Black Mountain (Australian Capital Territory)

Mountain Prominent Canberra hill with nature reserve and views

Wooded hill inside Canberra’s nature reserve with walking tracks and the Telstra Tower near the summit. Visitors come for short hikes, native vegetation and city views.

Main image

Black Mountain is a prominent hill and nature reserve in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, situated close to the city centre. The site is a managed reserve of native bushland and a local landmark known for its views over Canberra.

Visitors use the reserve’s network of walking tracks for short hikes and wildlife viewing amid native eucalypt vegetation. The summit hosts a communications and observation tower with viewing facilities that provide panoramic views across Lake Burley Griffin and the capital.

The area has been managed as public land and nature reserve to protect remnant native vegetation and provide recreation close to the city. Infrastructure such as roads, walking tracks and the summit tower was added in the 20th century to support access and communications.

Black Mountain rises immediately adjacent to Canberra’s central area, overlooking Lake Burley Griffin and the Parliamentary Triangle, and is easily reached from the city by road and walking trails.

  • Nature reserve and trails: The mountain is a protected nature reserve with native bushland and walking trails close to central Canberra, offering short hikes and city views.

What to See #

  • Black Mountain Tower: A communications and observation tower near the summit that houses viewing platforms and visitor facilities, visible across Canberra and often identified as the city's prominent landmark.
Black Mountain (Australian Capital Territory)
Black Mountain, Canberra, ACT, Australia
-35.2736, 149.0975
Reserve tower/observation deck hours via Telstra Tower listings (varies)

How to Get to Black Mountain (Australian Capital Territory) #

Located within Canberra; drive or take local buses to the Black Mountain Park car parks. Walks from the Australian National University and adjacent suburbs connect into the summit trails.

Tips for Visiting Black Mountain (Australian Capital Territory) #

  • Walk to the summit early for the best views across Canberra and to catch sunrise colors over the lake.
  • The Black Mountain Tower (Telstra Tower) has an observation deck-check opening times before heading up.
  • Combine with a visit to the Australian National Botanic Gardens on the mountain's lower slopes.

Best Time to Visit Black Mountain (Australian Capital Territory) #

Best in spring and autumn for comfortable walking conditions and clear vistas over Canberra.

Spring
Sep-Nov · 10-22°C (50-72°F)
Wildflowers and pleasant walking conditions.
Autumn
Mar-May · 12-25°C (54-77°F)
Mild weather and clear air for views.

Weather & Climate near Black Mountain (Australian Capital Territory) #

Climate

Black Mountain (Australian Capital Territory)'s climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in January) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from 0°C to 27°C. Moderate rainfall (758 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
27°
Warmest Month
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm).

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
13° 27°

Weather

73 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is the warmest month with highs of 27°C and lows of 13°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm).

Comfort

20°
Feels Like Mild
20°C
Temperature
13° 27°

Weather

55 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cool with highs of 24°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
11° 24°

Weather

59 mm
Rainfall
3.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
20°

Weather

57 mm
Rainfall
2.9 m/s
Wind
Calm

May

May is cold with highs of 16°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm).

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cold
10°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

57 mm
Rainfall
2.5 m/s
Wind
Calm

June

June is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

50 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is the coolest month with highs of 11°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°

Weather

63 mm
Rainfall
3.0 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
12°

Weather

66 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cold with highs of 15°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (72 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
15°

Weather

72 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (75 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
19°

Weather

75 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 9°C. The wettest month with 76 mm of rain.

Comfort

15°
Feels Like Cool
15°C
Temperature
22°

Weather

76 mm
Rainfall
3.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm).

Comfort

18°
Feels Like Mild
18°C
Temperature
11° 25°

Weather

55 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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