Trail Fast Facts

Naas Valley to Horse Gully Hut is a 17km, grade 3 hike in Namadgi National Park, Australian Capital Territory. This hike typically takes 7 hours to complete.

Length: 17km

Duration: 7 hrs

Grade 3 (Moderate)

Style: Return

Start: Mount Clear Campground

End: Mount Clear Campground

Location: Namadgi National Park

State: Australian Capital Territory

Nearby town: Tharwa

From state capital: 81km

Latitude: -35.86700843118919

Longitude: 149.01007890701297

Overview

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Hike Overview

The Naas Valley to Horse Gully Hut walking track is a moderately difficult (grade 3) 17-kilometre journey within Namadgi National Park. This remote route winds through the Naas Valley, culminating at Horse Gully Hut, and typically takes 7 hours to complete. The track offers a window into the region's rich tapestry of natural history, geological formations, Aboriginal heritage, and pastoral legacy.

The trailhead is located at a locked gate near Mount Clear Campground. Here, you'll find the bushwalking registration log, which must be filled out before setting off. The path follows management fire trails and is shared with cyclists and horse riders. Notably, it also forms part of the Bicentennial National Trail, a vast 5,330-kilometre marked route stretching from Cooktown to Healesville. Be prepared to navigate several creek crossings during your hike.

The Naas Valley walkway presents an opportunity for reflection on the dramatic transformations the landscape has undergone over vast time periods. Geological processes have sculpted the environment, while the vegetation has continually adapted to the changing conditions. Remarkably, geological evidence suggests this area was once an ocean floor some 450 million years ago. Over time, immense heat and pressure transformed these sediments into the present-day sandstones and shales.

Historical evidence suggests the Naas Valley may have served as a pathway for Aboriginal groups travelling eastwards to attend ceremonies in the Gudgenby Valley. If you plan to camp overnight, remember to make a reservation at either Mount Clear Campground or Mount Clear Pound through the Namadgi Visitor Centre.

Map and GPX file

Naas Valley to Horse Gully Hut Hike (16km)

Total distance: 17369 m
Max elevation: 1115 m
Min elevation: 957 m
Total climbing: 462 m
Total descent: -459 m

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Trailhead

Track Grade

Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.

Getting there

Naas Valley to Horse Gully Hut Hike (16km)

Accessing the Naas Valley to Horse Gully Hut trailhead requires reaching Mount Clear Campground. This remote location lies roughly 44.5 kilometres from the Namadgi Visitor Centre. The initial leg of the journey follows Naas Road and Boboyan Road, transitioning to unsealed gravel after approximately 36 kilometres. While the road is generally suitable for two-wheel drive vehicles, weather conditions can impact its usability. For the most up-to-date information on road closures or hazards, contact the Namadgi Visitor Centre before your trip. Upon arrival at Mount Clear Campground, locate the locked gate near the camping area. Remember to fill out the bushwalking registration log before commencing your hike on the Naas Valley track.

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About the region

The Namadgi National Park lies on Ngunnawal Country. This land, rich in cultural significance, has been managed by the Ngunnawal people for countless generations. Their deep connection to this landscape encompasses cultural, social, environmental, spiritual and economic aspects.

Encompassing over 106,000 hectares, Namadgi National Park safeguards a vast area of alpine, sub-alpine and mountain bushland. Nearly half of the Australian Capital Territory falls within its boundaries. The park is crucial for the preservation of high-altitude sphagnum bogs. These bogs provide critical habitat for endangered species and act as natural reservoirs, slowly releasing clean water that sustains the ACT.

For visitor information, maps, firewood permits, or general inquiries, head to the Namadgi Visitor Centre.

Hikers will find hundreds of kilometres of trails to explore within Namadgi National Park. Before venturing out, it's important to familiarise yourself with the Australian Walking Track Grading System. Additionally, inform someone of your planned route and estimated return time. Be sure to record your trip details in the designated bushwalking registers located throughout the park. Straying from marked trails is only recommended for experienced navigators with proper map and compass skills. As weather conditions in the mountains can change rapidly year-round, always pack warm and waterproof clothing.

Namadgi National Park is home to numerous significant Ngunnawal cultural sites and objects scattered across the landscape. These include the Yankee Hat Rock Art and other locations that hold stories of vital knowledge, cultural values, and wisdom. These sites are deeply important to the Ngunnawal people. Their history is not only documented in archaeological finds but also preserved in the landscape itself, passed down through generations through oral stories, dance, memory, ceremonies and the artistic depictions found in rock art sites.

The Ngunnawal people emphasise the importance of protecting these stories, sites and objects for future generations. Visitors to Namadgi are asked to treat these locations with respect, recognising them as a rich and ancient part of the park's narrative.

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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans

Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.

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Naas Valley to Horse Gully Hut Hike (16km)

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Gear to consider

What you carry in your pack will depend on the weather, terrain, time of year, type of adventure, and personal preferences. Having trouble deciding what gear’s right for you? My free planning, food and packing checklists provide an introduction to things your could consider (as well as the Ten Essentials) on your day, overnight and multi-day adventures. Customise your kit according to your personal needs, always considering safety first.

Explore Safe

While planning your hike, it’s important to check official government sources for updated information, temporary closures and trail access requirements. Before hitting the trail, check local weather and bushfire advice for planned burns and bushfire warnings and let someone know before you go. Plan ahead and hike safely.

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Acknowledgement of Country

Trail Hiking Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we hike and pay respects to their Elders, past and present, and we acknowledge the First Nations people of other communities who may be here today.

Trail Fast Facts

Hike Overview

Map and GPX file

Naas Valley to Horse Gully Hut Hike (16km)