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Australia

Australian Capital Territory

Black Mountain Summit – Black Mountain Nature Reserve loop from Australian National Botanic Gardens

Routes

Hiking trails & Routes

Australia

Australian Capital Territory

Black Mountain Summit – Black Mountain Nature Reserve loop from Australian National Botanic Gardens

Easy

3.0

(1)

hikers

Black Mountain Summit – Black Mountain Nature Reserve loop from Australian National Botanic Gardens

01:54

6.12km

230m

Hiking

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: May 8, 2026

Tips

Temporary access restrictions

Includes segments with temporary access restrictions.

After 7 m for 187 m

Customers only

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

123 m

Australian National Botanic Gardens

Highlight • Natural

1.46 km

View of Lake Burley Griffin from Australian National Botanic Gardens

Highlight • Viewpoint

A great viewing platform in the bushland precinct of the Australian National Botanic Gardens, looking over Lake Burley Griffin towards the Parliamentary Triangle.

Tip by

2.52 km

View of Lake Burley Griffin from Black Mountain

Highlight • Viewpoint

A disused lookout and picnic area on Black Mountain. It still has parking and picnic tables, but I couldn't see any rubbish bins.

Tip by

3.32 km

Black Mountain Summit

Highlight • Summit

At around 812 metres above sea level, the summit of Black Mountain opens up to wide views across Canberra, including Lake Burley Griffin and the surrounding hills. The area is more exposed, with rocky ground and scattered lookout points.

The telecommunications tower stands prominently at the top. It is worth taking your time here, with different angles looking back over the city and surrounding reserves.

Tip by

3.80 km

Black Mountain Nature Reserve

Highlight • Forest

Black Mountain Nature Reserve covers around four hundred and thirty four hectares on the northern side of Lake Burley Griffin, protecting a large area of dry eucalypt forest and sandstone-based ecosystems. The geology supports high plant diversity, with over six hundred and sixty species recorded, including around sixty orchid species and dozens of rare plants.

It’s also an important habitat for birdlife, including species like the scarlet robin and gang gang cockatoo. There’s no entry fee, with basic facilities like picnic tables near the main access points.

Tip by

4.08 km

Black Mountain Summit Walk

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

The track to the summit climbs steadily through dry eucalypt forest, following a well-marked route toward the top of Black Mountain. It’s a moderate walk with some steeper sections, uneven ground, and exposed roots along the way.

As you gain elevation, the vegetation begins to thin slightly, with occasional breaks in the trees giving partial views across Canberra. It’s a popular route, but still feels like proper bushland walking, especially in the quieter sections away from the road.

Tip by

6.12 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

3.06 km

1.16 km

1.13 km

458 m

314 m

Surfaces

3.39 km

1.58 km

605 m

378 m

152 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (800 m)

Lowest point (580 m)

Weather

Today

Monday 13 July

11°C

4°C

94 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 15.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

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Black Mountain Summit – Black Mountain Nature Reserve loop from Australian National Botanic Gardens

Australian National Botanic Gardens

View of Lake Burley Griffin from Australian National Botanic Gardens

View of Lake Burley Griffin from Black Mountain

Black Mountain Summit

Black Mountain Nature Reserve

Black Mountain Summit Walk

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