Nearest Town
Forde, Canberra
Best Time of the Year to Travel
Year round but summer is the best time if you are after the Golden Sun Moth
Starting Location
Car park for Golden Sun Moth Walk
Trail head car park located just off Mulligans Flat Road in Forde. Access the trail start through the horse access on the left side of the car park….
Or through the stile in the fence on the right hand side of the car park
Finish Location
Trail head car park located just off Mulligans Flat Road in Forde, ACT
Golden Sun Moth Walk Review
This short walk sits on the edge of the urban fringe on the northwest border of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and is a guaranteed location to see Kangaroos without travelling out of the city itself if you have overseas visitors.
The walk starts at the trail head car park just off Mulligans Flat which is also the start point for the Border Walk and the Northern Campground Walk. The carpark is easy to access but as these walks are very popular arrive early in the day or expect to park along the road. Enter the reserve itself by one of two access points and read the trail head signage that explains the walk. Head up the trail towards the hill following the yellow trail markers. Just before you hit the steep section of hill you will be directed off towards a trail to the left.
The high point of the trail is not far past this point and this is where you will find a picnic area with a large amount of interpretation signage on the Golden Sun Moth. Take the time to have a break and to read the signage in this area before turning around and heading back down the way you came.
If you really want to see Golden Sun Moths then do this walk in summer when its not raining. The views over this northern part of Canberra back towards the city are very good and while you wouldn’t describe this walk as challenging it’s a good little walk just the same. If you have young children or non walkers with you then its a great option given the distance and the guaranteed Kangaroos. As close to the urban fringe as this walk is I still love this part of Canberra.
Before you start the walk note the warning signs for dog/fox bait. Dogs are prohibited in Mulligans flat. There is also signage for the Canberra Centenary Trail. The only part of the Golden Sun Moth Trail that connects with this trail is at the trail head
Trail head signage at the start
Reserve signage
Interpretive signage at trail head
View of the walk from near the start
Water source for this area
Kangaroo on the trail. The start of this walk is one of the easiest places in the city to be guaranteed of seeing kangaroos
Cockatoos flock near the dam
The trail is well marked
Views towards the centre of Canberra
Veer of the the left following the signage. If you head towards the right you can access the Northern Campground Walk or the nearby Border Walk
Fence stile at the high point of the walk
Picnic shelter at the top of the walk
Interpretive signage and seating combined
Sun Moth interpretaion signage
Seating at the walk turnaround point
Image showing the optional start point for this walk located just off the urban housing
Walk back down
Walkers doing one of the other walks in this area
Views as you head back down on the return walk
Car park view from up the hill
Lots of Kangaroos
Getting There
Google Map to the trail head for the Golden Sun Moth Walk from the Canberra GPO:
- This walk is located on the northern edge of the Australian Capital Territory and is very easy to locate
Car park for the Golden Sun Moth Walk
Things to Know
- Toilet facilities: There are no toilet facilities on this trail
- Water: You need to bring your own water
- Phone: The mobile phone coverage is excellent on this trail (All networks)
- Dogs: Dogs not allowed
- Other:
- This trail is walkable year round but best during summer if you want to see the Golden Sun Moths
- This trail can be started at two points but is best done from the Mulligans Flat Road car park
- Camping: Not allowed
- Other:
- Kangaroos galore!
Disclaimer
This walk was undertaken by the team from Australian Hiker
Last updated
29 March 2025
