Part of the story of the climb -
The ascent was almost unnoticeable for the first kilometre or so as you passed by dried reeds that stood out in the backlight. The climb proper began as you reached the forest. Now it was a true hikers’ trail. Switchback after switchback until you reach a saddle between two mountains. Here there was a round table with bench seats and a sign proclaiming that this was Ngunnawal country. The mount had indeed been significant for them, a place to guide their paths.
There was another sign about orchids. “This section of the track is particularly rich in orchids, especially in spring” and “Tidbinbilla has more orchid species than all of Britain” got me somewhat excited. Now, other than the snakes I’d been keeping an eye out for, I could look for orchids. Way I figured it was that seeing an orchid would give me a special feeling of goodness while sighting a snake is clearly not a pleasant experience and death can result. Bit of no-brainer really. For the next ¾ of an hour though, I saw neither, though you must remember I was really only looking for orchids.
From the saddle the climb became steep in places and they ever had steps here and there. Glimpses of distant views could be garnered through gaps in the branches, hastening my footsteps somewhat. Somehow you most often seemed to be heading away from your destination but then, a few twists and turns later and you could see the summit above.
Scraggy gums left mottled shadows as you moved into the granite proper, large lumps of rocks that you had to divert around, like protective walls around a castle, and you had to find a way through. The rocks became larger and then, just ahead, a properly constructed lookout of hatched steel flooring.
Somehow, while the view was impressive, you just knew it was going to be better further on. The trail swung away and into the large outcrop until, suddenly, you were beside a broad made road, the fire trail that came via a different, and shorter route. Right beside it was a sign, “Welcome to Gibraltar Peak”. Yet you weren’t actually up the top just yet. That was about another 300 metres further on and, when I zig-zagged through the giant boulders, excitement came to the fore yet again.
There was a giant crack in one monolith that you could squeeze through and that led you to what could be fairly labelled the rear view. Impressive though it was, you couldn’t help but feel the main event was on the other side, and so it transpired. Finally clearing all obstacles I clambered on top of one giant slab of rock. “Wow” was the word that immediately came to mind and it didn’t disappear for some time. - continued on next page

Aparthotels in Paddys River

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Aparthotels in Paddys River

Superior Queen Room | Private kitchenette | Fridge, microwave, stovetop, espresso maker

"Great hotel, well located "

SAR 374 total

includes taxes & fees

3 Aug - 4 Aug

"Enjoyable stay. "

SAR 578 total

includes taxes & fees

9 Aug - 10 Aug

Daily to-go breakfast (AUD 23 per person)

"Great location and close to everything you need, close to Hospital and mall. Close eating establishments Parking is ample but tight for family vehicles "

SAR 331 total

includes taxes & fees

3 Aug - 4 Aug

"Good value hotel in Woden which is a 15 minute drive to Canberra centre"

SAR 366 total

includes taxes & fees

9 Aug - 10 Aug

Studio Apartment | Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, individually furnished

"We only stay for one night but next time we will stay longer. The room, amendities, area was excelent"

SAR 349 total

includes taxes & fees

10 Aug - 11 Aug

"Good breakfast and nice and clean facilities "

SAR 318 total

includes taxes & fees

24 Aug - 25 Aug

"Great location. Even the airport bus stops nearby. "

2 bedrooms, in-room safe, iron/ironing board, free cribs/infant beds

"good location great room"

SAR 465 total

includes taxes & fees

9 Aug - 10 Aug

Daily cooked-to-order breakfast for a fee

"Really nice hotel. "

SAR 552 total

includes taxes & fees

17 Aug - 18 Aug

"We loved the proximity to Jolimont Centre where we caught a bus from early the next morning Also the choice of restaurants in the area Mama’s Trattoria 2 sore up was excellent "

SAR 335 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Aug - 5 Aug

Three Bedroom Deluxe Apartment (2nd Floor - Stairs Only) | Living area | 30-inch LCD TV with premium channels, TV

"Really nice property with lot of spaces. "

SAR 397 total

includes taxes & fees

3 Aug - 4 Aug

Mini-fridge, microwave, stovetop, espresso maker

"Nice hotel, rooms are small, very quiet! A few shops in walking distance! "

SAR 429 total

includes taxes & fees

31 Jul - 1 Aug

"Most pleasant stay"

SAR 344 total

includes taxes & fees

24 Aug - 25 Aug

50-inch Smart TV with satellite channels, Netflix, streaming services

"This place is the best - anytime you visit Canberra don’t bother considering anywhere else, excellent staff, beautiful room, convenient location!"

