A compact bushland summit in the Australian Capital Territory offering quiet trails and sweeping views across Tuggeranong and the Brindabellas.
Simpsons Hill rises gently in Canberra’s southern suburbs, offering walkers an easy escape into native bushland without leaving the Australian Capital Territory. At just over 700 metres, the hill provides 360-degree outlooks that take in the urban sprawl of Tuggeranong, the distant Brindabella Ranges and, on clear days, the snowy peaks of the Australian Alps.
The hill sits between the suburbs of Conder and Gordon. Drivers can park at the end of Templestowe Avenue or at the small reserve entrance off Box Hill Avenue. Public transport users catch the R5 or 72 bus to nearby stops on Drakeford Drive then walk five minutes to the trailhead. No formal shuttle service operates, so plan to arrive by car or on foot from local streets.
Red stringybark and scribbly gum dominate the slopes, while spring brings displays of golden wattle and native orchids. Eastern grey kangaroos graze the lower paddocks at dawn and dusk. From the summit, the vista stretches north to Black Mountain Tower and south toward the Tidbinbilla Range. The trig station makes an ideal spot for photos or a picnic.
Autumn and spring offer the most comfortable temperatures and fewer flies. Summer walks are best attempted early in the morning to avoid heat. Winter days can be crisp but clear, revealing distant snow on the Brindabellas. Always check the ACT Emergency Services app for fire bans before heading out.
Combine a morning on Simpsons Hill with a visit to the nearby Tuggeranong Town Centre markets or the historic Lanyon Homestead. Cyclists often continue along the shared path network that links to the Murrumbidgee River corridor. For longer adventures, the same ridge system connects to the larger Canberra Nature Park reserves further north.
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Tackle the summit trail through alpine forests and granite tors for sweeping views across Namadgi National Park.
Yes. The main loop has a moderate but steady gradient and can be completed comfortably in under two hours by most walkers.
Dogs are permitted on leash in the reserve but must be kept under control at all times due to native wildlife.
There are no toilets or picnic tables at the main entrances; the nearest public facilities are at the Tuggeranong Hyperdome shopping centre five minutesu2019 drive away.
Bikes are restricted to formed management tracks only; the narrow walking trails are for pedestrians.
Telstra, Optus and Vodafone all provide reliable coverage from the summit and most of the trails.
Climb this remote summit for sweeping views across Namadgi National Park and the southern ACT ranges.
A quiet summit walk in the Australian Capital Territory offering sweeping views over the ranges without the crowds of…
