Square Rock: the best sunset spot in Canberra?

Square Rock is one of my favourite walks in Namadgi National Park. Not for the walk itself, but for the incredible view from the top. Unlike some of the other peaks around Canberra, you won’t glimpse the city from here; instead it’s layers of mountains as far as the eye can see. It’s also a really fun summit, with plenty of giant boulders to explore.

We’d previously only headed up to Square Rock during the daytime, but most recently we went for sunset and it was truly spectacular. If you don’t mind walking down in the dark, then it’s a magical time to be up there.

Here’s everything you need to know about the Square Rock walk.

Square Rock - The best sunset spot in Canberra

The Square Rock Walk

The stats

Distance: 9.2km return
Elevation gain:
262m
Difficulty:
Easy but not flat

The walk up to the top of Square Rock does have some uphill sections, but the majority of the track is flat and the climbs are short and gentle. The path is really well maintained, which makes the walk easy - even if you choose to come down in the dark as we did.

There is no scrambling required to take in the view now that a small ladder has been installed, but you can scramble over various boulders at the top if you want to!

You can make the walk a circuit using the Smokers Trail, which is a longer route. We chose to return the same way. The whole walk, there and back, took two hours.

Square rock in Namadji - A stunning sunset spot in Canberra

Starting the trail

You’ll head straight from the car park and onto a narrow path through open grass, where you can often spot a kangaroo or two.

The first 150m of the path is almost all metal boardwalk, which is a relief when you spot what the ground is like underneath - we were hiking during La Nina and let’s just say it looked pretty boggy!

The start of the walk to Square rock in Canberra
The views on the start of the Square Rock Trail

Once the boardwalk finishes, if there has been heavy rain, there will be a short section of track which is very muddy.

It’s easily passed through in hiking boots though and I don’t remember any mud at all on previous walks, so it’s probably just bad following really heavy rain.

After another 150m you will enter the bush and the path is in great condition.

The Square Rock Trail in Namadji

Through the forest

Once in the forest you will begin climbing uphill, but at a fairly leisurely gradient. It’s not long before the path flattens again and then begins to undulate.

Walking through the forest on the Square Rock Walk

Whilst there are sections of stairs, for the most part, the track feels very flat and easy. Almost surprisingly so as you know you’re heading up to a viewpoint.

For that reason, though it’s considerably longer, I’d say it’s actually an easier walk than the more well known Booroomba Rocks.

Walking through the bush to Square Rock

Although the track is not overly exciting, it’s pleasant enough and the forest keeps it nice and shady.

After 2km (from the start of the track) you’ll start to notice some giant boulders dotted amongst the bush, this is an indicator of what’s to come at the top!

The giant boulders on the trail
Hiking to Square Rock

A couple of hundred metres later you will come to the only bit of the track which is not in such good shape, and that may purely be down to how wet it had been when we were walking.

There is a short section of very wet muddy path that you need to negotiate using rocks and logs as stepping stones.

The boggy patch of the trail

It’s not difficult though and the logs mean you can cross with dry boots.


Reaching the top of Square Rock

Just beyond the logs you’ll reach a junction with the Smokers Trail and head straight on. It’s briefly uphill before flattening again.

The alternative turn offs from the Square Rock Trail in Canberra

Just under a kilometre later you’ll reach some picturesque stone stairs, but again they don’t last more than a few minutes. We saw a couple of wallabies here and heard plenty more crashing through the undergrowth.

the stairs on the trail

As you continue through the bush you’ll reach a turnoff for the Orroral Valley Lookout, which is a 500m detour.

We’ve visited the lookout in the past and it’s an easy detour, but the view is slightly obscured and it’s definitely not a must do.

Walking for sunset at Square Rock in Canberra

From the turnoff for the lookout you have just over 1km before you reach Square Rock. The track is mainly flat and winds through the forest before hitting a rocky section just before you reach the top.

Finishing at the view at Square Rocks - Canberra

Arriving at Square Rock

You’ll emerge from the bush and see a huge pile of boulders and a little ladder leading up onto the rocky platform.

It’s not an exposed scary ladder by any means and in a few steps you’re standing on top and able to see the view.

The ladder at Square Rocks
Square Rock, Canberra - the best sunset spot

You can explore the rocky platform to the right and some interesting rock formations without any scrambling whatsoever.

The views from Square Rock, ACT

After that, exploring further can be as adventurous as you want it to be. There are plenty of different vantage points and none are very hard to reach.

As long as you’re on the main platform, or to the left of it, you will have a magnificent sunset view.

The views from square rock

We were the only ones up there and sat and watched as the sky turn golden and then pink, all to the soundtrack of the resident lyrebirds.

Sunset at Square Rock in Namadji National Park

It was a magical scene with layers of thickly forested mountains - no burn to be seen here. The collection of giant boulders adds to the whole atmosphere and it really is a beautiful place to relax.

It would also make for a great picnic spot.

the sunset views from the lookout
the stunning views from Square Rock in Canberra

It was one of those places that was hard to tear ourselves away from and in the end it was only as darkness fell that we decided it was time to hike down under the stars.

the rock formations at Square Rock, Namadji

Heading down

The walk down is easy, the trail is in such good condition and so leisurely that you very rarely need to worry about footing - there is the odd short rocky section, but few and far between.

The track is well defined and easy to follow, so even in the dark you don’t need to be worried about taking a wrong turn. It took us about 1 hour to get back to the car park and walking under the stars was a fabulous way to finish a great sunset hike.


Getting to the Square Rock Track

The Square Rock walk begins at the Square Rock Walk Car Park off Corin Road in Namadgi National Park, around a one hour drive from Canberra. It is fully paved until the car park.

There is plenty of parking spaces but no facilities, not even toilets.


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The view from the top of Square Rock is one of the best in Canberra. It’s gorgeous at any time of day, but simply magical at sunset, and you’ll probably get it all to yourself. Here’s everything you need to know about the Square Rock walk including w
 

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