Trail Fast Facts
Yankee Hat Walking Track is a 6km, grade 3 hike located in Namadgi National Park, Australian Capital Territory. The hike should take around 2.5 hours to complete.
Hike Overview
The Yankee Hat Walking Track in Namadgi National Park offers a pleasant 6-kilometre (grade 3) return journey, typically completed in around 2.5 hours. This easy walking trail is perfect for those seeking a scenic stroll with historical significance.
The walk begins at the Yankee Hat carpark and traverses expansive grasslands, often dotted with grazing kangaroos. The highlight of the hike is the Yankee Hat rock shelter, located at the foot of Yankee Hat Mountain. This site is home to ancient Aboriginal rock art, offering a glimpse into the cultural heritage of the Ngunnawal people. Carbon dating of the shelter deposits indicates Aboriginal use of the area for over 800 years, with evidence suggesting even earlier activity dating back 3,700 years.
The rock shelter itself is a naturally formed granite boulder, sculpted by weathering processes. The painted surfaces within the shelter are delicate and require careful observation. Touching the artwork is strictly prohibited to preserve its integrity. The white streaks on the rock are feldspar deposits, while the black or grey markings are likely organic in origin. These organic deposits may hold promise for future, more precise dating of the paintings.
The shelter's high roof protects the art from direct water flow. The paint used in the artwork is a combination of white clay and red ochre, sourced from quarries located up to 90 kilometres away. Variations in the red hues may be due to natural weathering or the intentional mixing of ochre with white clay. Traditionally, ochre and clay pigments were mixed with binders like water, sap, blood, or animal oils for application.
Map and GPX file
Max elevation: 1073 m
Min elevation: 982 m
Total climbing: 154 m
Total descent: -154 m
Trailhead
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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
Reaching the Yankee Hat Walking Track trailhead requires navigating a scenic, yet potentially bumpy, route through Namadgi National Park. From Canberra, head south along Tharwa Road, following signs towards Tharwa village. This route offers a glimpse into the surrounding countryside. Continue past Tharwa and keep an eye out for the turnoff onto Boboyan Road shortly after the Yankee Hat Rock carpark (which is for a separate walking track). Follow Boboyan Road for approximately 7 kilometres, enjoying the bushland scenery. The road will eventually transition to unsealed gravel. The Yankee Hat Walking Track carpark will be a small signposted turnoff on your right, so keep your speed moderate and be aware of oncoming traffic.
Photo gallery
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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.
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.Â
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.