There are a lot of different ways to explore Canberra off-road by linking up the Canberra Nature Park. One of the challenges of the Molonglo River Reserve route is that it is “out and back”, but if you are a little creative it can be added to by heading up to the Pinnacle and Mount Painter. So I went exploring! In fact, this route can be added to (or linked as an alternative part of) a number of other CyclingGravel routes, including the Full Molonglo River and the Epic Gravel Trail. It also offers an off-road route to connect with the C5 cycle route from which you can head to Belconnen or Lake Burley Griffin. 

Denman Prospect – William Hovell Drive

At present it is hard to start this ride on gravel from Mount Stromlo – due to the second phase of Denman Prospect development. For this ride I started from Denman Prospect shops – which has a couple of decent places for a coffee or bite to eat. From here it is road/path to head towards the off-road connection across Butters Bridge and Namarag reserve.

Once through Namarag, the pipeline road west is a well maintained gravel road – currently heavily used as part of upgrades to the pipeline infrastructure. It does, however offer good river views. After a gate crossing and small bridge, just after a sewerage pump facility is the entry to the Kama section of the Molonglo River Reserve.

Unlike many of the trails in Canberra Nature Park, the trails in Kama are more like paddock farm trails. In the dry, these are totally fine for a gravel bike, but they are not smooth gravel maintenance roads. There are actually a few different trails to explore in the reserve, and also a few gates to navigate. Eventually the route ends at William Hovell Drive, where it is possible to pass under the road if you wish.

The Pinnacle and Mount Painter

After a couple more gates it is possible to pass through to The Pinnacle Nature Reserve via some paddocks. There was no livestock here, but I suspect this might sometimes be the case. After another gate the route connects to what is more usual as a gravel road through Canberra’s Nature Reserve – a relatively smooth maintenance trail. Although there are some steep pinches, is very cycle-able and offers some great views back towards the city.

From here, it is possible to easily connect to Mount Painter Reserve. Running behind the suburb of Cook, this route first requires following a track parallel to Coulter Drive, and then entering the reserve via a car park. 

The main track has some very steep bits that could potentially induce some hike-a-bike, particularly heading up to the water tanks on the top of the hill. It is worth heading up here though as there are some great views as you descend down towards Bindubi Street and the C5 cycleway. 

Details of this ride

Travel guidance

• Be prepared for gates – I think seven. Most are locked, although some were openable so it is worth checking each time.
• There are a few different trails through the Kama part of Molonglo River Reserve – don’t get too stressed if overall you keep heading north towards William Hovell Drive.