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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Cottages in Paddys River

Relax by the pool surrounded by a scenic park area.

"Excellent place to stay with family."

$100 nightly

Aug 10 - Aug 11

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Relax in a serene outdoor setting with a covered patio featuring a seating area and a table.

"Beautiful country retreat in quiet location close to Canberra."

$129 nightly

Sep 1 - Sep 2

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Enjoy a compact apartment with a kitchenette, dining table, and sofa, perfect for a comfortable stay.

"It was good. 🙏"

Enter a serene oasis surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flowers.

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

Relax in this spacious living area with a sofa, dining table, and balcony access to a lush landscape.

$323 nightly

Aug 7 - Aug 8

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Top Paddys River Hotel Reviews

Deco Hotel

10/10 Excellent

"I stayed here because it was only about 250M to the tram station."

ibis Styles Canberra

10/10 Excellent

"Got to stay at ibis because of a last minute change of plan with another hotel canceled our booking due to plumbing issue. Stayed one night and was most satisfied with the room and easy check-in. Only problem was the design of the kitchen sink was Inappropriate. Otherwise a very nice two bedroom unit. Thankyou."

Brassey Hotel

10/10 Excellent

"Loved the access to the gym, but not all gym areas were available. My partner is an athlete and was prepping for a competition and needed a quiet space to yoga, but the yoga space in the gym was unavailable to be accessed or used; despite the facility not being booked by a personal trainer. The gym/spa staff were not helpful towards the request to use this part of the gym facility from a hotel guest, notwithstanding that the hotel promotes access to the gym. Also the spa was not available to be accessed by hotel guests on Saturday. These were the only disappointing parts of the stay."

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Number of reviews	356
Accommodation	5 Cottages
Lowest Price	$100
Highest Price	$323

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Capital Country Holiday Park

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

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Deco Hotel

Novotel Canberra

QT Canberra

The Sebel Canberra Civic

ibis Styles Canberra Eaglehawk

ibis Styles Canberra

Hotel Realm

Forrest Hotel and Apartments

Brassey Hotel

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