Timeline
19:20
Grab a coffee or snack before heading up. Check the route to find a nearby café in Queanbeyan or along the Kings Highway before the plantation area. There are no food or drink shops listed inside Sparrow Hill & East Kowen Forest Trails.
19:50
Sparrow Hill & East Kowen Forest Trails
Arrive at the main trailhead and unsealed car park. Park and stretch. The area is open 24 hours daily but daylight riding is highly recommended. Closed during Total Fire Ban days.
20:20
Sparrow Hill & East Kowen Forest Trails
Find a vantage point near the trails to watch the sun set toward the WSW. The golden light starts at 19:43 and sunset is at 20:20. The pine forest provides a dramatic backdrop for the evening light.
21:05
Head back down to the Kings Highway. Check the route for a place to end the evening, such as a restaurant or bar in Queanbeyan or Canberra, as there are no facilities at the trailhead.
Local tip
The trails are optimized to run smoothly along natural mountain contours. Signposted loops range from a family-friendly 5km track up to a demanding 40km endurance route. Wear appropriate gear for mountain biking or walking depending on your plan.
Check before you go
- The site is closed during Total Fire Ban days.
- Check the route for food and drink options as none are listed at the anchor.
- Sunset is at 20:20 on 15 January; golden light starts at 19:43.
Built from places in the Wikivoyage guide to Canberra (CC BY-SA 4.0), with open map data from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).