A hike + history: Booroomba Rocks and Lanyon Homestead
We're lucky enough to be close to some amazing hiking trails within Namadgi National Park. If you're a Canberran, just head to the 'dirty-south', then go even further. North-siders will feel like they're on the edge of the Earth, but it’s worth the trip.
Hike time..
Although there are many trails to explore around this area, my favourite is Booroomba Rocks. For the spectacular view at the top, the walk is a piece of cake. Yes, it's steep and probably wouldn't be suitable for people with knee problems, but most fitness levels would be able to tackle it. We have taken our 10-month-old too - it’s baby friendly! But sorry, no fur babies allowed. As it’s a national park there are no dogs allowed.
It's short and sweet. Perfect if you want to get a hike in but don't feel like committing half your day to it. Total distance up and back is 4km, and will take the average joe about 1.5 to 2 hours.
Map from Tharwa Bridge to Booromba Rocks: Australian Hiker
After soaking up the view we made our way back down and agreed it was coffee time.
Coffee time..
We stopped in at Lanyon Homestead, the historic 1850s homestead on the Murrumbidgee River roughly 30 minutes back towards Tuggeranong. Not only is it a beautiful location for a wedding or function, but it’s family friendly and offers breakfast and lunch at the Barracks Espresso Bar and Eating House.
A flourishing veggie garden steps down three levels about 100m from the main house. The established garden has almost anything you can think of, including the biggest pumpkins I have ever seen.
The entrance to the homestead offers a cute range of plants and herbs for sale. An honesty box is perched upon a gorgeous old set of timber shelves which allows visitors to pay and pick up on their own. The pots start from $3 - $12, which is a great price. We bought a Sedum plant for $8 which has bloomed some beautiful maroon flowers.
Lanyon Homestead is open 10am-4pm weekdays, 9am-4pm weekends. Closed Mondays.