One Tree Hill Lookout
A scenic hike from Hall offering panoramic views of Canberra's northern suburbs, perfect for a picnic and nature escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful nature
One Tree Hill Lookout
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful nature
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic hike from Hall offering panoramic views of Canberra's northern suburbs, perfect for a picnic and nature escape.
"Amazing hike and easy to climb, you can see and reach the suburbs of Moncrieff and Gungahlin, it's really nice and amazing feeling once on top."
🚗 Parking Advice
No dedicated parking. Park on green belts or side roads near the Hall start point.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trail can get muddy after rain. Sturdy footwear is recommended for comfort and grip.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Expansive Canberra Views
Summit
Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of Canberra's northern suburbs, including Moncrieff and Gungahlin, from the top.
Nature Trail Experience
Trail from Hall
A pleasant walk through varied scenery, offering a refreshing escape into nature with native bushland.
Picnic Spot
Summit
Bring food to enjoy at the top while taking in the stunning vistas – a perfect spot for a relaxed meal.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Start Your Hike from Hall
Check the Weather and Trail Conditions
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Advice
No dedicated parking. Park on green belts or side roads near the Hall start point.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trail can get muddy after rain. Sturdy footwear is recommended for comfort and grip.
🧥 Dress for the Breeze
It can get chilly at the summit due to the breeze, so bring an extra layer.
⚠️ Watch for Wildlife
Be aware of shared sections with cattle and potential BMX riders on the trail.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Advice
No dedicated parking. Park on green belts or side roads near the Hall start point.
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trail can get muddy after rain. Sturdy footwear is recommended for comfort and grip.
🧥 Dress for the Breeze
It can get chilly at the summit due to the breeze, so bring an extra layer.
⚠️ Watch for Wildlife
Be aware of shared sections with cattle and potential BMX riders on the trail.
💧 Avoid Post-Rain Hikes
The track becomes very muddy after heavy rainfall, making it slippery and less enjoyable.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise One Tree Hill Lookout for its accessible hiking trail and stunning panoramic views of Canberra's northern suburbs. It's a popular spot for picnics and enjoying nature, though some note the lack of parking and potential for muddy conditions after rain. Be prepared for a moderate climb to the summit and shared trail sections.
"This is such a nice trail starting from the back of Hall. You climb a little bit and then follow the track that looks over the northern suburbs of Canberra.
It is very manageable and there is a bit of a climb towards the end of the track. I would recommend coming and visiting this walk. It is nice to bring some food, sit at the top and enjoy some food whilst looking at the view."
Tim Veyret
"Amazing hike and easy to climb, you need to start from Hall suburb and once on top you can see and reach the suburbs of Moncrieff and Gungahlin, it’s really nice and amazing feeling once on top but there is no parking facilities and most people park on green belts and side road"
Imran Khan
"I enjoy the One Tree Hill when I am in the mood for something relatively easy while still being out in nature. The trail is relatively flat the whole way except for the last bit just before you reach the summit but even then the incline is moderate and short.
It's a really nice walk for after work or during the weekend and takes you past a few different sceneries. Worth a visit if you haven't tried this trail."
Christina
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most recommended access point is the trail starting from Hall suburb. While there isn't a designated car park, visitors can find parking on nearby green belts and side roads.
Public transport options to the direct trailhead are limited. It's best to drive or arrange a ride-share to the Hall starting point.
The hike typically begins from the back of Hall suburb, offering a scenic route towards the lookout.
No, there are no proper car park facilities directly at the trailhead. Visitors usually park on the surrounding green belts or side roads.
While the Hall access is popular, other trails like Red Hill from Deakin are mentioned as alternatives for similar experiences.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, One Tree Hill Lookout is a natural attraction and does not require any tickets for entry. It's free to access.
As an outdoor natural area, One Tree Hill Lookout is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no set opening or closing times.
There is no entrance fee to hike the trails leading to One Tree Hill Lookout. It's a public access area.
While accessible anytime, it's advisable to visit during daylight hours for safety and to fully enjoy the views. Avoid visiting after heavy rains.
The main consideration is trail conditions, especially after rain. Be mindful of shared paths with cattle and other users.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike is approximately 4.6kms one way to the summit. The duration can vary depending on your pace, but expect it to take around 1.5 to 2 hours round trip.
The trail is generally considered manageable and relatively flat for most of the way. There's a moderate, short incline just before the summit.
You'll get expansive views overlooking Canberra's northern suburbs, including areas like Moncrieff and Gungahlin. It's a great spot for photography on a clear day.
There are no facilities such as restrooms or water fountains along the trail or at the summit. It's recommended to bring your own water and snacks.
Be cautious of muddy sections after rain, shared paths with cattle, and fast-moving BMX riders. It can also get chilly with a breeze at the top.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon light offers the best conditions for photography, providing softer light and potential for golden hour shots. Clear days are essential for maximizing the panoramic views.
You can capture sweeping landscape shots of Canberra's northern suburbs, including Gungahlin and Moncrieff. The summit offers a great vantage point for wide-angle photography.
The lone tree at the summit, which gives the lookout its name, is a popular subject. The changing light on the landscape below also provides dynamic photographic opportunities.
A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive views. A tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or for ensuring sharp images.
Drone regulations in Australia can be complex. It's crucial to check current CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) guidelines and local council bylaws before flying a drone in the area.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack plenty of water and snacks, as there are no facilities on the trail. Sturdy shoes are a must, especially if it has rained recently, to avoid slippery conditions. Keep an eye out for any shared sections with cattle and ensure children are supervised. The relatively short distance makes it an ideal outing for a few hours of outdoor activity.
🚶♀️ Casual Walkers & Nature Lovers
The moderate incline towards the summit offers a satisfying sense of accomplishment, and the panoramic views are a beautiful reward. The natural environment is well-preserved, offering a peaceful escape. Just be mindful of the trail conditions, especially after rain, and dress appropriately for the weather.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Hike Experience
As you approach the summit, the terrain becomes a bit steeper, presenting a short but moderate incline. This final push is well worth the effort, leading you to the peak where panoramic vistas await. It's important to note that the trail can become quite muddy after rainfall, so checking the weather and wearing appropriate footwear is crucial for a comfortable experience.
Be mindful of shared sections of the trail. Some reviews mention encountering cattle, so maintaining a safe distance is advised. Additionally, fast-moving BMX riders have been noted on the track, so staying alert is important for everyone's safety. The summit can also be breezy, so bringing an extra layer of clothing is a good idea.
Views and Photography
Key photographic subjects include the sweeping panoramas of the urban sprawl meeting the natural landscape, and the iconic lone tree at the summit itself. A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to capture the breadth of the view. While there are no specific facilities at the top, it's a popular spot for visitors to bring a picnic and enjoy a meal while soaking in the scenery.
When planning your visit for photography, consider the weather. Overcast or rainy days will limit the visual appeal of the landscape. However, even on less-than-perfect days, the unique atmosphere of the Canberra hills can be captured. Always check local regulations if considering drone photography.
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