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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

Alpha Hotel Canberra

46 Rowland Rees Crescent, Greenway, ACT

Stay at this 4-star hotel in Canberra. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and daily housekeeping. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular attractions ...

Punthill Tuggeranong

205 ANKETELL, Greenway, ACT

Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Canberra. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a fitness center. Popular attractions Tuggeranong Town Park ...

Rydges Canberra

Corner Canberra Ave & National Circuit, Forrest, ACT

Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in Canberra. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a sauna. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...

Abode Woden

10 Bowes Street, Phillip, ACT

Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Canberra. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms ...

Abode Phillip

6 Furzer Street,, Phillip, ACT

Stay at this 3-star 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 3.5-star hotel in Canberra. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 3 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the restaurant and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...

The Sebel Canberra Civic

197 LONDON CIRCUIT, Canberra, ACT

Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Canberra. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a health club. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean ...

Burbury Hotel & Apartments

1 Burbury Close, Canberra, Barton, ACT

Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Canberra. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in ...

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