushfire high
Unsealed roads medium
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- The Namadgi Visitor Centre, Gibraltar Falls lookout and several homestead stops are reachable by car with short, flat walks.
- Booroomba Rocks, Yankee Hat and most backcountry routes are rough and steep in places; not suitable for limited mobility.
Visiting lightly
- Stay on marked tracks; alpine and wetland vegetation recovers slowly.
- Take all rubbish home and keep wildlife wild — do not feed kangaroos or birds.
- Respect Aboriginal cultural sites: look, photograph, do not touch.
- Check fire bans and use only provided fireplaces.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Namadgi National Park?
Nothing. There is no entry fee for day visits, and the main campgrounds are free too. You pay only for fuel and anything you buy in Tharwa or Canberra. Check Parks ACT before you go in case of temporary closures or booking rules.
What are the best hikes in Namadgi National Park?
For a half day, Booroomba Rocks (about 4 km return, moderate, granite views) and the Yankee Hat rock-art walk (about 2 h, easy) are the two most popular. Longer options include the historic huts and homesteads along Boboyan Road and the northern end of the Australian Alps Walking Track for experienced, well-equipped walkers.
When is the best time to visit Namadgi National Park?
March–April and October–November give mild, clear walking weather. Summer (December–February) is hot and brings bushfire risk, so start early. Winter (June–August) is cold, with snow on the Bimberi and Brindabella ranges and possible snow chains on high roads.
Do I need a 4WD to visit Namadgi?
No for the main sights — the visitor centre, Gibraltar Falls, Yankee Hat and the homesteads are reached on sealed or good gravel roads. A 4WD or high-clearance vehicle helps on unsealed routes and the long Brindabella Road approach from Tumut, especially in winter.
Can I camp in Namadgi National Park?
Yes, but only in designated campgrounds such as Honeysuckle, Orroral and Mount Clear. They are basic and free; check Parks ACT for bookings and fire restrictions, and take your rubbish out.
Is there phone reception in the park?
Very little, and almost none in the interior. Carry a satellite phone or personal locator beacon on remote walks, and leave a trip intention form or tell someone your plans.
How far is Namadgi from Canberra?
The Namadgi Visitor Centre at Tharwa is about 35–45 min from Tuggeranong and 50–70 min from Civic. The park entrance is a further 19 km south on Naas Road.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go