A Blast Up Booroomba Rocks in Namadgi National Park

In under an hour, this short but steep hike leads to incredible mountain views at the top. If you’re feeling frisky (maybe after you’ve munched a few energy-boosting Bogong moths) you can carry on up and bag yourself the north or south peak too.

Highlights

• Sweeping views over Canberra and the Brindabella Ranges
• Amazing photo opportunities
• Incredible sunrises
• Massive granite cliffs
• Stargazing and city lights from above

Booroomba Rocks

Booroomba Rocks has to take the cake as one of my favourite views in Canberra. It’s got a lot of things going for it and is easily accessible yet remote enough to feel like a true adventure. It also has options for a quick morning hike or a full day of exploring and stunning views that will make all your Instagram followers green with envy.

The walk from the Booroomba Rocks carpark is short and sweet at only 2.5km return. There is a formed and well-maintained trail right to the top. With a small scramble you emerge out of the bush and onto the granite slabs that form the summit. It can be done in 30 minutes or so if you’re fit and like a good workout. Otherwise, allow up to an hour for a more leisurely pace with a few breaks to take in the amazing Australian bushland.

The Long Way Around

There is a second and longer hike to get to the top if you like a challenge or are driving a car with too little ground clearance for the dirt road to the Booroomba Rocks carpark. Starting from the Honeysuckle Campground it’s a 10.5km return trip that takes you along the Australian Alps Walking Track to the Booroomba Rocks carpark and then joins the shorter walk to the top.

The Top O’ The Rocks

Once at the top you have a few options to explore. If you’re short on time you can simply stop at the end of the trail for a break and snap a few quick pics before heading back down. Ideally though you will have a bit more time for a little bush bash through the maze of overgrown tracks in the shrubs covering the ridge.

Making your way up to the higher northern summit is also a good option. Once you get there you will be rewarded with unobstructed views to the north right across Canberra and to the west over the Brindabella Ranges.

This area was a seasonal meeting ground for Aboriginal people from as far away as the Shoalhaven River who came to gather Bogong Moths (apparently they taste like peanut butter!) on the land of the Ngunnawal people. The Ngunnawal were given official recognition of their association with the land in 2001 and now cooperatively manage the Namadgi National Park with the ACT Government.

For the more adventurous explorers with some experience in bush navigation you can carry on from this lookout up to the southern summit for some views which are less familiar to most people that have tackled the climb to the top.

Essential Gear

• Camera
• Water
• Snacks
• Sunscreen and hat
• Sturdy footwear

How To Get There

From Canberra CBD, head south on Tuggeranong Parkway/Drakeford Drive towards Tharwa. Once you’ve crossed the wooden bridge at Tharwa, continue straight along *NAAS road for 10km before turning right onto Apollo Road. After 9km of winding country road you will arrive at the turnoff to the Booroomba Rocks carpark.

If you are in a car with low ground clearance, head a bit further up the sealed road to the Honeysuckle Creek campground and take the longer hike in. Otherwise turn right onto the well maintained unsealed dirt road. After just 3km you will arrive at quite a remote carpark. There is a basic toilet at the carpark but nothing else. Take care to find the right trail as the Australian Alps Walking Trail also passes through the carpark.

If it’s your first time heading out this way I’d recommend stopping in at the Namadgi Visitor Centre on Naas Road to grab some pamphlets. You can also ask a ranger for additional advice here if you’re not 100% sure where you are heading.

Skill Level

Intermediate

Distance Covered / Elevation Gain / Duration

2.5 km / 200m / 2-3 Hours