Molonglo Picnic Area (no playground) — Attraction in District of Kowen

This is the trail head for a bracing walk along the waterfall dotted Molonglo River.

In times of moderate flow, i count about 50 small waterfalls (many inaccessible) in the gorge; after heavy rain this becomes hundreds. I seldom see any other hikers. The Molonglo Gorge sits uncomfortable between the Australian Capital Territory and New South Wales. As a result, it is largely forgotten.

The Molonglo River flows slowly over an ancient sandstone plain until it hits this gorge through a Bull Oak Forest (Red Stringybark, Black Cypress Pines, and Bull Oak Casuarina).Upstream Molonglo Gorge hosts dozens of small runs and delicious warm pools, some with sandy banks - a 'human-sized' fall, for a hot summer. The trail along the river follows an ancient pathway through the mountains. After rain the waterfalls and cascades will flow strongly. The path follows the banks of the Molonglo River through the gorge, but the path rises and falls to avoid great river boulders making it a bracing trek.

Above and below the Molonglo Gorge, the river empties into broad pools.

During times of moderate flow, it is possible to safely traverse the river bed to get close shots of the still pools and numerous falls through the gorge. However, after heavy rain, you will find a muddy river that has submerged the river path and the trail will become slippery. Fortunately it is possible to climb to the top of the gorge and rejoin the track about 1km along via a steep shale path (which during the rain might have been a waterfall itself).

A couple of particular features of the Gorge are at the Amphitheater where the river does two 100+ degree turns, creating the curved walls, which in calmer times has a couple of nice swimming holes (it would be silly to try swimming with the force of water shown in the image). Water enters the scene with great force, where a pinch in the Gorge has created a long narrow sluice. The height of the water at the start of the sluice can be gauged from the overflow waterfall a little further along. At the end of the track is the feature named Blue Tiles, a long run of cascades with...

Although several bbq/picnic areas,as well as the pine forest drives seem to have been blocked/closed/restricted recently-I guess not just due to logging operations but to idiot drivers!!-it's still a lovely place not far away to go for a peaceful BBQ or picnic.Gets very busy on weekends and public holidays,so get in early.The Molonglo Gorge walk is very rough,absolutely not suitable if you have little kids or even a minor physical disability.Better off to wait until the steam train rolls around again-maybe not until Father's Day-unsure of this.Well worth the price of a ticket for the brilliant views.Nature reserve,so please leave doggy at...

Listed as a grade 4 trail, the Molonglo Gorge is a moderate hike for good views.

Pros: Good trail for exercise being 6.8km. Good enough views, but nothing spectacular.

Cons: It's very rocky. It has narrow paths about a foot wide at certain areas that is very steep so it's not for me. Halfway in, there are some very thorny shrubs with thorns longer than 1cm. So do be careful as you're likely to get pricked through your clothing even with long pants as you walk though them.

Overall, unlikely to return. There are other places like Baroomba rocks which offer better views and no...