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Black Mountain Telstra Tower

📍 Black Mountain Tower, Summit Track, Canberra, District of Canberra Central, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
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★★★★☆

Quick Facts

Location
Australia, Canberra
Category
Viewpoint
Duration
1-2 hours
Address
Black Mountain Tower, Summit Track, Canberra, District of Canberra Central, Australian Capital Territory, Australia
Coordinates
-35.2755, 149.0978

Introduction

Telstra Tower stands on the summit of Black Mountain north-west of central Canberra. About 195 metres tall and sited on a peak roughly 800 metres above sea level, it has long served both as a communications facility and a visitor attraction, with observation levels and a revolving restaurant offering 360-degree views over the city — Lake Burley Griffin, the Parliamentary Triangle and Canberra's radial street pattern all in one sweep. Black Mountain itself is a nature reserve, with walking tracks through native woodland from the lower slopes to the top. Note that public access has been adjusted several times in recent years, so confirm whether it is open before you go.

✨ Highlights

01
Panorama over the city
The observation level gives a 360-degree view of Canberra — Lake Burley Griffin, the Parliamentary Triangle and the radial street plan all at once.
02
A skyline landmark
About 195 metres tall on the summit of Black Mountain, it is one of the city's most conspicuous landmarks.
03
Black Mountain nature reserve tracks
The mountain is a reserve with walking tracks through native woodland up to the summit, with local plants and wildlife along the way.
04
Sunset and night views
Late afternoon light and the city lights after dark are the traditional times to go up, especially on clear days.

🛈 Practical Info

→Time needed:About 1–1.5 hours including the tower or the walk
→Gear:The summit is windy and cooler than the city — wear trainers and bring a jacket
→Opening Hours:Public access has changed several times in recent years — confirm it is open before travelling
→Ticket Information:The observation level is usually ticketed when open; mountain tracks are free
→Transportation:About 10 minutes' drive from central Canberra, with parking at the base; buses also serve the area

💡 Tips

• Public access to the tower is unstable — confirm it is open before you make the trip.
• Even if the tower is closed, the Black Mountain tracks still lead to the summit with equally open views.
• The summit is windy and cooler than the city — dress for it.
• An evening visit shows both daylight and night views, but track lighting is limited on the way down.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Black Mountain Telstra Tower?

Public access has changed several times in recent years — confirm it is open before travelling

How much is the admission for Black Mountain Telstra Tower?

The observation level is usually ticketed when open; mountain tracks are free

Any practical tips for visiting Black Mountain Telstra Tower?

Public access to the tower is unstable — confirm it is open before you make the trip. Even if the tower is closed, the Black Mountain tracks still lead to the summit with equally open views.

How long should I spend at Black Mountain Telstra Tower?

A typical visit takes 1-2 hours.