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

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"haven tavern on site with meals"

AED 357 total

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14 May - 15 May

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5/5 Excellent

"Lovely big room. Very comfortable bed. Close to Manuka oval and many restaurants Would absolutely recommend "

A verified traveler stayed at Brassey Hotel

Posted 2 days ago

5/5 Excellent

"Great to have an old building being used to its fullest potential. Courtyard looks amazing . Room was clean , linen was fresh , room was comfortable and good size . While there is approx 15-20 free parking spots unsecured at the front it's $28 to use their rear secured car park . The $28 extra parking fee would be a reason for me to find a hotel without a parking fee. It was 3 adults and 3 rooms . All 3 rooms were good . The breakfast only concern was when you pick up a plate to use that's been through the dish washer and it still has food remnants on its and juice glasses were similar . "

A verified traveler stayed at Mercure Canberra

Posted 2 days ago

5/5 Excellent

Great stay

"Great stay. Comfortable room. Bathroom/Shower excellent. Nice bed...just a lower pillow option would be good but other then that, it was great. Breakfast a pleasant bonus & was very good with many options. Staff very nice & happy"

A verified traveler stayed at Madison Capital Executive Apartments

Posted 4 days ago

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Southside Village

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