Explore Shepherd's Lookout

Perched over the mighty Murrumbidgee River on the edge of Belconnen, Shepherd's Lookout provides one of Canberra's best bush vistas, as well as some of our favourite walking tracks.

Named after nearby property owners, Shepherd's Lookout is the ACT's northern-most viewing point of the Murrumbidgee River. For thousands of years, this stretch of the river has provided water, fish, yabbies and waterbirds to the Ngunnawal people, as well as being an important habitat for platypus and the endangered Macquarie Perch and Murray Cod. Black Cypress Pine (Callitris endlicheri) grows here on thin, rocky soil, with their winged seeds being a favourite food of Gang Gang Cockatoos.

Walking tracks to Shepherd's Lookout and nearby Tong's Hole are easily accessible from Stockdill Drive, 3 km south-west from Ginninderry. Here are some of the great walks in the area.

View from Shepherds Lookout.

Stockdill Drive to Shepherd's Lookout

Distance: 1.2 km return
Time suggested: 45 minutes
Difficulty: easy

Walk through Woodstock Nature Reserve to Shepherd's Lookout for an impressive view along the Murrumbidgee. The ACT border, 3 km downstream, is marked by power lines over the river. Dogs are allowed on a lead.

Ginninderry to Shepherd's Lookout

Distance: 6.8 km return
Time suggested: 4.5 hours
Difficulty: moderate

Start walking from McClymount Way at Ginninderry, and weave your way through forests, native grassland areas and ever-changing landscapes. Stop to take in the view of the Brindabellas at the lookout en route.

Uriarra Loop and Shepherd's Lookout

Distance: 6.5 km return
Time suggested: 4 hours
Difficulty: moderate

Start walking along the Uriarra Loop from Uriarra East picnic area, then cross the Molonglo River and start up towards Shepherd's Lookout. You will pass stands of Black Cypress Pine (Callitris endlicheri) and the Lower Molonglo Water Quality Control Centre. From the lookout you will get excellent views of the river.

Tong's Hole

Distance: 1 km return
Time suggested: 1 hour
Difficulty: moderate

The Tong's Hole trail starts at the end of Stockdill Drive and takes you down through stands of Black Cypress Pine (Callitris endlicheri) to the scenic Molonglo River. Keep your eyes open for the many types of raptors that frequent this area.