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

Motels in Paddys River

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Compare 23 Motels in Paddys River with updated reviews, rates, and availability.

"Great stay"

SAR 273 total

includes taxes & fees

3 Aug - 4 Aug

Fridge, coffee/tea maker, electric kettle

"Our stay was comfortable.well priced Shower had good pressure,clean we wil stay here again.thankyou "

Deluxe Queen and Single Room | 1 bedroom, premium bedding, desk, soundproofing

"Nice place staff great and helpful friendly "

SAR 243 total

includes taxes & fees

6 Jul - 7 Jul

"Close to city and"

SAR 290 total

includes taxes & fees

3 Aug - 4 Aug

Laptop workspace, iron/ironing board, free WiFi, bed sheets

"Was a good stay and staff were very helpful and knowledgeable "

SAR 286 total

includes taxes & fees

27 Jul - 28 Jul

"A quiet, convenient low fuss experience. Thanks, I will be back again!"

King + Double | Soundproofing, free WiFi, bed sheets

"Clean family room in convenient location. Manager was very friendly and helpful, room was very clean, we appreciated having a microwave. We would have rated higher except for a few things - shower water pressure very weak, took ages to get warm and then would go cold during shower, mattress was uncomfortable and was also difficult to get out of if you are sleeping on the wall side (in family room), also with the fridge, the freezer door was missing so all of our food and drink in the fridge...

SAR 274 total

includes taxes & fees

13 Jul - 14 Jul

1 bedroom, desk, iron/ironing board, bed sheets

"Location was great. Close to town, walking distance to the bowling club. Rooms are spacious and very clean. Beds are very comfortable. Would have no hesitation in staying there again. "

SAR 283 total

includes taxes & fees

6 Jul - 7 Jul

"Nice and clean hotel"

SAR 261 total

includes taxes & fees

1 Aug - 2 Aug

"Great staff. Villas were nice and quiet. Enjoyed my stay."

SAR 340 total

includes taxes & fees

6 Jul - 7 Jul

"Location, great staff, wonderful rooms … truly excellent parking even with trailer and pet friendly .. I love staying here"

SAR 318 total

includes taxes & fees

31 Jul - 1 Aug

"Nice property. Quiet and convenient "

SAR 345 total

includes taxes & fees

7 Jul - 8 Jul

"Our first stay at Hamilton's Hotel & it was perfect in every way. We paid a little extra for one of their newly renovated rooms & it made our stay immensely enjoyable. Can highly recommend staying here for your visit to Queanbeyan. "

SAR 339 total

includes taxes & fees

23 Jul - 24 Jul

"Friendly staff and nice coffee "

SAR 302 total

includes taxes & fees

14 Jul - 15 Jul

"The location was convenient. The free wifi and air conditioning were good. We had raw chicken from the previous guest left in the fridge in our room, and there was both live and dead cockroaches in the room."

"Great location. Rooms were immaculate and the staff were amazing"

SAR 414 total

includes taxes & fees

9 Jul - 10 Jul

"Very clean with accommodating staff."

SAR 311 total

includes taxes & fees

14 Jul - 15 Jul

Luxury Triple Room, Mountain View | 1 bedroom, desk, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board

"Good venue"

SAR 362 total

includes taxes & fees

7 Jul - 8 Jul

"Room had everything we needed, comfortable and clean"

SAR 349 total

includes taxes & fees

20 Jul - 21 Jul

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Recent reviews of Paddys River hotels

5/5 Excellent

"Clean & Quiet room "

A verified traveler stayed at Pavilion on Northbourne

Posted 2 days ago

5/5 Excellent

"It was a great stay. We were down in Canberra for a birthday celebration for my daughter. Very good location and the hotel is very clean, quiet and comfortable. Staff are super friendly and the services are great. Had a casual chat with staff at reception and told them about the the occasion. Next thing we know, there was a knock at the door and its was a cake with a sign saying Happy Birthday. They made sure we were treated well and went with that extra step with the cake. Overall, its wonderful stay and experience. Kids loved it. "

A verified traveler stayed at Burbury Hotel & Apartments

Posted 6 days ago

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Motels in Paddys River

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Frequently asked questions

What can I expect from a motel trip to Paddys River?

Because you'll save on your room price, you can enjoy all that Paddys River has to offer. National Zoo and Aquarium, Parliament House, and National Museum of Australia are some of the popular places you can visit in the larger area.

What are motels like?

Motels often have free parking, and many also feature an outdoor pool. Often one or two stories tall, motel properties usually have outdoor access to guestrooms from the parking lot. Motels began in the 1920s as a convenient place to stay for the tired traveler taking a road trip along America's major roadways.

What things can I to do in Paddys River?

Favorite places in and around Paddys River include National Zoo and Aquarium, Parliament House, and National Museum of Australia. These are some of the parks and outdoorsy places: Bullen Range Nature Reserve, Kambah Pool Recreation Area, and Pine Island-Point Hut. You'll find these family-friendly sights in the area: Canberra Deep Space Communication Complex, Questacon (National Science and Technology Centre), and Glebe Park. During your trip, here are some other places to visit: Lanyon Landscape Conservation, Namadgi National Park, and Stony Creek Nature Reserve.

What's the seasonal weather like in Paddys River?

Weather can make or break a roadtrip, so we've gathered some data about year-round temperatures in Paddys River to help you plan yours. The hottest months are usually January and February with an average temp of 66°F, while the coldest months are July and June with an average of 45°F. Average annual precipitation for Paddys River is 23 inches.

What are my options for getting around Paddys River when staying in a motel?

We've gathered some information about getting around Paddys River to help you navigate your stay: Fly into Canberra, ACT (CBR-Canberra Intl.), which is located 15.8 mi (25.4 km) away from the city center. If you'd like to venture out around the area, consider renting a car to take in more sights.

Motels in Paddys River

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Compare 23 Motels in Paddys River with updated reviews, rates, and availability.

Forrest Hotel and Apartments

Crest Motor Inn

Grand Manor Motor Inn - Queanbeyan

Canberra Lyneham Motor Inn

Tall Trees Ainslie Motel

Crestview Tourist Park

Queanbeyan Motel

Parkway Motel

Golden Age Motor Inn Queanbeyan

Sundown Villas

River Motel

Country Plaza Queanbeyan

Hamilton’s Queanbeyan Motel

Olympia Motel

Red Cedars Motel

Mid City Motor Inn

Motel Margeurita

Rainbow Motel Queanbeyan

Canberra Ave Villas

Capital Airport Motel

Recent reviews of Paddys River hotels

Pavilion on Northbourne

QT Canberra

Forrest Hotel and Apartments

Avenue Hotel Canberra

Deco Hotel

Burbury Hotel & Apartments

The Sebel Canberra Civic

Madison Capital Executive Apartments

Meriton Suites Canberra

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Motels in Paddys River

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