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

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Standard Cabin, Multiple Bedrooms, Non Smoking, Kitchen (Rosella Villa) | Living area | TV

"Excellent place to stay with family."

$101 nightly

Oct 26 - Oct 27

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"A great little cottage in a quiet suburb close to amenities. "

"Great little place, tucked about in quiet street. Lovely & clean with everything we needed. Host was excellent to deal with."

"Property was as advertised. Host was excellent. Very happy with our stay. Would happily stay again."

$130 nightly

Oct 13 - Oct 14

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$327 nightly

Sep 28 - Sep 29

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Rydges Canberra

10/10 Excellent

"Very central and convenient"

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Number of reviews	360
Accommodation	5 Cottages
Lowest Price	$101
Highest Price	$327

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Capital Country Holiday Park

Agapantha Cottage - Country in the City, original artwork, wkly/mthly discounts

Modern cottage central location

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Rydges Canberra

QT Canberra

Pavilion on Northbourne

Avenue Hotel Canberra

Crowne Plaza Canberra by IHG

Novotel Canberra

ibis Styles Canberra

Abode Woden

Deco Hotel

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