The Mindjagari Track provides experienced hikers with access to the Tidbinbilla ridgeline and 360-degree mountain views. Photo: ACT Parks and Conservation.
A challenging but rewarding 14 km track has opened along the Tidbinbilla Range to give experienced bushwalkers the chance to access some of the best views in Canberra.
The Tidbinbilla Mindjagari Track network links with the existing tracks at Fishing Gap and Johns Peak, providing access to the top of the ridgeline.
City and Government Services Minister Tara Cheyne described the track as “one of the most difficult” in the ACT, but the walk was definitely worth it.
“It is not for the faint-hearted, but experienced hikers who brave the journey will be awed by the landscape,” she said.
“Mindjagari means ‘sky, the clouds appear’ in Ngunnawal language. This name was chosen as the steep slopes of this trail will lead you high on top of the Tidbinbilla ridgeline.
“From these heights you can experience incredible views of the Brindabellas and Kosciusko National Park that few people have ever seen for themselves.”
The Mindjagari track has a grade 5 level, making it one of the most difficult networks of trails in the ACT region.
Given that it is in a remote location and is extremely difficult to trek, with steep slopes of up to 30 degrees, it’s advised that only experienced bushwalkers with expert navigational and emergency first aid skills should consider attempting the track.
It also provides improved access for firefighting teams should they need to access the area to respond to bushfires.
The Mindjagari Track network links up with existing trails at Fishing Gap and Johns Peak. Photo: ACT Government.
The ridge’s formalised walking track is accompanied by a side trail to the ‘Pimple’, a rock formation that has 360-degree views of the mountains, and two ‘shortcut’ spur tracks linking back to the valley floor.
This provides walkers with track options from 9 km to the full 27 km (12-hour) loop.
The new trails also link key access routes used by firefighting and land management teams.
Ms Cheyne said the track was part of a range of activities being undertaken by the ACT Government to improve visitor experience throughout the Territory’s parks and reserves.
“From the recently revitalised Yankee Hat Rock Art site track to the upcoming upgrades to Woods Reserve, we’re investing in the places Canberrans love so they remain accessible, protected and ready to be enjoyed for many more years,” she said.
“There’s so much to see and do in our parks and reserves, and I encourage anyone to get outdoors this spring and summer to see what’s around you.”
Visitors to Tidbinbilla are asked to stay close to any trails in the park and to be careful not to disturb local flora and fauna, given that the area is home to many threatened or endangered native species.
The Mindjagari Track was funded with the assistance of the Australian Government’s Disaster Ready Fund.
For anyone new to hiking or still developing their fitness skills, there are plenty of lower-grade walking tracks throughout Tidbinbilla and the ACT to explore.
For more information on walking tracks in Tidbinbilla and how to prepare for each grade of walking track at Tidbinbilla, visit the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve website.
