Molonglo River Reserve

Molonglo River Reserve is a broad natural landscape in Canberra, following the Molonglo River from Scrivener Dam to its meeting point with the Murrumbidgee River. The reserve covers about 1,280 hectares and includes 23 kilometres of river and riverside habitat, offering space for walking, picnics, birdwatching, nature photography and quiet time outdoors. Its open views across the river corridor are a defining feature, while the mix of tracks, grassland and woodland gives visitors several ways to explore.

Walking options include the Coombs Woodland Trail, Coombs Grassland Track, Barrer Circuit, Barrer Summit, Barrer Track, Namarag Walking Tracks, Butters Management Trail and Coppins Management Trail. Cycling and mountain biking are allowed on management trails, while horse riding is limited to marked equestrian trails in the eastern or upstream areas. Families can make use of the nature-play opportunities, and the reserve also suits solo walkers, photographers, birdwatchers and groups planning an organised activity. Fishing, canoeing and kayaking are listed among the possible activities, subject to the relevant rules and restrictions.

There is a significant cultural story here. Molonglo River Reserve is on Ngunnawal Country, and the river has long been part of Ngunnawal songlines and pathways used for travel into the mountains for trade and ceremony. The waterways have supported people, plants and animals, and visitors are asked to leave cultural sites and objects undisturbed. The reserve also reflects later European settlement, including the history of grazing, Riverview Homestead, a limestone quarry and pine plantations connected with Stromlo Forest.

Nature is central to the reserve’s character. It supports more than 200 native plant species, at least 92 native bird species and at least five native fish and crayfish species, including nationally threatened species and vegetation communities. It contains important habitat for the Pink-tailed Worm-lizard, Yellow Box–Blakely’s Red Gum Grassy Woodland, Superb Parrots and a breeding pair of Little Eagles. Some upstream areas are being restored, with Namarag described as a nature area under restoration and a future recreation hub for the local community.

Visitors should bring their own drinking water, stay on tracks and take rubbish home, as bins are not provided. Swimming is prohibited because river conditions, water levels and water quality can change quickly. Fires and motorised watercraft are also prohibited. Dog access is restricted to the eastern or upstream section, on-leash and on management trails only, with dogs excluded from the downstream or western section. Climbing is seasonally unavailable from August to December to protect Peregrine Falcon breeding habitat.