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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Motels in Paddys River

Our top choices for Paddys River motels

Front of property - evening/night

"This is a great place to stay with a family or for a longer stay."

SAR 270 total

includes taxes & fees

22 Aug - 23 Aug

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

"Very good place "

SAR 264 total

includes taxes & fees

22 Aug - 23 Aug

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

"Was easy last min booking with after hours access "

SAR 275 total

includes taxes & fees

24 Aug - 25 Aug

Budget Room | View from room

"Our stay was comfortable and it was all good. "

SAR 315 total

includes taxes & fees

21 Sep - 22 Sep

Fridge, coffee/tea maker, electric kettle

"nice & clean, good for an overnight stay"

SAR 277 total

includes taxes & fees

23 Aug - 24 Aug

Seasonal outdoor pool

"Exelent staff Great value for money"

SAR 323 total

includes taxes & fees

3 Sep - 4 Sep

King + Double | Soundproofing, free WiFi, bed sheets

"Great value for money."

SAR 287 total

includes taxes & fees

8 Sep - 9 Sep

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

"Very friendly operator close to shops pleasant stay"

SAR 266 total

includes taxes & fees

24 Aug - 25 Aug

Breakfast area

"Every thing "

SAR 407 total

includes taxes & fees

29 Aug - 30 Aug

Exterior detail

"Spacious room for family, ample parking, safe, family friendly"

SAR 279 total

includes taxes & fees

22 Aug - 23 Aug

BBQ/picnic area

"Met my needs to stay in Canberra with a car. Had a kitchenette that was fully used."

SAR 371 total

includes taxes & fees

23 Aug - 24 Aug

Exterior

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

SAR 327 total

includes taxes & fees

27 Aug - 28 Aug

Exterior

"Enjoyed the close proximity to canberra. Friendly helpful staff. "

SAR 372 total

includes taxes & fees

18 Sep - 19 Sep

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

"Good venue"

SAR 400 total

includes taxes & fees

10 Sep - 11 Sep

Hallway

"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 359 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Sep - 5 Sep

Property grounds

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

SAR 394 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Sep - 5 Sep

House | In-room dining

"Room had everything we needed, comfortable and clean"

SAR 293 total

includes taxes & fees

27 Aug - 28 Aug

Property grounds

"nice"

SAR 290 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Sep - 5 Sep

Front of property - evening/night

"Very clean with accommodating staff."

SAR 301 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Sep - 5 Sep

Exterior

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Top Paddys River Hotel Reviews

Hotel Realm

Hotel Realm

10/10 Excellent

"good charger for ev outside"

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