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

Compare and save

Change your mind

Book hotels with free cancellation

Treat yourself

Be picky

Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check prices for these dates

Next weekend

In two weeks

In one month

In two months

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

"The hotel was clean everything was fine for the one night we stayed price was reasonable for what you get "

AED 237 total

includes taxes & fees

1 Jun - 2 Jun

"Place and Staff are nice. Only beds are not comfortable."

AED 320 total

includes taxes & fees

4 Jun - 5 Jun

"A tired old property but well worth it "

AED 271 total

includes taxes & fees

29 Jun - 30 Jun

Deluxe Queen and Single Room | Premium bedding, desk, soundproofing, iron/ironing board

"I stayed here for a night with my dog and everything was great! Easy self-check-in, comfortable bed, cute property, great rates."

AED 274 total

includes taxes & fees

31 May - 1 Jun

King + Double | Soundproofing, free WiFi, bed sheets

"I regularly stay at this property as a business traveller. Good location, tidy, comfortable rooms and friendly staff."

AED 257 total

includes taxes & fees

31 May - 1 Jun

Fridge, coffee/tea maker, electric kettle

"Good motel Clean and safe "

AED 233 total

includes taxes & fees

6 Jun - 7 Jun

Desk, iron/ironing board, bed sheets, wheelchair access

"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. "

AED 234 total

includes taxes & fees

1 Jun - 2 Jun

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

AED 319 total

includes taxes & fees

12 Jun - 13 Jun

"It’s very good for the price. Check in and out was very convenient. We were actually lucky to have early check in. Thanks."

AED 273 total

includes taxes & fees

31 May - 1 Jun

"Nice and clean hotel"

AED 240 total

includes taxes & fees

15 Jun - 16 Jun

"Nice property. Quiet and convenient "

AED 309 total

includes taxes & fees

31 May - 1 Jun

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

AED 417 total

includes taxes & fees

5 Jun - 6 Jun

"Shes good for the price, getting a bit long in the tooth."

AED 280 total

includes taxes & fees

12 Jun - 13 Jun

"Great place to stay comfortable beds , fantastic shower , great heating ,very clean , overall a lovely place. "

AED 283 total

includes taxes & fees

9 Jun - 10 Jun

"Very clean with accommodating staff."

AED 289 total

includes taxes & fees

12 Jun - 13 Jun

"Clean, Good Value for money, Comfort Shower Water is hot "

AED 305 total

includes taxes & fees

12 Jun - 13 Jun

"It is great value for money, very quiet and conveniently located."

AED 332 total

includes taxes & fees

31 May - 1 Jun

Luxury Triple Room, Mountain View | Desk, laptop workspace, iron/ironing board, free WiFi

"Nice & clean rooms. All facilities provided were in very good condition. Helpful staff. Will recommend it to all who are looking for a nice property to stay at a budget."

AED 327 total

includes taxes & fees

3 Jun - 4 Jun

Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels when you're signed in

Recent reviews of Paddys River hotels

5/5 Excellent

"Great location, close to city centre and attractions. Very clean, lovely restaurant attached. Highly recommend. "

A verified traveler stayed at Pavilion on Northbourne

Posted 3 days ago

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Motels in Paddys River

Motels in Canberra

More Accommodation Types in Paddys River

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

Compare and save

Check prices for these dates

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

Forrest Hotel and Apartments

Crestview Tourist Park

Canberra Lyneham Motor Inn

Grand Manor Motor Inn - Queanbeyan

Queanbeyan Motel

Crest Motor Inn

Parkway Motel

Sundown Villas

Canberra Ave Villas

Golden Age Motor Inn Queanbeyan

Country Plaza Queanbeyan

Mid City Motor Inn

Olympia Motel

Hamilton’s Queanbeyan Motel

Motel Margeurita

River Motel

Red Cedars Motel

Rainbow Motel Queanbeyan

Capital Airport Motel

Recent reviews of Paddys River hotels

Pavilion on Northbourne

Novotel Canberra

QT Canberra

Madison Capital Executive Apartments

Hotel Realm

Meriton Suites Canberra

Forrest Hotel and Apartments

Avenue Hotel Canberra

Deco Hotel

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Motels in Paddys River

More Accommodation Types in Paddys River

Frequently asked questions