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

Vacation Homes in Paddys River

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Vacation Homes in Paddys River

BRADDON CENTRAL SANCTUARY

Braddon

Casey C.

Gorgeous 2-Bed Townhouse with Patio, BBQ & Parking

Kingston

"The property was gorgeous. Clean, tidy and beautifully presented. Kitchen was fabulous and well stocked with crockery, cutlery and cooking utensils. Lots of separate areas so we didn't feel like we were living ontop of each other. Fabulous entertaining spot in the courtyard. Situated close to the kingston foreshore and Manuka so we had access to lots of eateries, coffee shops, grocery stores etc. We would definitely book and stay here again. "

Sandy A.

Modern 3-Bedroom Home, Belconnen – Free Parking

Higgins

AED 908 total

includes taxes & fees

24 Nov - 25 Nov

Pet-Friendly Central Stay | 2BR/2BA + Fenced Yard & Covered Secure Parking!

Queanbeyan East

molly j.

AED 713 total

includes taxes & fees

15 Dec - 16 Dec

Sweet Holiday Home by the Golf Course

Nicholls

Sharon P.

AED 490 total

includes taxes & fees

24 Nov - 25 Nov

Cheerful 4-bedroom home with natural backyard

Nicholls

Rebecca m.

AED 1,456 total

includes taxes & fees

30 Nov - 1 Dec

Modern 3B house, pet friendly close nature reserve

Throsby

AED 893 total

includes taxes & fees

15 Dec - 16 Dec

Central, Classic, Spacious Home+ Separate Studio

Narrabundah

"Unfortunately the cleanliness and maintenance of this property was dreadful. I arrived to catch up with life long friends. We had all travelled long distances by air or road. The suburb is not real nice, the outside of the property is average and it just got worse once inside. No top sheets on beds, bottom sheets were all wrinkled and some had stains and black hair in them. Toilet wasnt cleaned covered in urine, shower had 2 bars of used soap and was not cleaned, toilet window doesn’t lock,...

suzie H.

BRADDON CENTRAL CONVENIENCE

Braddon

Lei-Anne S.

Naturale @Narrabundah

Narrabundah

"I have stayed in a lot of different houses and had never had such a terrible experience.The key lock was jammed and wouldn't open. Contacted the "owner" and requested assistance...very poor response, had to wait over 2hrs for any assistance. House itself is terribly run down, uninhabitable and unsafe.Warning - there is no safety switch or circuit breaker at this property. A gas heater downstairs that didn't work, and even if it did it's awfully old and there is no carbon monoxide alarm. The...

Karen C.

AED 729 total

includes taxes & fees

17 Nov - 18 Nov

Charming And Peaceful 3 Bedroom House

Charnwood

Kat T.

AED 892 total

includes taxes & fees

15 Dec - 16 Dec

Home away from Home

Karabar

Peter L.

Your home away from home

Jerrabomberra

"We needed somewhere to stay in this area and this one was the only one that could accommodate us all for this weekend. It was fine however needed a good, thorough clean, especially under lots of furniture. It looks like there are lots of band aid fixes as renos but the price we paid was not value for money. Walls filthy, the whole place needs cleaning and painting throughout. The towels supplied were paper thin. Beds comfortable."

VIV W.

AED 1,212 total

includes taxes & fees

5 Dec - 6 Dec