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Namadgi National Park

National Park in Australian Capital Territory

National ParkNational
Ben ColeWritten by Ben Cole· Updated Apr 2026

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About Namadgi National Park

Namadgi National Park covers approximately 46% of the ACT's total area, protecting rugged mountain ranges, subalpine grasslands, and the upper catchments of the Murrumbidgee River. The park adjoins Kosciuszko National Park in NSW and forms part of the Australian Alps system. It contains outstanding Aboriginal cultural sites including Yankee Hat rock art site (6,000-year-old stencil art) and the remains of early settler huts.

About

Namadgi National Park covers approximately 46% of the ACT's total area, protecting rugged mountain ranges, subalpine grasslands, and the upper catchments of the Murrumbidgee River. The park adjoins Kosciuszko National Park in NSW and forms part of the Australian Alps system. It contains outstanding Aboriginal cultural sites including Yankee Hat rock art site (6,000-year-old stencil art) and the remains of early settler huts.

History & Significance

Namadgi National Park protects the traditional lands of the Ngunnawal people, evidenced by significant Aboriginal cultural sites including the 6,000-year-old Yankee Hat rock art site featuring stencil art. The park also contains remains of early European settler huts from the 19th century. Covering 46% of the ACT, it adjoins Kosciuszko National Park and forms part of the Australian Alps system.

Sources & References

Warnings

Snow Closes Roads To Higher Areas June–SeptemberSome Tracks Require Navigation Skills — Carry MapBushfire Risk In SummerLimited Mobile Coverage In Backcountry

Getting There

Map of Namadgi National Park

Drive south from Canberra CBD via Tuggeranong (30 km to Tharwa/park boundary). The Visitor Centre is at 16 Naas Road, Tharwa. Yankee Hat is 30 km further south.

Parking

Free parking at Namadgi Visitor Centre (Tharwa), trailheads, and camping areas. Capacity varies by location; popular sites like Yankee Hat can fill during weekends and school holidays. Accessible parking available at visitor centre. Overflow parking limited — arrive early on busy days. High-altitude roads closed June–September due to snow.

Visitor Tips

  • The Yankee Hat Aboriginal art walk (5 km return) is one of the most accessible ancient rock art experiences in southeastern Australia. Start at the Visitor Centre for maps and safety information.

Quick Facts

At a Glance

The Place

Significance
National

Plan Your Visit

Entry
Free
Duration
Half day to 3 days
Best Time
October–April (roads open); avoid winter for snowbound access

Location

Region
Canberra / Australian Capital Territory
State
Australian Capital Territory

Good to Know

All ages (with appropriate track selection; some walks require navigation skills)

Highlights

Yankee Hat Aboriginal Rock Art Site (6,000 Years Old)Booroomba Rocks (Climbing)Orroral Valley Historic Homestead RuinsMount Ginini (1,762 M) Panoramic ViewsSubalpine Snow Gum Woodland

Activities

HikingCamping4WD TouringAboriginal Heritage WalksSkiing (Cross-Country, Mount Ginini)BirdwatchingFishingPhotography

Family & Visitor Info

Ages
All ages (with appropriate track selection; some walks require navigation skills)
Shade/Cover
Limited shade
Pram Friendly
No

Food & Drink

Picnic AreaBYO Food OK

No cafés or restaurants in park. Bring own food and water. Picnic areas available at trailheads and camping areas.

Features

Not available:Wheelchair Accessible
Not available:Dog Friendly
Not available:Pram/Stroller Friendly
Not available:Camping Available
Not available:Tours Available
Not available:Guided Walks
Not available:Swimming Allowed
Not available:Lockers Available

Facilities

Namadgi Visitor Centre (Tharwa)Camping (Orroral Valley, Mount Clear)ToiletsPicnic AreasWalking Tracks4WD Tracks

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