Parks Conservation and Lands

Namadgi National Park

Namadgi was declared a national park in 1984. With remote wilderness experiences; a wide range of natural environments; an abundance of native wildlife; and Aboriginal and European cultural sites, there are many reasons to visit Namadgi National Park - and it’s so close to Canberra!

Namadgi National Park covers 106,095 hectares and is situated at the crossroads for a range of plant communities from alpine, inland tablelands and coastal environments, and within a short walk, vegetation and wildlife can change dramatically. Habitats range from broad, grassy plains in the valleys to Alpine Ash forests on the slopes and Snow Gum woodlands and subalpine meadows on the mountain peaks. Alpine environments are rare in Australia, covering a tiny 0.15% of the continent. Namadgi is the most northern of the Australian Alps national parks. Park agencies in New South Wales, Victoria, the Australian Capital Territory and the Commonwealth Government work together to manage 1.6 million hectares of the alpine region in recognition of its significance as a single biogeographical region. For more information, visit the Australian Alps national parks website

The Bimberi Wilderness comprises the western third of Namadgi (28,900 hectares) and an adjoining area in New South Wales. It includes some of the Alps’ most beautiful scenery. You can view this rugged area from Mt Ginini, the Mt Franklin Road or from the Yerrabi Walking Track which starts from Boboyan Road, approximately 36 kilometres south of the Namadgi Visitor Centre.

Heritage Sites

Namadgi is the Ngunawal word for the mountain range to the south-west of Canberra where many sites of significance, stone tools, quarry sites, stone arrangements and rock art have been discovered. These sites provide direct connections for the Ngunnawal people to their ancestors and Country. 

There are also numerous examples of early European influence in the area, including pastoralists, ski clubs, foresters and even space industry workers!

Gudgenby Ready-Cut Cottage, located in Gudgenby Valley in Namadgi National Park, is an example of early prefabricated (ready-cut) kit homes made by George Hudson Ltd. of Sydney. The kit home was purchased by A W Bootes and constructed in 1927. It is an important local example of early prefabricated design, construction and techniques and provides a glimpse into the early European pastoralists lifestyle. Gudgenby Ready-Cut Cottage was restored by the Kosciuszko Huts Association  with assistance from Namadgi National Park staff and an ACT Government Heritage Grant in 2005.  In 2009 the cottage hosted an Artist in Residency program. 

Exploring Namadgi

There are so many ways to explore this beautiful national park, some of which are outlined below. Also refer to the brochure: A Brief Guide to Namadgi National Park ( PDF 775Kb)

Bushwalking

Walking is the most popular way to explore the park. Notes on the park’s 160 kilometres of marked walking tracks can be found in the Namadgi Map and Guide available at the Namadgi Visitor Centre shop. Well-prepared walkers who venture into remote parts of Namadgi reap some of the park’s greatest rewards. All remote area parties should record the details of their trip in the bushwalking registers located in the park. Walking off marked tracks requires expertise with a map and compass. Warm and waterproof clothing is always required as mountain weather can change unexpectedly at any time of the year. 

• Valley to Horse Gully Hut Walking Track Brochure ( PDF 767Kb)
• Square Rock Walking Track Brochure ( PDF 1.8Mb)
• Yankee Hat Walking Track Brochure ( PDF 656Kb)
• Yerrabi Walking Track Brochure ( PDF 447Kb)

Camping

Important: Orroral Campground is closed until further notice due to vandalism.

Car-based camping is only permitted at the three designated campgrounds—Honeysuckle Creek, Orroral and Mt Clear. There is a limit of three nights and bookings are essential. Honeysuckle is the most developed and suitable for small to large groups; Orroral campground is suitable for smaller groups; and Mt Clear is the most remote campsite with very basic facilites. Access to Mt Clear campground is via an unsealed road. Camping is prohibited in the lower and middle portions of the Cotter Catchment; and camping in the upper catchment is by permit only. To reserve a campsite call the Namadgi Visitor Centre on (02) 6207 2900 or Canberra Connect on 13 22 81.