SAR 364 total

includes taxes & fees

17 Aug - 18 Aug

"We loved the spaciousness of the room. It was also nice and warm when we arrived for check in. The apartment is walkable to the local cafes."

SAR 463 total

includes taxes & fees

9 Aug - 10 Aug

2 bedrooms, Tempur-Pedic beds, individually furnished, desk

"Very clean and friendly stay. Exactly as advertised. They even let me charge my car for free."

"We got a One bed apartment with Balcony and Lake views on the 11th floor, Perfect ! Check in was so easy and helpful . A walk or Uber to anywhere in the city is cheap and easy and downstairs bar was cost warm ( fire) with a lovely cocktail menu. I highly recommend staying here and we will be back."

Three Bedroom Penthouse | Living room | LCD TV

"Excellent place to stay while visiting Canberra and surrounds. Super close to Cultural precinct and shopping and amenities. It is an ApartHotel so full kitchen facilities. Our room was very comfy, modern and super spacious and had everything we needed. The reception was very helpful during our stay with small requests. The "

SAR 490 total

includes taxes & fees

10 Aug - 11 Aug

Full-size fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

"Great apartment and location for our Canberra getaway!"

SAR 500 total

includes taxes & fees

1 Aug - 2 Aug

"Great emergency stay Thanks "

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Top Paddys River Hotel Reviews

Meriton Suites Canberra

10/10 Excellent

"Very helpful staff attending to our needs. Pool and spa facilities were great. Would stay again."

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Aparthotels in Paddys River

Aparthotels in Canberra

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Frequently asked questions

What should I expect during my aparthotel stay in Paddys River?

You'll probably stay more centrally in Paddys River when you choose an aparthotel. You can also come to Paddys River for its shopping and restaurants.

What should I see and do in Paddys River?

Take time to visit top places in the surrounding region such as National Zoo and Aquarium and Parliament House. Bullen Range Nature Reserve and Kambah Pool Recreation Area are a couple of lovely local spots to enjoy the outdoors, whereas family-friendly attractions include Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex. You'll find favorite places to visit like National Museum of Australia and National Gallery of Australia in the larger area.

What is an aparthotel?

An aparthotel is part hotel and part apartment, offering the amenities you expect at a traditional hotel, and more space and privacy found in an apartment. These accommodations will usually be located in the heart of Paddys River, where you can live like a local. Enjoy cooking in the private kitchen and having extra space to relax after a long day of sightseeing.

Aparthotels in Paddys River

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Aparthotels in Paddys River

The Sebel Canberra Civic

The Sebel Canberra Civic

Meriton Suites Canberra

Meriton Suites Canberra

Abode Belconnen

Abode Belconnen

Abode Woden

Abode Woden

Quest Canberra City Walk

Quest Canberra City Walk

Mantra MacArthur Canberra

Mantra MacArthur Canberra

Nesuto Canberra

Nesuto Canberra

Adina Serviced Apartments Canberra James Court

Adina Serviced Apartments Canberra James Court

A by Adina Canberra

A by Adina Canberra

Quest Canberra

Quest Canberra

Pinnacle Apartments

Pinnacle Apartments

The Sebel Canberra Campbell

The Sebel Canberra Campbell

Abode Narrabundah

Abode Narrabundah

Punthill Tuggeranong

Punthill Tuggeranong

Oxley Court Serviced Apartments

Oxley Court Serviced Apartments

Manuka Park Apartments

Manuka Park Apartments

Nishi Apartments Eco Living By Ovolo

Nishi Apartments Eco Living By Ovolo

BreakFree Capital Tower

BreakFree Capital Tower

Adina Serviced Apartments Canberra Kingston

Adina Serviced Apartments Canberra Kingston

Unilodge at UC Short Stays

Unilodge at UC Short Stays

Top Paddys River Hotel Reviews

Meriton Suites Canberra

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Aparthotels in Paddys River

More Accommodation Types in Paddys River

Frequently asked questions