Explore this understated memorial honouring a local pioneer amid the rolling hills south of Canberra.
The Michael Herbert Monument stands as a simple yet evocative stone marker in the southern reaches of the Australian Capital Territory, commemorating the life and contributions of Michael Herbert, an early settler and explorer who helped map and develop the region in the late 19th century. Visitors appreciate its remote, peaceful setting that offers a genuine connection to Australia’s colonial past without the crowds of more famous Canberra attractions.
At the site, a modest granite obelisk bears an inscription detailing Herbert’s role in surveying the area and supporting early pastoral communities. The surrounding open woodland provides excellent opportunities for quiet reflection, photography, and short walks along faint tracks that lead to nearby ridge lines with views across the valley. Birdwatching is rewarding here, with species such as crimson rosellas and wedge-tailed eagles frequently sighted. Bring a picnic and spend time absorbing the silence and the wide sky typical of this high-country landscape.
Herbert’s legacy includes his work establishing reliable routes between what is now Canberra and the Monaro plains. The monument was erected by local descendants and community groups in the mid-20th century to preserve that story. Its isolated location underscores the challenges early Europeans faced in this rugged terrain.
The monument is reached via the sealed Monaro Highway south of Canberra, followed by a short unsealed access road suitable for most two-wheel-drive vehicles in dry conditions. From central Canberra the drive takes roughly 45 minutes. Public transport is limited, so a private vehicle or organised tour is the most practical option. GPS coordinates (-35.6011770, 149.0512655) lead directly to the small parking area beside the site.
Autumn (March to May) and spring (September to November) offer the most comfortable temperatures and clear skies. Summer can bring extreme heat and occasional bushfire risk, while winter nights are cold with the possibility of frost or light snow on higher ground. Early morning or late afternoon visits provide the best light for photography and cooler conditions for walking.
Combine your visit with a stop at the historic village of Michelago, just a short drive north, or continue south to the Namadgi National Park visitor centre for information on longer bushwalks. The nearby Tinderry Mountains offer more challenging hikes for those seeking a full-day adventure in the ACT’s southern ranges.
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Yes, the short walk from the car park is easy and the open space allows children to explore safely under supervision.
No facilities are provided on site; plan to use amenities in nearby Michelago or Canberra before arriving.
Most cars can manage the access road when it is dry, but high-clearance vehicles are preferable after wet weather.
Photography is welcomed and encouraged for personal use; commercial shoots require prior permission from ACT authorities.
Most visitors spend 30 to 60 minutes at the monument itself, though combining it with a short walk or picnic extends the stop comfortably to two hours.
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