Starting from the Uriarra East Recreation Area, ACT, this walk takes you to the riversides of Murrumbidgee and Molonglo Rivers. Visiting Shepherd’s Lookout with a side trip, the track loops back to the start. The peaceful stroll skirting Murrumbidgee River will soothe your nerves as you listen to the burbling sound of water. It will also warm you up before the rewarding climb to the lookout. You’ll come across plenty of viewpoints prior to the lookout, but the spectacular view from the top will truly be worth the effort. Throughout the walk, you may spot a kangaroo or two along with other wildlife. Snakes are pretty common in the area, try to cover your legs and feet properly. Keep in mind that the water level can rise quickly depending on how much and how long it rains, so check the forecast beforehand. Also look out for unforecasted downpours during the walk. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
Turn on to Cotter Road Offramp then drive for 450 m
Keep right onto Cotter Road Offramp and drive for another 70 m
Turn right onto Cotter Road and drive for another 2.3 km
Continue onto John Gorton Drive and drive for another 1.7 km
Keep left and drive for another 60 m
Turn left onto Opperman Avenue and drive for another 135 m
At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Opperman Avenue and drive for another 325 m
At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Uriarra Road and drive for another 730 m
At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Uriarra Road and drive for another 9.8 km
Turn left and drive for another 590 m
Turn right and drive for another 305 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started Starting from the car park of Uriarra East Recreation Area, head towards the angled signpost at the trailhead, keeping the river to your left. Veer left as you follow the dirt path along the river, moving directly away from the car park. Cross the Uriarra Road with caution and keep following the riverside track to continue along Uriarra Shepherd\'s Lookout Circuit.....
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
After 20 m pass the sign.
After another 15 m turn right.
After another 25 m pass the BBQ (on your left).
After another 75 m pass the picnic table (on your right).
After another 240 m continue straight.
After another 65 m continue straight.
Then head down the steps (about 5 m long)
After another 1.6 km head down the steps (about 140 m long)
After another 50 m climb over the stile.
After another 5 m continue straight.
After another 100 m pass the sign (on your left).
Then head down the steps (about 30 m long)
The starting point of an optional sidetrip. This is the side trip to Shepherd's Lookout, which provides you with a remarkable view over Murrumbidgee River and beyond. To start this optional side trip turn left here. On returning from this side trip continue straight when you get back to this intersection. Details below.
After another 130 m turn right.
After another 235 m head through/around the gate.
After another 210 m climb over the stile.
Continue straight.
After another 610 m turn right.
After another 30 m pass the BBQ (55 m on your left).
Then pass the sign (6 m on your left).
Then pass the picnic table (45 m on your left).
After another 110 m pass the toilet (on your left).
After another 105 m come to the end.
This is the side trip to Shepherd's Lookout, which provides you with a remarkable view over Murrumbidgee River and beyond.
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
After another 35 m cross the bridge (about 30 m long)
After another 1.7 km veer left, to head along Shepherd's Lookout walking track.
After another 10 m pass the sign (on your right).
Continue another 65 m to find Shepherd's Lookout at the end.
"Shepherd's Lookout".
A sign.
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 1.9 km to the main route.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Uriarra Shepherd's Lookout Circuit
Grading
Class 4/6
Hard track
Length
3.8 km
Time
1 h 30 min to 3 h
Quality of track
Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Gradient
Very steep (4/6)
Signage
Clearly signposted (2/6)
Infrastructure
Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (2/6)
Experience Required
Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather
Foretasted & unexpected storms and severe weather may impact on navigation and safety (4/6)
Bushwalk
1 h 30 min to 3 h
Toilet: There is one 3.7 km from the start.
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After 20 m pass the sign.
After another 25 m pass the BBQ (on your left).
After another 75 m pass the picnic table (on your right).
Then head down the steps (about 5 m long)
After another 50 m climb over the stile.
After another 235 m head through/around the gate.
After another 35 m cross the bridge (about 30 m long)
"Shepherd's Lookout".
Turn around and retrace your steps back the 1.9 km to the main route.