Cotter Dam Discovery Trail is a wheelchair accessible heritage trail that showcases the Reserve area as well as the heritage aspects of the broader Cotter area, with excellent interpretation signage that takes you on a short tour of the Reserve.

The Cotter Reserve is adjacent to the Cotter Dam & is one of Canberra's best known riverside recreation areas containing picnic & playground areas with a Campsite located nearby.  

You can begin the trail from the head car park or can choose to start closer to the main trail.  Head to the trailhead signage & follow the trail on either the wheelchair option or by walking down to the river or taking the stairs.  The pathway to the main viewing platform can be reached by either following the ramp designed for wheelchairs or by using the various shortcuts.  All up this walk is around 1.4km at its shortest & a few 100m longer if you follow the ramp system.  

Accessible toilets & parking can also be found at Cotter Reserve.

Cotter Dam Discovery Trail

The Cotter Recreational Precinct, also known as The Cotter, is located just 25 minutes south west of Canberra's CBD.

The Cotter is a is a series of reserves close together along the Murrumbidgee River, with playgrounds, places to swim & free BBQs.

Cotter Avenue is the the main reserve in the centre of the recreation area. It is the most popular spot for families to visit as it has a large playground & over a dozen BBQs along along the grassy reserve.

Casuarina Sands is another reserve & river swimming area, located a short drive from the main Cotter Avenue, above. This quieter reserve has a smaller playground & is a scenic place to set up a picnic or BBQ.  This reserve in particular is popular with families, as the river has a number of sandy beaches along its shores which are soft to sit on.

The Cotter Dam Discovery Trail is one of Canberra's newer trails & has been designed for wheelchair access. The trail is lined with stories of Canberra's water history. It features a 16-metre wide, amphitheatre style viewing platform with majestic views of the dam wall.

Cotter Campground is  located a short distance from Casuarina Sands, on the other side of a one-way bridge. This campground is wheelchair accessible, popular with families as it has hot showers, potable water, flushing toilets, dishwashing facilities, noise restrictions, electric & gas barbecues, fireplaces, shelters & picnic tables,river swimming areas & it is in a central location to go off and explore the region.  Cotter Campground provides easy access to walking tracks, wildlife, fishing, swimming & canoeing.

Accessible toilets can be found at Cotter Reserve, Cotter Campground & Casuarina Sands.  

There is ample parking available & disabled access.

Cotter Precinct, Murrumbidgee Nature Reserve

Casuarina Sands is on the banks of the Murrumbidgee River. It has 360 degree views of the surrounding hills.

Nearby you can visit the heritage listed Cotter Pumping Station.

It has shady riverside beaches, a playground, electric barbecues, picnic tables and shelters, Wheelchair accessible bathroom & drinking water is available.

Casuarina Sands Reserve