Settlers Track

Guide updated 26 Aug 2026 · verify live track status with Parks ACT

Parks ACT: 6 km loop from Boboyan Road (4 hours) or 9 km via Waterhole Hut (5 hours). Nineteenth- and twentieth-century sites. Download the official Settlers Track notes.

Decision summary

Best for: Huts and homesteads in a corner Parks ACT notes was untouched by the 2020 fire
Skip if: You only have a Canberra morning.
Time needed: 4 hours · 5 hours via Waterhole Hut
Dogs: Dogs are not allowed in Namadgi National Park. Parks ACT notes a limited exception for dogs in vehicles travelling between the ACT and NSW on Boboyan or Brindabella Roads — VERIFY current policy. Assistance animals follow official rules.
Kids: Possible for walking kids on the 6 km if the heat is kind.
Entry / booking catch: Free. Camp at Mount Clear only if booked official — unsealed, basic, no camper trailers.
Today’s alerts: Check Parks ACT change-of-conditions (not this page)

Planning from official Parks ACT notes. We have not walked this track for this guide. Confirm signed distances and open/closed status on the day.

Do not pair: Do not stack Settlers and Gingera.

Turnaround: Short loop if the longer hut add-on would finish after you wanted to be on Boboyan Road.

Assuming 2020 fire photos apply to this loop — Parks ACT says this corner was unburnt.

Grade 3
4 hours · 5 hours via Waterhole Hut
6 km loop · 9 km loop via Waterhole Hut
Effort: moderate
Best for: Huts and homesteads in a corner Parks ACT notes was untouched by the 2020 fire

Distance, grade, time and open/closed status change — verify on Parks ACT walking tracks and with Namadgi Visitor Centre before you go.

Official Parks ACT info (verify status)

Orroral Homestead at first light with kangaroos, Namadgi National Park ACT — Settlers Track — Orroral Homestead
Neutraldensity (Andrew Taylor) · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

Where you start

Boboyan Road

Southern Namadgi. Unsealed in places. Visitor Centre for road status.

How to get there

Tharwa → Boboyan Road south. Allow time; this is not a city-fringe loop.

How to do it (step by step)

Follow the official self-guided notes. Huts: day or emergency use; Huts Code applies.
Longer loop only if daylight and legs agree at the junction.

Packing list (shell, grip, water) lives on the gear hub— not a shopping list on every walk. Pairing and Plan B: plan your visit · Booroomba road Plan B.

Map (orientation)

Pin may be approximate. Confirm trailheads, parking and track status on Parks ACT before you drive.

Interactive map — pin may be approximate. Confirm trailheads and road status before you drive.

Open in Google Maps Get directions

Extra tips

Pair with Yankee Hat on a two-day Boboyan overnight — not the same afternoon as Gingera.

Often paired with Yankee Hat— only if energy and weather allow.

Area guide: Boboyan Road south & Mount Clear · Maps pin

Nearby stays (optional)

After the walk plan is solid: Canberra / Tharwa / Queanbeyan beds if you still need them. Kit searches live on the gear hub. Official Parks ACT camping, park fees and government bookings are never affiliated. Guided tours live on the Tours hub.

Nearby stays

Canberra · Tharwa · Queanbeyan

Hotels & apartments in CanberraPrimary hub — 45–60 minutes to Namadgi Visitor Centre
TharwaLast village before the Visitor Centre — few beds, last supplies
QueanbeyanNSW overflow when Canberra is full — still a drive to Tharwa

All Booking.com links open in a new tab and may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Official Parks Victoria camping and hut-platform bookings are never affiliated.

Some stay, tour and gear links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Park entry (free) and official Parks ACT camping bookings are never affiliated. Affiliate disclosure · Privacy

Some stay, tour and gear links may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Park entry (free) and official Parks ACT camping bookings are never affiliated. Disclosure · Tours hub