• Campgrounds and Picnic Areas in Namadgi—Map ( PDF 397Kb)
• Campgrounds in the ACT

All fires in the ACT including campfires are regulated by law. Fire permits are required for campfires all year round except in officially constructed fireplaces. Always ensure fires are fully extinguished on departure. Help protect Namadgi’s sensitive environment by observing fire regulations and use fuel stoves instead, so bush wood can be left for wildlife habitats and soil renewal.

Fuel Stove Only areas are those close to public roadways, carparks, walking tracks, huts, ecologically sensitive sites and in the Cotter River Catchment. Total Fire Bans prohibit all fires (wood or gas) including fuel stoves and all existing permits are automatically cancelled. Solid Fuel Bans may apply periodically, which includes wood, briquettes, tablets and other solid fuels but permits gas and electric heating and cooking.

Wild Dogs occur in low numbers throughout the Australian Alps. Wild dogs include dingoes, domestic dogs-run-wild, and hybrids of the two. Although not often seen they can sometimes be heard howling at night. Although incidents of wild dogs interacting with people in Namadgi are extremely rare, they may become accustomed to people if visitors do not observe the advice on wild dogs to discourage these animals from becoming less feaful of humans. Report any incidents to the Namadgi Visitor Centre on (02) 6207 2900.

Mountain Biking

There are several hundred kilometres of scenic mountain trails to explore in Namadgi National Park. Cycling is permitted on all fire trails other than those in the Bimberi Wilderness. Bicycles are not permitted off the fire trails whether in open or forested areas. Walking tracks and single tracks are for walkers only.  Remember to carry water, repair gear and be prepared for sudden changes of weather.

• Mountain Biking in Namadgi and Brindabella National Parks ( PDF 527Kb)

Scenic Driving and Motorised Biking

Public roads within the park pass through majestic mountain country, providing access to nature for everyone. The unsealed roads are narrow and can be slippery when wet or frosty. Roads may be closed because of snow, floods and Total Fire Bans. Petrol is available in Canberra, Tharwa and Adaminaby but not in the park. Trail bike riding is not allowed off public roads in the park.

Fishing

Fishing is prohibited in the Cotter River catchment upstream of the Bendora Dam wall, the Cotter River and reservoir up to the junction with Pierce’s Creek, and the Orroral River upstream of the Honeysuckle to Orroral management trail. Fishing is allowed in all other streams (classified as trout waters) but is subject to a closed season from the long weekend in June to the beginning of the long weekend in October. Gear/bait restrictions and size/bag limits also apply. Only artificial fly and lure fishing is allowed as live bait could lead to the introduction of alien species.

Horseriding

Horseriding is permitted on fire trails east of the Old Boboyan Road. The National Bicentennial Trail passes through Namadgi on the Naas River Fire Trail. Before riding, contact the Namadgi Visitor Centre for information and to arrange access and use of yards and camping areas.

Enjoying the Snow

Snow can fall over any part of the park but is most common on the Bimberi and Brindabella Ranges. In winter, the Mt Franklin Road is open as long as snow conditions permit and, if accessible, the area beyond can be suitable for cross-country skiing. The Brindabella and Mt Franklin Roads can be hazardous in winter and care should be taken, as help is not always available when cars run into trouble. Chains may be required. Contact the Namadgi Visitor Centre for details prior to departure.  

Organised Events and Recreational User Groups

All events and organised activities regardless of their size or complexity, conducted in Namadgi National Park require prior approval. Contact the Parks, Conservation and Lands Public Use Team for further information. There are a number of recreational and community groups that organise activities within Namadgi National Park.    

Namadgi National Park Plan of Management

The Namadgi National Park Draft Management Plan was released for public comment in September 2005. Comments were incorporated into the plan, and as required under legislation, the Namadgi National Park Revised Draft Plan of Management (2007) was provided to the Legislative Assembly Standing Committee on Planning and Environment in December 2007. The Standing Committee conducted a public inquiry into the plan and made a number of recommendations which are currently being considered by the ACT Government.

The Namadgi National Park Revised Draft Plan of Management (2007) can be viewed on the ACT Legislative Assembly website  

The report on the Inquiry into the Namadgi National Park Draft Plan of Management (July 2008) can also be viewed on the Legislative Assembly for the ACT website