Callum Brae

 

In 2004 part of Callum Brae's farmland was excised to create this nature reserve. The property is not open to the public. The photo below right was taken on a tour organised by the National Trust.

How to get there?

From the Visitors Centre continue south across Commonwealth Bridge. Take Capital Circle around Parliament House, turn left into Canberra Avenue and right at the large roundabout into Sturt Avenue. Continue into Jerrabomberra Avenue and cross the lights at Hindmarsh Drive. Turn right into Narrabundah Lane.

From Red Hill lookout return down and turn right into Mugga Way. After 2 km turn left into La Perouse Street, right into Dalrymple Street and straight across the traffic lights. Take first left into Narrabundah Lane. Entry to the nature reserve is on your right.

Why is this interesting?

Callum Brae can tell us a lot about the Commonwealth Soldier Settlement scheme after World War 1. While most farm blocks within this scheme failed across Australia, Callum Brae is the most significant surviving example in the ACT, with buildings and fittings remaining essentially unchanged since the 1920s and 1930s.

Its proximity to nearby properties of Mugga Mugga and Woden provides historical context and comparisons to aspects of landed gentry. Callum Brae is a working farm today and not accessible to the public.

A 15 minute walk through the Red BoxñYellow Gum grassy woodland (veering to the left) will take you to a view of the property. The nature reserve is popular with bird watchers.