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

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

AED 270 total

includes taxes & fees

14 Aug - 15 Aug

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

"Nice place staff great and helpful friendly "

AED 251 total

includes taxes & fees

25 Jul - 26 Jul

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

AED 258 total

includes taxes & fees

1 Aug - 2 Aug

Fridge, coffee/tea maker, electric kettle

"Clean property, amazing shower, great heating"

AED 378 total

includes taxes & fees

16 Jul - 17 Jul

"Close to city and"

AED 272 total

includes taxes & fees

14 Aug - 15 Aug

King + Double | Soundproofing, free WiFi, bed sheets

"Clean and today. Comfy beds, good tv, really lovely reception staff and super speedy check in. Everything you want for a place to stay. "

AED 270 total

includes taxes & fees

27 Jul - 28 Jul

"A quiet, convenient low fuss experience. Thanks, I will be back again!"

"The location was convenient. The free wifi and air conditioning were good. We had raw chicken from the previous guest left in the fridge in our room, and there was both live and dead cockroaches in the room."

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

AED 334 total

includes taxes & fees

21 Jul - 22 Jul

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

"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 312 total

includes taxes & fees

26 Jul - 27 Jul

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

"Was a good stay and staff were very helpful and knowledgeable "

AED 278 total

includes taxes & fees

3 Aug - 4 Aug

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

AED 315 total

includes taxes & fees

23 Jul - 24 Jul

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

AED 349 total

includes taxes & fees

15 Aug - 16 Aug

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

AED 388 total

includes taxes & fees

27 Jul - 28 Jul

"Room had everything we needed, comfortable and clean"

AED 297 total

includes taxes & fees

15 Aug - 16 Aug

"Friendly staff and nice coffee "

AED 293 total

includes taxes & fees

20 Jul - 21 Jul

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

"Good venue"

AED 353 total

includes taxes & fees

27 Jul - 28 Jul

"Very clean with accommodating staff."

AED 295 total

includes taxes & fees

14 Aug - 15 Aug

"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. "

AED 326 total

includes taxes & fees

30 Jul - 31 Jul

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Recent reviews of Paddys River hotels

5/5 Excellent

"The room was totally over my expectations! amazing staff and facilities. Will definitely come back!!!"

A verified traveler stayed at Deco Hotel

Posted 18 hours ago

5/5 Excellent

very cool tropical design restaurant lay out

"Old building but well maintained, openable window is good to have some fresh air in the room but central aircon which is hard to set room temperature as u want. Close to tram station and walkable to Dickson where tons of shops and restaurants are there."

A verified traveler stayed at Pavilion on Northbourne

Posted 3 days ago

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Motels in Paddys River

Motels in Canberra

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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

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Motels in Paddys River

Forrest Hotel and Apartments

Forrest Hotel and Apartments

Grand Manor Motor Inn - Queanbeyan

Grand Manor Motor Inn - Queanbeyan

Golden Age Motor Inn Queanbeyan

Golden Age Motor Inn Queanbeyan

Crest Motor Inn

Crest Motor Inn

Canberra Lyneham Motor Inn

Canberra Lyneham Motor Inn

Queanbeyan Motel

Queanbeyan Motel

Crestview Tourist Park

Crestview Tourist Park

Red Cedars Motel

Red Cedars Motel

Sundown Villas

Sundown Villas

Parkway Motel

Parkway Motel

Tall Trees Ainslie Motel

Tall Trees Ainslie Motel

River Motel

River Motel

Country Plaza Queanbeyan

Country Plaza Queanbeyan

Mid City Motor Inn

Mid City Motor Inn

Canberra Ave Villas

Canberra Ave Villas

Olympia Motel

Olympia Motel

Rainbow Motel Queanbeyan

Rainbow Motel Queanbeyan

Motel Margeurita

Motel Margeurita

Hamilton’s Queanbeyan Motel

Hamilton’s Queanbeyan Motel

Capital Airport Motel

Capital Airport Motel

Recent reviews of Paddys River hotels

Recent reviews of Paddys River hotels

Deco Hotel

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Motels in Paddys River

More Accommodation Types in Paddys River

Frequently asked questions