Namadgi National Park’s Woods Reserve Campground will be shut from November to allow for major upgrades. Photo: ACT Parks and Conservation Service.
The Woods Reserve Campground will become the new access point for the Gibraltar Falls viewing platform as part of major upgrades that will see the campground closed for about eight months.
ACT Parks and Conservation Service executive branch manager Michaela Watts said the upgrades would improve camping and day-use experiences, with new walking tracks and lookouts, upgraded facilities and better signage.
“Visitors will notice a new camping area with new walk-in and drive-in campsites, with upgraded amenities including toilets and hot showers,” she said.
“There will be new BBQs, picnic shelters and recreational trails in the area, providing visitors with plenty of options for a great day out to enjoy the reserve, whether you’re just looking for a change of scenery or want to get some exercise.
“Parking will also be upgraded for day users as well as campers, which is going to be especially important as the Woods Reserve carpark will become the new access point for the Gibraltar Falls viewing platform.”
A new walking track will be created from the existing trail head at Woods Reserve to link up with Snake Rock near the Gibraltar Falls viewing platform, which has been closed for years following two deaths.
The Snake Rock Walking Trail will follow the southern verge of Gibraltar Creek before crossing the waterway below Snake Rock and linking up with the steep walkers trail and the fire trail which connect back to Corin Road.
The Woods Reserve Campground currently has drop toilets and shelters, a lookout, fencing and two trails leading away from the carpark.
The showers have been unavailable since 26 May.
Improvements at the campground include six new drive-in campsites and 10 walk-in campsites (both with firepits), a new central amenities block for campers and day-use visitors, a new large picnic shelter with BBQs and picnic tables on a concrete slab, and new sheltered picnic sites.
A new 30-space carpark will be built (which will be the only parking available for day-use visitors to Gibraltar Falls), plus new paths, BBQ picnic sites and a general grassed picnic area.
Four speed humps will be added to the entry road, with one to also serve as a pedestrian crossing.
The 2024-25 ACT Budget contained $3.68 million for safety upgrades in the Woods Reserve and Gibraltar Falls precinct.
For those searching for alternative campgrounds to Woods Reserve, Ms Watts suggested another popular spot within the Namadgi National Park.
“Honeysuckle Campground offers access to Booroomba Rocks and Honeysuckle Creek and is another favourite campsite in the ACT,” she said.
“While Woods Reserve Campground is closed, I encourage you to check out some of our other great campgrounds and walking trails or head out to one of your local reserves.
“With 39 reserves that make up Canberra Nature Park, Canberrans are never far from a great opportunity for adventure.”
The Woods Reserve Campground will be shut from 1 November, and the reserve, Gibraltar Falls viewing platform and surrounds will remain closed until the project’s completed.
Upgrade works are expected to be completed by mid-2026.
