Head for the Hills: Mt Painter

Landcare ACT's Women in Nature initiative encourages women from all walks of life to:

• connect with each other through time spent in nature and shared activities
• deepen their personal connection with nature for personal health and wellbeing
• give back to nature by caring for the local environment in tangible ways

Women in Nature endeavours to provide experiences that are inclusive and affirming by welcoming all women - including cis, trans women, and those that identify as non-binary.

Activities include guided walks, talks, conservation and nature-based art activities. During spring, Landcare ACT is facilitating a special "Head to the Hills" series featuring trails with some of Canberra's best views. September's walk will explore a relatively new track on Mount Painter. 

Mount Painter Nature Reserve is home to the old volcano that we now know as Mount Painter, the alluring Wildflower Triangle, a few of the ACT’s rare and protected species, and Friends of Mount Painter or FOMP. This dedicated group of Landcare volunteers translate their collective love for the environment into actively supporting the reserve to become a healthier, more sustainable and resilient ecosystem.

From its summit, Mt Painter offers panoramic views - from the distant Brindabellas down to Belconnen Town Centre below. The new trail passes through a small mixed woodland at the bottom, and a Sheoak Grove near the summit, with open country in between.

Please be advised this is a moderate hill climb walk. Most of the ascent and descent is on an incline. We will take regular rest breaks throughout the climb. Please wear comfortable, enclosed shoes with some tread on the sole. Be sunwise and bring a water bottle to keep hydrated.

We will meet at the Horse Paddock entrance to the Mt Painter reserve. Drive down the short road between 57 and 61 Mackellar Crescent, go through the gate and turn right. There's more room for cars to park on the grassy area just inside the entrance, before the actual horse paddock car park.

The walk will be guided by Sally Holliday (Landcare ACT), accompanied by Friends of Mount Painter (FOMP) volunteers Jane and Marian. 

"I joined the Mt Painter Land care group about 6 years ago. I’m keen to spend time outdoors and working on the Landcare at Mt Painter is great. As well as the environmental benefits I find it enjoyable, calming, and rewarding for me! I love learning about the plants and animals in our region."
- Jane

"I joined Friends of Mt Painter over 20 years ago, after moving to Canberra from North Queensland. I love being outdoors, and it was a way to meet people as well as learn about the local flora and fauna. The group is really friendly, the morning teas are great, and it's rewarding seeing the improvement in the environment."
- Marian