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

Find All Paddys River Hotels

Upfront pricing

Our total price for your stay includes taxes and fees

Treat yourself

Save 10% or more on over 100,000 hotels worldwide with Member Prices

Learn about One Key

Be picky

Search almost a million properties worldwide

Find All Paddys River Hotels

We have found 829 Paddys River Hotels

Rydges Canberra
Avenue Hotel Canberra
Pavilion on Northbourne
Crowne Plaza Canberra by IHG
Deco Hotel
Hyatt Hotel Canberra - a Park Hyatt
QT Canberra
Novotel Canberra
Burbury Hotel & Apartments
ibis Styles Canberra
Hotel Realm
Madison Capital Executive Apartments
Mercure Canberra
Brassey Hotel
Forrest Hotel and Apartments
ibis Styles Canberra Eaglehawk
Hotel Queanbeyan Canberra
Alivio Tourist Park Canberra
Ramada Encore by Wyndham Belconnen Canberra
Quality Hotel Dickson
Canberra Accommodation Centre
Midnight Hotel, Autograph Collection
Ramada by Wyndham Diplomat Canberra
ibis budget Canberra
Little National Hotel Canberra
Peppers Gallery Hotel Canberra
Canberra Rex Hotel & Serviced Apartments
Mantra on Northbourne Canberra
Ovolo Nishi
Mercure Canberra Belconnen
Vibe Hotel Canberra
Knightsbridge Canberra
Crest Motor Inn
Statesman Hotel
Grand Manor Motor Inn - Queanbeyan
Abode Kingston
Crestview Tourist Park
East Hotel
Abode Phillip
Canberra Lyneham Motor Inn
Hotel Kurrajong Canberra
Canberra Parklands Central
Leumeah Lodge
BreakFree Queanbeyan
Abode Gungahlin
Garden City Hotel, BW Signature Collection
Queanbeyan Motel
Golden Age Motor Inn Queanbeyan
Adina Serviced Apartments Canberra Dickson
Alpha Hotel Canberra
Jamala Wildlife Lodge
Little Drifter Canberra
Sundown Villas
River Motel
Belconnen Way Hotel Motel and Serviced Apartments
Country Plaza Queanbeyan
Red Cedars Motel
Canberra Ave Villas
Tall Trees Ainslie Motel
Olympia Motel
Mid City Motor Inn
Canberra City YHA - Hostel
Parkway Motel
Hamilton’s Queanbeyan Motel
Central Motel & Apartments, Signature
ANU - University House Hotel
Abode Tuggeranong
Motel Margeurita
Accommodate Canberra Midnight Apartments
Jacka home
The Evergreen B&B
Capital Airport Motel
The Statesman Hotel

Let Expedia take you to the best Hotels in Paddys River. You'll find the largest selection of hotel deals, discount prices, and cheap hotel rates on reservations anywhere in the world. Expedia, the leader in world travel, gives you customer reviews, maps, and the best selection of hotels near landmarks and attractions.

Unlock instant savings with Member Prices

Find All Paddys River Hotels

Upfront pricing

Treat yourself

Be picky

Find All Paddys River Hotels

We have found 829 Paddys River Hotels