East of Canberra in the Kowen forest, the Molonglo River carves a rocky gorge through the hills, and a walking track follows the water upstream past cascades, deep pools and stands of casuarina. It is a surprisingly wild pocket close to the city, popular with walkers and, on hot days, with those who brave the cool river pools. The track is rough in places and rewards a careful pace. Kangaroos and wallabies are common in the reserve, and the gorge is quietest early in the day.