Conveniently located along the Kings Highway between Queanbeyan and Bungendore lies the Glenburn Heritage Precinct. Offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of the first European settlers of the region, the precinct is well worth the visit for those interested in the European heritage of Australia.
The precinct is made up of three trails linking 16 heritage sites – choose from the 10km Glenburn Heritage Trail, the 10km Burbong Heritage Trail, or the 12km Precinct Loop Trail, which combines the two separate trails into one big loop through most of the heritage sites of the precinct.
Whether you’re looking for a day walk or a new trail to hit with your mountain bike, all three trails are suitable for both walkers and cyclists and offer the perfect spot for an active morning or afternoon outdoors, just a stone’s throw from the city.
Choose your adventure
The Glenburn Heritage Precinct is accessed from the Kings Highway, about 10km from Queanbeyan, or 16.5km from Bungendore. The precinct itself is located in Kowen Forest in ACT and as such is managed by ACT Parks and Conservation Service in collaboration with the National Parks Association of the ACT and Friends of Glenburn.
To get to the trail head, follow the signposts along the highway and park at the Glenburn Precinct car park, on Charcoal Kiln Road.
Next to the car park, you’ll find trail head signage, featuring a map of the area and information on the trails available. You’ll also be able to grab a copy of the Glenburn Heritage Precinct brochure from the brochure holder next to the trail signage to ensure you stay on track throughout your journey.
The three trails are colour coded and clearly marked, and they all start with a short stroll up the management road on Charcoal Kiln Road. Once you reach the junction of Atkinsons Road and Charcoal Kiln Road, choose which trail you’d like to take on. To get to the Glenburn heritage sites, keep walking along Charcoal Kiln Road, or turn left onto Atkinsons Road to get to the Burbong sites.
Glenburn Heritage Loop Trail
If you follow the green trail markings, you’ll make your way through the full Glenburn Heritage Loop Trail. The loop is about 12km, taking approximately four hours on foot, or two hours on a mountain bike. It passes most of the heritage sites within the Glenburn and Burbong areas, including the Glenburn Homestead, the Glenburn Shearing Quarters and Shearing Shed, and the old Kowen School Site, as well as Atkinson Trig, Colliers Homestead Ruins and Orchard, and the Colverwell graves, which are some of the oldest graves found in the Canberra region, dating back to 1837.
The remaining relics paint a vivid picture of the lives of the early European settlers, while the trail signage at each heritage site delves deeper into different aspects of 19th century wool production, mining and charcoal fuel production, as well as the lifestyles of the people who inhabited the area at the time. In fact, in 2015, the Glenburn Heritage Precinct was entered on the ACT Heritage Register as an ‘excellent example of a 19th century pastoral landscape’.
The trail traverses through management trails and evergreen forests past Molonglo River and Glen Burn Creek. Along the way, you are likely to spot plenty of wildlife, particularly kangaroos as you walk along Glen Burn Creek.
Tips for the trail
While the trails are well suited for most and make up for a good walk all year round, it is good to keep in mind that a moderate level of fitness is required, as the trail traverses up and down hills and over shallow creeks. Not only will you have to cross the creek at times, you may also come across waterlogged parts along the trail after wet weather, so wearing sturdy, enclosed shoes such as hiking boots is well worth it. Most of the walk is also exposed to the sun, so make sure to take plenty of water and sun protection, particularly on warm summer days. When planning your visit, you should also note that there are no bins or toilets provided.
For your safety, please also make sure to stay on the trail at all times and take extra care to not enter the Canberra International Clay Target Club, the adjacent farm or other adjacent private leases. While most of the walk is well signposted to keep you on the trail, make sure to keep right as you pass Colliers Homestead Ruins back towards the car park along Atkinsons Road to ensure you stay on the trail and don’t veer off towards the shooting range.
Your pets are also welcomed to join you on the trail, but only on leads, as livestock graze some of the areas around the precinct.
Last but not least, make sure to take in the panoramic views over Molonglo River and across the precinct and onto the hills along the ACT/NSW border.
Explore more of Queanbeyan-Palerang
If you have more time to spend in the region, explore more of the area surrounding Queanbeyan by taking on the Blue Tiles walk at Molonglo Gorge. Also located in Kowen Forest, this hidden gem traverses through unspoiled bush, cascades and pools along the Molonglo River.
Alternatively, if you’re eager to get back into town, head out to Queanbeyan and take the Queanbeyan River Walk. This leisurely stroll around the Queanbeyan River is the perfect way to spend an hour or two getting to know the town better. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to explore, as the trail goes past numerous shops, cafes and galleries along the way.
Finally, if you’re looking for more activities, Googong Foreshores is the way to go. The Foreshores are located just a quick drive from Queanbeyan but play host to a range of activities from bushwalks and barbeques to kayaking, mountain biking and fishing.
