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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

Photo by Ian Smith

Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve Last Minute Hotel Deals

Punthill Tuggeranong

205 ANKETELL Greenway ACT

Book a stay at this luxury aparthotel in Canberra. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Popular attractions Tuggeranong Town Park Beach ...

Abode Tuggeranong

46 Rowland Rees Crescent Greenway ACT

Stay at this hotel in Canberra. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...

Abode Woden

10 Bowes Street Phillip ACT

Stay at this aparthotel in Canberra. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...

Forrest Hotel and Apartments

30 National Circuit Forrest ACT

Book a stay at this business-friendly motel in Canberra. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...

ibis Styles Canberra

203 Goyder Street Narrabundah ACT

Book a stay at this golf hotel in Canberra. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...

Abode Phillip

6 Furzer Street, Phillip ACT

Stay at this hotel in Canberra. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and parking (surcharge). Popular attractions Canberra Nature Park and Royal Australian ...

Statesman Hotel

Cnr Strangways & Theodore Streets Curtin ACT

Stay at this hotel in Canberra. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...

Hotel Realm

18 National Circuit Barton ACT

Book a stay at this luxury hotel in Canberra. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the spacious ...

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Punthill Tuggeranong

Abode Tuggeranong

Abode Woden

Forrest Hotel and Apartments

ibis Styles Canberra

Abode Phillip

Statesman Hotel

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Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve Last Minute Hotel Deals

Punthill Tuggeranong

Abode Tuggeranong

Abode Woden

Forrest Hotel and Apartments

ibis Styles Canberra

Abode Phillip

Statesman Hotel

Hotel Realm

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