Cuumbeun Nature Reserve Southern Section

We follow a fire trail to the SE to meet up with the Bradleys Creek Walk. After a short while we go off-trail to enter the Cuumbean NR proper. We descend a spur to the NW to Valley Creek and then follow the contours of Valley Creek NW crossing varies gullies and creeks and ascending and descending several spurs and knolls before a steep climb NE to join the Queanbeyan River Trail. We have a brief respite from off-trail walking as we follow this trail to the SE prior to descending towards Valley Creek via various ridges, spurs, and gullies. One last steep ascent to the SW, a ridge line and descend to the W to connect once again to Bradleys Creek Walk. We have a side trip to take in the Googong Dam and then join the Black Wallaby Loop Track to return to our start. The walk will be predominately off-trail, criss-crossing the undulating landscape with some steep sections and rocky/grassy slopes and creek lines that are slippery and/or unstable under foot with varying thickness of vegetation from open woody grasslands to moderately thick scrub. Walking pole(s) might be useful at times and gaiters and/or long pants a must to protect legs. The linear distance of 12.5km with an adjustment for elevation gain of 600m makes this equivalent to a 18.5km track walk. Given the nature of the terrain (surface, vegetation, steepness) and the length/elevation gain/loss the hike is likely take approximately 5.5hrs to complete and is best suited for walkers with a moderate level of fitness, who are comfortable walking off track and have completed successfully at least one 12-14km hike in the past month. Nature Connection: This walk intentionally balances social interaction with brief, guided periods of quiet, attentive walking and a short 'sit spot.' These moments are designed to support a deeper engagement with the landscape. Conversation is warmly welcomed at all other times.