Square Rock

INFO

Square Rock is located at the end of the Square Rock Walking Track, an approximately 10km return walk located along Corin Road in Corin Forest just a short drive from Tuggeranong. The walk is classified as moderately difficult with a 322 metre accent and an optional turn off for a lookout of Orroral Valley

This area of Canberra often experiences Canberra’s more extreme weather events. In 2020 Namadgi National Park was almost entirely burnt out in what became known as the Orroral Valley Fire which was started accidentally by a military helicopter. In the end 80,000 hectares were destroyed affecting 80% of the Park including Square Rock.

On the other end of extremes snowfall is also a common occurrence in this area during Canberra’s cold winters. Just nearby is Corin Forest, home to a small recreational snowfield, the closest snowfield to Canberra . On this particular day when I decided to venture out to Square Rock once again Canberra had been experiencing some heavy snowfall in its mountains. 

This was the most snow I have ever seen in Canberra at the time. Corin Forest was packed full and there were piles of snow that would reach my shins! The walk was lovely. I had done this walk a few times, but mostly during early morning for sunrise so being able to see the place during the afternoon on a blue bird day, with all the snow, was really special. 

Initially I had plans to stay till sunset at about 5pm, but after arriving around 1pm I decided that wouldn’t be necessary. Square Rock definitely isn’t the best sunset photography spot due to the sun disappearing behind the mountains. Instead the blue bird sky along with the coating of snow on the rocks, trees and distant Mountains of Namadgi National Park created a simple colour palette. Different from the usual orange and red vibrant sunsets Square Rock delivered a postcard scene straight from the swiss alps!

Square Rock

Recent snowfall at Square Rock, Corin Forest, Namadgi National Park Canberra