Murrays Hill: A Quiet Summit Hike in the Australian Capital Territory

Murrays Hill rises gently in the western reaches of the Australian Capital Territory, providing a rewarding bushwalk with expansive vistas over the surrounding ranges and distant Canberra skyline. Unlike the more crowded peaks inside Namadgi National Park, this summit delivers solitude and a genuine sense of the high-country landscape that defines the region.

Getting There

Access begins from the Uriarra Road corridor west of Canberra. Drivers follow the sealed road past the village of Uriarra Crossing, then turn onto unsealed forestry tracks that lead to the base of the hill. A high-clearance vehicle is useful after rain, though standard cars manage the route in dry conditions. The final approach is on foot via a network of old fire trails that ascend steadily through eucalypt woodland.

Trails and Activities

The main route to the summit follows a 4 km out-and-back fire trail with moderate elevation gain. The path climbs through open forest dominated by scribbly gums and red stringybarks, opening onto rocky clearings that offer the first broad views west toward the Brindabella Ranges. At the top, a modest cairn marks the high point and frames 360-degree panoramas that include the peaks of Bimberi and Brindabella on clear days. Birdwatchers often spot wedge-tailed eagles and yellow-tailed black cockatoos along the way, while spring wildflowers carpet the verges after good winter rains.

Best Time to Visit

Autumn and spring provide the most comfortable walking temperatures and stable track conditions. Summer brings hot days and the risk of bushfire closures, while winter can deliver frosty mornings and occasional snow on higher ground. Always check the ACT Emergency Services app for fire danger ratings before setting out.

Nearby Attractions

• Uriarra Crossing offers picnic areas and swimming holes on the Murrumbidgee River.
• The Cotter Reservoir and Cotter Dam visitor centre lie a short drive south.
• Further west, the historic Brindabella Valley and its gravel roads lead into Kosciuszko National Park.

Combine a morning on Murrays Hill with an afternoon at these sites for a full day exploring the ACT’s western hinterland.