The Nursery Creek Swamp walking track offers a challenging yet rewarding 8.5-kilometre (grade 4) journey through Namadgi National Park, typically completed in around 3.5 hours. This out-and-back hike traverses diverse terrain, encompassing both dry and wet forest ecosystems. Along the way, you'll encounter impressive granite boulders and a large fen, also known as a sedge swamp. Be aware that the initial 2 kilometres involve a steep ascent.
The well-marked trail commences across the road from the designated Nursery Swamp carpark, situated just off Orroral Road (approximately 22 kilometres from the Namadgi Visitors Centre). The initial section features stone and timber steps, which can be quite steep and rocky as they lead you up to a saddle. Boardwalks, logs, and stepping stones have been strategically placed to assist with navigating boggy sections. It's important to stay on the main trail, as there are several branching bush tracks that lead to other areas of the park.
Following your descent into the Nursery Creek Swamp, the trail reaches a relatively flat area overlooking the main body of the swamp. This vantage point provides a perfect opportunity for a picnic lunch, with stunning panoramic views of the sprawling valley and surrounding hills.
Grade 4 (Hard) -
Challenging Walks for Experienced Walkers: Grade 4 on the
AWTGS signifies challenging walking tracks. Bushwalking experience is recommended for these tracks, which may be long, rough, and very steep. Directional signage may be limited, requiring a good sense of navigation. These walks are suited for experienced walkers who are comfortable with steeper inclines, rougher terrain, and potentially longer distances.
Total distance: 8995 m
Max elevation: 1149 m
Min elevation: 939 m
Total climbing: 462 m
Total descent: -462 m
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Accessing the Nursery Swamp walking track is straightforward. Located within Namadgi National Park, the trailhead can be reached from Canberra via several routes. Travel south along Tuggeranong Parkway past Lanyon Homestead and Tharwa village. This route eventually joins Kings Highway. Follow Kings Highway for a short distance until you see the turnoff for Orroral Road. Take this turn and continue for approximately 22 kilometres, following signage for Namadgi National Park. The designated carpark for the Nursery Swamp walk will be on your right.
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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.
Looking for things to do in Namadgi National Park or nearby? Try these similar hikes or bushwalks.
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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.
Adventure with peace of mind: Fill out your trip intentions form. Before you hit the trail, fill out an online form to privately send important details about your hike to your family or friends. If you don’t return on time, they can easily alert emergency services, preventing worry and ensuring a swift response. Hike with peace of mind and enjoy your outdoor adventure to the fullest. Be smart, be safe: Register your plans here.
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.Â
Trail changed? New features discovered? Has the route changed? Trail permanently closed? Help fellow hikers by suggesting edits! Click above to update route descriptions, GPX file, trail features (like boardwalks), or access conditions (like parking availability). Help me keep the trails info fresh!
