Namadgi National Park

Namadgi National Park is a protected high-country area in the Australian Capital Territory, established as a national park in 1984 to conserve natural and cultural values.

The area has long-standing Aboriginal cultural significance and later saw pastoral and grazing use before being protected as a national park in the late 20th century. Management since gazettal has focused on conservation, fire management and visitor access.

Namadgi lies to the south-west of Canberra within the Australian Capital Territory, encompassing rugged hills and river valleys that form the western part of the territory.

Establishment: Gazetted as a national park in 1984 and managed for conservation, cultural heritage, and recreation.
High point: Contains the highest point in the Australian Capital Territory at 1,913 metres, popular with bushwalkers and backcountry hikers.

What to See #

Bimberi Peak: The highest point in the park at 1,913 metres and the tallest peak in the Australian Capital Territory; the summit is reached by marked walking tracks and is a destination for longer hikes.
Yankee Hat rock art: An Aboriginal rock-art and shelter site with painted motifs that is open to visitors via a short walk from a designated carpark; it is one of the park's well-known cultural sites.

How to Get to Namadgi National Park #

Namadgi National Park lies southwest of Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory. It is best reached by car from Canberra - driving distances to the park boundary are typically around 40-60 km (roughly 30-60 minutes) depending on which entrance you use; common approaches use Cotter Road/ Uriarra Road or Naas Road and then park at designated visitor areas/trailheads. There is no regular public transport into the park; plan to drive in and use the park’s roads and walking tracks.

Tips for Visiting Namadgi National Park #

Namadgi is the ACT's large national park directly south-west of Canberra-visit in spring for wildflower displays and milder temperatures, and avoid the peak heat of summer when some higher trails can be uncomfortable.
Check the Parks ACT website (or local park alerts) before you go for current road closures, fire bans and controlled burns; access to parts of Namadgi is regularly affected by seasonal hazard management, and some tracks may be closed at short notice.
Start walks early in the day for the best chance to see wildlife and to avoid afternoon weather changes; services inside the park are limited, so fuel and supplies are best arranged in Canberra before entering the park.

Best Time to Visit Namadgi National Park #

Spring and autumn are the best times for hiking and wildlife viewing; summer is warm but can bring fire risk.

Summer (warmer, drier)

December-February · 15-30°C

Warm weather is best for hiking and camping, but prepare for hot days and possible bushfire alerts in peak summer.

Shoulder (autumn/spring)

March-May, September-November · 5-20°C

Milder temperatures and lower fire risk make these months ideal for walking, wildlife viewing and day trips.

Winter (cold)

June-August · 0-10°C

Cold with possible frost or snow at higher elevations; some tracks may be less accessible but the park is much quieter.

Weather & Climate near Namadgi National Park #

Climate

Namadgi National Park's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in February) and cold winters (coldest in July). Temperatures range from -3°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (878 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

22°

Warmest Month

-3°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions