The Pimple, via Snowy Corner and Tidbinbilla Mountain

Set out from Mountain Creek carpark for a challenging adventure through Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, taking on an out-and-back route to The Pimple, via Snowy Corner and Tidbinbilla Mountain. The route covers around 11 kilometres and close to 900 metres of elevation gain, packing a very steep climb, captivating ridgelines, and two striking summits into a single day in the hills.
The walk begins with a sustained ascent—rising nearly 500 vertical metres in the first two kilometres (it’s steep!). A well known bench along the way offers a good reason to pause and take in wide views across forested valleys and the Canberra region. At the top of this climb we reach Snowy Corner, and turn North toward Tidbinbilla Mountain, the highest peak in the reserve. From there we should enjoy breathtaking 360° vistas stretching east toward the city and west to the remote Brindabellas.
Past Tidbinbilla Mountain the track follows a rugged ridgeline, through alternating open woodland and thickets of heath and scrub. The approach to The Pimple involves a short, fun rock scramble and some overgrown sections, arriving at its rocky platform, which sits like a turret over the ranges and gives out spectacular views in all directions.
We return to the carpark the same way we came in. The walk back down is a real knee-tester and hiking poles are recommended for use on such steep sections.
This walk is challenging but does not require technical hiking skills—just sturdy footwear, fitness, and a willingness to spend a full day off the beaten track. Take ample water, food, and weather protection. The rewards are some of the best views in the area, and a genuine sense of achievement.

The walk is facilitated in partnership with Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.