The Mindjagari Track network is roughly 26 km of difficult management trails and walking tracks that can be connected in various ways. This network of trails gives you access to spectacular country and provides some of the most challenging day walks in the ACT.
There are 4 routes to ascend the Tidbinbilla Range, with a variety of loops to choose from once up on the range. The views are breathtaking, stretching across to the Brindabellas and beyond, as well as offering a stunning perspective of Canberra. The enchanting subalpine woodlands, wildflowers, and impressive rocky outcrops make the challenging climb well worth the effort. Highlights include the distinctive ‘Pimple’ rock formation, the 360-degree view from Tidbinbilla Mountain, and abundant wildflower displays in summer. These are some especially rewarding and memorable walks.
Cycling is allowed on management trails only (not permitted on walking tracks).
Depending on your chosen route, there are several options for returning off the mountain range to shorten your walk. Familiarise yourself with these options before heading out and be mindful of Tidbinbilla closure times.
Maps
- Download Mindjagari Track network map [PDF 458.1 KB]
- Download Mindjagari Track network map [GPX 1.0 MB]
Stay safe on the Mindjagari Track network
All trails on the Mindjagari Track Network are classified as Grade 5 under the Australian Walking Track Standards. These trails are designed for very experienced bushwalkers with specialised skills, including navigation and emergency first aid. Tracks are very rough, very steep and there is only limited wayfinding. Please familiarise yourself with the safety information provided below before heading out and remember most areas of Tidbinbilla have no mobile phone reception.
- Allow enough time: Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve closes at 6:00 pm (AEST/Winter), and 8:00 pm (Daylight saving time/Summer). Please allow enough time to return and drive out the front gate before closing time. If you are not out, you will trigger a search and rescue event.
- Check your experience: Ask yourself, is my fitness and skillset sufficient to do these walks? We highly recommend hikers try the Camel’s Hump walk before attempting the Mindjagari Track walks.
- Prepare for the conditions: Mountain weather is extreme and changeable – be prepared for all conditions.
- Plan ahead: If you choose a one-way route on the Mindjagari Track, remember it is a further 4.4 km walk between Mountain Creek and Fishing Gap car parks. You may need to plan to drop a car at your end point.
- Track your progress: Keep track of your progress and take a shorter route if you are not going to complete the full traverse in time. Allow enough hours in your planning to cover any potential delays.
- No camping: All Mindjagari Track routes are intended as day walks. Camping is not permitted in Tidbinbilla or on the Mindjagari Track.
- Be safe: Carry an emergency Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) as mobile reception is unreliable in Tidbinbilla. These are available for hire at the visitor centre.
For more information on how to stay safe in and around the bush visit the Parks ACT website.
Routes
Icon key
Trail grade
Cycling permitted
Wheelchair accessible (with assistance)
Heritage and culture - Aboriginal
European heritage
Full Traverse
22 km / 10 hrs / One-way
1,310 m elevation from Mountain Creek, or 1,360 m elevation from Fishing Gap
This is a full traverse of the range including the extra trip out to ‘The Pimple’. A spectacular and challenging walk showing you the best that Tidbinbilla has to offer. This walk will take around 10 hours, so you need to start early and be prepared to walk all day. As this is a one-way route, plan to drop a car at Fishing Gap car park and then start your walk at Mountain Creek car park (or vice versa).
Start this walk as early as possible. Due to the length and difficulty of this route we recommend the ‘Full Traverse’ should only be attempted during the longer opening hours of daylight savings time. Do not be late and trigger a search and rescue.
Cycling is permitted on the Management Trail section only.
Short ‘n’ Brutal
9 km / 4-5 hrs / Loop
750 m elevation
Starting at Mountain Creek car park, this loop up to Tidbinbilla Mountain uses the Snowy Corner Track and Banggu Track. Both tracks are brutally steep, at over 30% average gradient. It is a wonderfully satisfying feeling to get to the top and really earn those views but be prepared for a tough climb and avoid tackling this challenging route if this is your first time on the Mindjagari Track network.
Cycling is permitted on the Management Trail section only.
Banggu Loop
12.5 km / 5 hrs / Loop
790 m elevation
First time on the Mindjagari Track network? Our recommendation for the least difficult walk of the network is the Banggu Loop. Start at Mountain Creek car park and begin the gentler climb up Camelback Fire Trail. The Loop captures the amazing vistas from both Johns Peak and Tidbinbilla Peak before dropping down the steep Banggu Track and returning to Mountain Creek car park. While this may be the least demanding route on the network, it is still a very challenging walk.
Snowy Corner Traverse
11.56 km / 5 hrs / One-way
900 m elevation
Begin your walk along the winding Fishing Gap Trail, framed by tall mountain gums and ferns. At Fishing Gap saddle continue along the range past Mount Domain, taking in the remarkable vistas and fresh mountain air. Descend the very steep Snowy Corner Track to the lower valley. As this is a one-way route, plan to drop a car at Mountain Creek car park and then start your walk at Fishing Gap car park (or vice versa).
Cycling is permitted on the Management Trail section only.
