Old Tharwa Road (Boboyan Road)
Proper 4WD terrain, Canberra's backyard.
The Boboyan Road runs roughly 80 kilometres through Namadgi National Park and the Brindabella Ranges, linking Tharwa on the outskirts of Canberra south to Adaminaby in New South Wales. It’s the kind of track that surprises people — most don’t expect proper 4WD terrain this close to the capital. The route crosses the Gudgenby River and several unnamed tributaries, climbs through alpine grasslands, and drops through tight stringybark corridors that punish wide vehicles. The Boboyan Homestead ruins sit roughly mid-route and are worth stopping at — the history of grazing and early settlement in this country is written in those crumbling walls.
Difficulty sits firmly at Moderate to Difficult depending on recent rainfall — the creek crossings are benign in summer but winter and spring melt can close sections without notice. High-clearance 4WD is required, and a snatch strap and hi-lift are smart carries given the limited mobile coverage. ACT Parks manages the Namadgi section and conditions updates are posted regularly. No permit is required but self-registration at Namadgi Visitor Centre is expected. Best window is November through April when crossings are low and the tracks have dried out. Fuel up in Canberra or Cooma — nothing between.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Backcountry, High Clearance |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Mixed |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Remote, Scenic, Water Crossings |
| Length (miles) | 50 mi / 80 km |
| Duration | 1-2 days |
| Max elevation (ft) | 4921 ft |
| Best season | November-April |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD |
| Nearest town | Tharwa, ACT |
| Land manager | ACT Parks and Conservation Service — Namadgi National Park |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | Yes |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Official sources | ACT Parks — Namadgi National Park |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock LandCruiser or Patrol run Old Tharwa Road without modifications?
Yes, a stock high-clearance 4WD like a 70-series LandCruiser or Patrol handles this fine. Low-clearance AWDs and soft-roaders won't cut it — the creek crossings and rutted dirt sections will catch them out.
When is Old Tharwa Road open and is it passable after rain?
Best window is November through April when conditions are driest and snow risk is low. After heavy rain the creek crossings can rise quickly and the dirt sections turn slippery — check conditions with ACT Parks before heading out, especially in winter.
Do you need a permit to drive or camp on Old Tharwa Road?
No permit is required to drive the track, but you are entering Namadgi National Park so standard park rules apply. Dispersed camping is allowed in designated areas — no camping fees, but fires may be restricted seasonally under ACT fire regulations.
What's the hardest section and what should I actually expect?
The creek crossings are where most people slow down — they're genuine water crossings that require a proper read before you commit, not a splash-and-go. The track itself is rutted and tight through the bush, nothing that requires a locker on a dry day, but soft ground after rain changes that fast.
Is there any fuel or water available along the 80km route?
There is no fuel along the track — fill up in Tharwa or Canberra before you leave. Water from the creek crossings needs to be filtered or treated before drinking; carry enough for the full run and don't count on resupply.
Trail track
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