Mount McDonald via Lower Cotter Catchment

Starting from the car park just off Brindabella Road, ACT, this walk visits the Lower Cotter Catchment Lookout first, then takes you to the summit of Mt. McDonald and back. As you’re getting closer to the lookout, prepare to be dazzled by the panoramic views over the dam and Cotter River after each turn. Stop and take that view in for a moment, then set course for the summit for a more panoramic type of view as you’ll be able to see tens of kilometres into the distance all around. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.

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Safer Bushwalks
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.

Getting There

Start	At the intersection of Lookout Road & Mount McDonald Walking Track (-35.3143963,148.947564)
Mode	Car
Directions	From Tuggeranong Parkway Turn on to Cotter Road Offramp then drive for 410 m Keep left and drive for another 2.1 km Turn left onto Cotter Road and drive for another 750 m At roundabout, take exit 2 onto Cotter Road and drive for another 8.7 km Turn left and drive for another 235 m Turn sharp left onto Cotter Road and drive for another 980 m Turn right onto Brindabella Road and drive for another 2 km

Track Notes

Getting started
Starting from the car park off Brindabella Road(4.15kms southeast of intersection with Uriarra Road), head towards the signpost through the rocks, keeping the road to your right. Then make your way through the dirt track marked with rocks on both sides. The track veers right as the rocks end, keep following it into the woodland to continue along Mount McDonald via Lower Cotter Catchment Track.....

Turn map	Directions & comments
	At the intersection of Lookout Road & Mount McDonald Walking Track Start heading along Mount McDonald Walking Track (a walking track). After 55 m pass the sign (on your right). After another 660 m (at the intersection of Mount McDonald Road & Mount McDonald Walking Track) continue straight. After another 245 m come to the "Lower Cotter Catchment lookout" (on your left).
	After another 125 m (at the intersection of Mount McDonald Walking Track & Mount McDonald Road) continue straight, to head along Mount McDonald Road (a vehicle track).
	After another 1.1 km turn right, to head along Mount McDonald Road.
	After another 35 m veer right, to head along Mount McDonald Road.
	Continue another 150 m to find the end. Then turn around here and retrace the main route for 2.3 km to get back to the start. "Mt McDonald".

Terrain

Mount McDonald via Lower Cotter Catchment

Grading

	Class 3/6 Moderate track
Length	4.7 km
Time	1 h 30 min to 2 h 30 min

Quality of track	Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Gradient	Short steep hills (3/6)
Signage	Directional signs along the way (3/6)
Infrastructure	Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (2/6)
Experience Required	Some bushwalking experience recommended (3/6)
Weather	Weather generally has little impact on safety (2/6)

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