Starting from Mount Franklin Road, Brindabella, this walk takes you to the Bendora Arboretum and back via Chalet Road(a management road), visiting the historic Bendora Hut as well. Notice the change of smell as you walk through different tree sections in the arboretum as you enjoy the natural views and ambiance. 52 different tree species were planted in groups of 81 when the arboretum was first established in 1940. You can get into the details whilst exploring the arboretum as there are plenty of informative signposts at each section. Don’t miss out on the views over the valley while you’re focused on reading the said signposts. The historic Brenda Hut is there to welcome you to the arboretum, with some benches and a fireplace inside. Some people say that it was built in the early 1940s to serve as a shelter for the Forestry and Timber Bureau workers at the time. Others claim it was built in 1930 by Ted Kennedy for laborers building the road. The arboretum provides an entirely different experience in each season, from deciduous trees shedding their leaves to a silent white blanket over the land. Try to photograph each season to make them into a collage that you can proudly represent on your wall. Keep in mind there is no signal reception in the area, so make sure you inform others prior to the journey. 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 410 m
Keep left and drive for another 2.1 km
Turn left onto Cotter Road and drive for another 750 m
At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Cotter Road and drive for another 8.7 km
Turn left and drive for another 235 m
Turn sharp left onto Cotter Road and drive for another 980 m
Turn right onto Brindabella Road and drive for another 7.2 km
Turn left onto Brindabella Road and drive for another 17.9 km
Turn left onto Mount Franklin Road and drive for another 8.2 km
Turn left onto Chalet Road and drive for another 1 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started From(6.25km south of intersection with Brindabella Road), head towards the reddish metal gate along the gravel/dirt road as you pass by the blue “Bendora Arboretum” signpost to your right. Pass through the gap next to the said gate and head along the management road(Chalet Road). About 30 metres from the gate, keep right as the road splits into two, and follow the dirt path gently uphill to continue along Bendora Arboretum Track.....
Turn map
Directions & comments
At the intersection of Mount Franklin Road & Chalet Road Start heading along Chalet Road (a vehicle track).
After 85 m head through/around the gate.
After another 30 m (at the intersection of Chalet Road & Moonlight Hollow Road) veer right, to head along Chalet Road.
After another 1.3 km (at the intersection of Chalet Road & Bendora Break) continue straight, to head along Bendora Break.
After another 210 m come to the "Bendora Hut" (25 m on your right).
Continue another 110 m to find the end. Then turn around here and retrace the main route for 1.8 km to get back to the start.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Bendora Arboretum Track
Grading
Class 2/6
Easy track
Length
3.5 km
Time
1 h 15 min to 1 h 45 min
Quality of track
Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Gradient
Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
Signage
Clearly signposted (1/6)
Infrastructure
Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (2/6)
Experience Required
No experience required (1/6)
Weather
Weather generally has little impact on safety (2/6)
Some facilities on route
Tourism|alpine_hut: There is one 1.7 km from the start.
Bushwalk
1 h 15 min to 1 h 45 min
40 min to 1 h
Tourism|alpine_hut: There is one 1.7 km from the start.
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After 85 m head through/around the gate.
