Tallaganda National Park

StartClick to Reverse the Dynamic Map and Driving NotesCaptains Flat
FinishHoskinstown
DifficultyDifficulty 3/5
Suitable For4WD Motorbike 
Distance99.38 km
Minimum Days1
Average Speed33.64 km/hr
Travel Time2 hrs 57 mins
Page Updated: 24 Jun 2012

Description

Tallaganda NP/State Forest, covers some 58 000 hectares and lies approximately 40km southeast of Queanbeyan. This forest straddles the Great Dividing Range begin­ning about 10km south of the Bungendore / Braidwood Road, and extends down the range for a distance of nearly 50km. Along this section of the range, water draining off to the east flows into the Shoalhaven River whilst, to the west, gullies and creeks empty into the Molonglo system and then into Lake Burley Griffin.

Tallaganda NP has easy access and is a great spot for a day drive from the Canberra region. Vehicle access is restricted to the Fire Trails. Bush camping is available and there are some nice spots for camping near where Butmaroo Trail and Mulloon Fire Trail meets Mullen Creek.

How to Use this Trek Note

  • To download this information and the route file for offline use on a phone, tablet, headunit or laptop, go to the app store and purchase ExplorOz Traveller. This app enables offline navigation and mapping and will show where you are as you travel along the route. For more info see the ExplorOz Traveller webpage and the EOTopo webpage.

TIP

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Environment

Variety is the keynote of Tallaganda NP/State Forest and is a characteristic reflected in all aspects of its envi­ronment. The altitude, for example, varies from 800 to 1400 metres above sea level, while the rainfall fluctu­ates between nearly 1000mm at the higher elevation and 550mm at Hoskinstown near the lower western perimeter. The southern part of the Park also affords glimpses of some local landmarks ‑ a series of peaks known as "the Pyramids” and beyond them, Mt Lowden soaring to 1346m above sea level.

The vegetation too reflects diversity, ranging according to aspect, elevation etc. From dry open woodland forests of scribbly gum, ash and peppermint to tall forests of brown barrel, messmate and ribbon gum. Frequently encountered stands of almost pure snow gum complete the picture. In Lowden Forest Park, walking trails have been constructed nearby to give visitors a chance to explore the surrounding forest and identity some of the species encountered, e.g. brown barrel (Eucalyptus fastigata), messmate stringybark (E. obliqua), ribbon gum (E. viminalis), and narrow leaved peppermint (E. radiata). Some of the trees have been labelled to make this job easier. Changes in soil conditions in this area have produced an equally varied understorey of shrubs, with ferns, wattles, banksias, hakeas and geebungs, and a number of native grasses.

The forest is also home to a variety of native animals and even the visitor may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of swamp wallabies, echidnas, or large grey kangaroos near the lower grazing country. Many other animals live in or around the forest but most of them are nocturnal and seldom seen by day visitors. Many bird species frequent the forest understorey of shrubs and grasses and the adjacent grazing areas. Those include finches, currawongs and lyrebirds.

History

Tallaganda State Forest has been logged successfully for 100 years. This logging is still carried out but now on a limited scale. A small pine plantation was established in this forest in 1968 with the aim of supplying mainly scantling to the developing local market. In 1982 the plantation covered 1470 Ha.

Lowden Forest Park: It was at this spot that a group of logging contractors established their camp in 1937. In 1952, a water wheel built by William Hopkins and Spencer Hush in Queanbeyan was transported to the campsite. There it was installed to generate electricity for the camp and charge batteries (via a generator) for the logging trucks. The wheel and associated weir and water storage areas have been restored and are now in full working order. Forestworkers used the camp regularly until the early 'sixties' when improved roads and transport made on site accommodation unnecessary.

TrekID: 110

Preparation

MUST READ: You are strongly encouraged to read the following articles prepared by the knowledge experts at ExplorOz for your safety and preparation before undertaking any published ExplorOz Trek - Outback Safety, Outback Driving Tips, Outback Communications, and Vehicle Setup for the Outback.

TIP

Please refer to Road Reports published by the local shire and/or main roads for the area you intend to visit. Road/Track conditions can change significantly after weather events. Travellers must be responsible for their own research on current conditions and track suitability.
As Tallaganda is close to Bungendore and Queanbeyan, no extra fuel or water is required. Most standard 4WD’s should cope with the conditions. However, some parts of the tracks are rocky or eroded, therefore the tracks should be driven with caution and ‘off road’ tyres are recommended, as are sump guards for vehicles with less ground clearance.

Fuel Usage

There is also fuel available at: Bungendore and Queanbeyan (not shown on this trek note).
DieselULPLPG
4cyl 14 litres4cyl 16 litres4cyl 20 litres
6cyl 15 litres6cyl 18 litres6cyl 17 litres
8cyl 15 litres8cyl 16 litres
Usage is averaged from recorded data (* specific to this trek) and calculated based on trek distance.

Best Time To Visit

This trek can be travelled all year round, however it can be very cold in Winter and the tracks can be slippery after heavy rains.

Closest Climatic Station

Braidwood Racecourse Aws
Distance from Trek Mid Point 31.62km E
 JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Mean Max. °C26.725.322.819.415.912.612.013.616.519.321.724.2
Mean Min. °C12.212.39.85.72.70.90.00.53.25.78.410.3
Mean Rain mm56.171.251.141.045.755.634.847.550.858.278.160.7
    Best time to travel      Ok time to travel      Travel NOT recommended

Map

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Directions

Captains Flat to Captains Flat Rd & Rocky Pic Rd
Driving: 8.87 km
Heading: 135°
Avg Speed: 44.49 km/hr
EST Time: 11:57
Captains Flat Rd & Rocky Pic Rd to Rocky Pic
Driving: 5.47 km
Heading:
Avg Speed: 33.08 km/hr
EST Time: 09:55
Rocky Pic to Gourock Range
Driving: 11.82 km
Heading: 14°
Avg Speed: 32.96 km/hr
EST Time: 21:31
Gourock Range to Donoghue Hopkins Huts
Driving: 10.65 km
Heading: 83°
Avg Speed: 35.83 km/hr
EST Time: 17:50
Donoghue Hopkins Huts to Mulloon Creek Campground
Driving: 21.85 km
Heading: 339°
Avg Speed: 28.78 km/hr
EST Time: 45:33
Mulloon Creek Campground to Mulloon Creek, Butmaroo Trail
Driving: 13.3 km
Heading: 11°
Avg Speed: 30.51 km/hr
EST Time: 26:09
Mulloon Creek, Butmaroo Trail to Hoskinstown
Driving: 27.42 km
Heading: 248°
Avg Speed: 29.82 km/hr
EST Time: 55:10
Distance is based on the travel mode shown (Driving, Straight, Cycling, Walking etc), Direction is straight line from start to end, Avg Speed & EST Time is calculated from GPS data.

What to See

Facilities

Where to Stay

Services & Supplies

No Services & Supplies available for this trek

Wildflowers

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