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

Guest Houses in Paddys River

Compare and save

Change your mind

Book hotels with free cancellation

deals illustration

Treat yourself

Sign in to save 10% or more on thousands of hotels

bed illustration

Be picky

Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check prices for these dates

Next weekend

6 Jum. II - 8 Jum. II

In two weeks

13 Jum. II - 15 Jum. II

In one month

27 Jum. II - 29 Jum. II

In two months

25 Raj. - 27 Raj.

Compare 2 Guest Houses in Paddys River with updated reviews, rates, and availability.

House | Private kitchen

City Apartment | Iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

"Great location Quiet . "

Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels when you're signed in

Sign up, it's free

Recent reviews of Paddys River hotels

Pavilion on Northbourne

5/5 Excellent

"Great location, close to city centre and attractions. Very clean, lovely restaurant attached. Highly recommend. "

A verified traveler stayed at Pavilion on Northbourne

Posted 3 days ago

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Guest Houses in Paddys River

Guest Houses in Canberra

More Accommodation Types in Paddys River

f00d512c-f9bc-4e25-933e-c66c9273a95312490c10-c7c0-4d88-b133-25a48ed2a3ac