Pine Island Reserve

On the Murrumbidgee River in Canberra's south, Pine Island is the capital's favourite river swimming spot - a run of sandy beaches and clear pools shaded by river oaks, with lawns and barbecues set back from the water. The river runs cool and green off the mountains, and a walking track follows the corridor upstream toward Point Hut and Kambah Pool. On a hot Canberra afternoon the beaches fill with families; midweek and out of season it is quiet and lovely. Watch the current after rain, when the river runs high and fast.