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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.

Not field-verifiedSpecial national site 1984Ramsar wetlandSome areas permit-onlyChecked Sep 2026
Map to the park
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Directions
From where I am

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Area

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
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 · 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 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

12-month verdict
  1. JanCaution
  2. FebGo
  3. MarBest
  4. AprBest
  5. MayGo
  6. JunCaution
  7. JulCaution
  8. AugCaution
  9. SepGo
  10. OctBest
  11. NovBest
  12. 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

Seasons shift by weeks each year
Wildlife and nature calendar for Namadgi National Park
WhatJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Eastern grey kangaroos and wallabiesAll year · Common around campgrounds and homesteads, especially at dawn and dusk.yesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes
WombatsAll year · Often seen near Gudgenby River and campgrounds.yesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes
Australian magpies, parrots and ravensAll yearyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes
Platypus (Gudgenby River)All year · Rare and early-morning; watch quietly from the bank.yesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyesyes
Ginini Flats Wetlands (Ramsar site)Oct–Mar · The only Ramsar wetland in the ACT; alpine vegetation, no facilities.yesyesyesnonononononoyesyesyes

Arrive & move

Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are

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 further south on Naas Road.

35–45 min

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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

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From Tumut, NSW

Bombowlee Creek Road, then Brindabella Road about 80 km to the ACT/NSW border; the road is single-lane gravel and winds over 1,500 (≈ US$1,000) m mountains, then another 78 km (about 1.5 h) to the main sights.

3–4 h

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From Australia trip planning

Where Namadgi fits into a wider Australia itinerary.

Open the page →

Zones and sectors

Zones of Namadgi National Park
ZoneWhat is thereAccess
Tharwa and the visitor centreNamadgi Visitor Centre on Naas Road, maps and park information; the park gate is about 19 km south.Open; centre hours Mon–Fri 9:00–16:00, weekends and public holidays 9:00–16:30.
Northern and central parkCorin Road, Gibraltar Falls, Corin Dam, Mount Franklin and the Brindabella Road edge.Open; some roads unsealed and winter-affected.
Boboyan Road corridorYankee Hat, Brayshaws and Westermans homesteads, Gudgenby Homestead, Hospital Hill Lookout and Mount Clear.Open; sealed road to the main stops.
Orroral and HoneysuckleOrroral Homestead and Campground, Honeysuckle Creek and Orroral Valley tracking stations, Booroomba Rocks trailhead.Open; campgrounds free.
Remote southwestMount Bimberi (1,911 m, the ACT's highest) and the long backcountry routes.Walk-in only; no facilities.

Sketch map

Approximate — not for navigation
Sketch map of 8 approximate points in Namadgi National Park, north up12345678
Approximate positions for orientation only; the park spans about 1,061 km² southwest of Canberra.
  1. 1Namadgi Visitor Centre (Tharwa) · Headquarters≈-35.531, 149.065Map ↗
  2. 2Gibraltar Falls · Viewpoint≈-35.538, 148.878Map ↗
  3. 3Booroomba Rocks · Trail≈-35.584, 148.977Approximate trailhead location near Honeysuckle Creek.Map ↗
  4. 4Honeysuckle Creek Tracking Station · Ranger station≈-35.584, 148.977Site of the former NASA tracking station.Map ↗
  5. 5Yankee Hat · Trail≈-35.756, 148.934Map ↗
  6. 6Mount Bimberi · Summit≈-35.659, 148.791Map ↗
  7. 7Bendora Dam · Viewpoint≈-35.447, 148.828Map ↗
  8. 8Ginini Flats Wetlands · Trail≈-35.517, 148.767Map ↗

See & do

Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking

Top experiences

TrailsModerate2–3 hBooroomba Rocks walkAbout 4 km return through granite outcrops to a cliff-edge view over the ACT; the last section is steep.
CultureEasy2 hYankee Hat Aboriginal rock artWalk from Old Boboyan Road to the shelter below the 1,441 m peak; the painting shows a kangaroo, dingoes, emus, humans and an echidna or turtle.
ViewpointsEasy30 minGibraltar FallsA roadside stop on Corin Road; the falls drop more than 50 m.
CultureEasyHalf dayHistoric huts driveOrroral Homestead (1860s, the oldest hut in the park), Gudgenby Homestead, Brayshaws and Westermans homesteads, Horse Gully Hut and Brandy Flat Hut.
CultureEasy1 hHoneysuckle Creek Tracking StationNASA site that operated 1967–1981 and relayed the first televised images of the 1969 moon landing; little remains but there are information displays.
TrailsHardMulti-dayAustralian Alps Walking Track (northern end)The 650 km track starts in the park and runs through the Australian Alps; only for well-prepared walkers.
TrailsHardHalf dayMount Franklin cross-country skiingPossible in good snow on the Brindabella summits; very remote and not for beginners — Thredbo or Perisher are better.
TrailsModerateHalf dayMountain bikingSeveral firetrail routes are open to bikes; check Parks ACT for current closures.

Practical

Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong

Entry fees and permits

AUD ranges · check
Fees for Namadgi National Park
ItemRangePerNote
Park entryFreepersonNo entry fee for Namadgi National Park.
Camping (Honeysuckle, Orroral, Mount Clear)AUD 10–25person/night2026 estimate. Check Parks ACT for current rates and booking requirements.
Ready-Cut Cottage (whole cottage)FreenightBooked through Parks ACT; closed until February 2026 for maintenance.
Corin Forest Mountain Resort (outside the park)FreepersonSeparate 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

No ticket or permit for day visits; drive in via Tharwa or Tidbinbilla.

Camping permit or guide

Camp only in designated campgrounds; check Parks ACT for booking and any fire restrictions.

Remote walking no permit

No permit, but fill in a trip intention form and tell someone before long or off-track walks.

Drones permit or guide

Check Parks ACT rules before flying; permission is likely to be required.

Park rules

Drones, guides, camping and more
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.

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.

In the park

Mount Clear Campground

Remote, minimal facilities, unsuitable for campervans and caravans; check-in 14:00, check-out 10:00.

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

Winter nights are subalpine; carry layers, and snow chains or winter tyres may be required on high roads.

Fast weather changes medium

Conditions can shift quickly; carry rain gear and turn back if cloud closes in.

Phone reception high

Little or no signal in the interior; carry a satellite phone or personal locator beacon on remote walks and leave a trip intention form.

Bushfire high

In summer check fire danger ratings and park closures before setting out; leave early on extreme days.

Unsealed roads medium

Gravel roads are fine in summer but difficult in winter; drive slowly and watch for wildlife at dawn and dusk.

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.

Related

Canberra New South Wales Travel to Australia

Deep dive

Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go

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