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

Aparthotels in Paddys River

Compare and save

Change your mind
Book hotels with free cancellation
Treat yourself
Sign in to save 10% or more on thousands of hotels
Sign in
Be picky
Search almost a million properties worldwide

Check prices for these dates

Next weekend

In two weeks

In one month

In two months

Aparthotels in Paddys River

Superior Queen Room | Private kitchenette | Fridge, microwave, stovetop, espresso maker

The Sebel Canberra Civic

Canberra City Centre

Michelle

NT$3,076 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 14 - Nov 15

Abode Woden

Phillip

Karen

NT$2,874 total

includes taxes & fees

Dec 5 - Dec 6

Meriton Suites Canberra

Canberra City Centre

Trish

NT$3,036 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 16 - Nov 17

Daily to-go breakfast (AUD 23 per person)

Abode Belconnen

Belconnen

Minna

NT$3,339 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 23 - Nov 24

Mantra MacArthur Canberra

Turner

Janelle

NT$2,206 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 30 - Dec 1

1 bedroom, in-room safe, iron/ironing board, free cribs/infant beds

Adina Serviced Apartments Canberra James Court

Braddon

Guido

NT$3,260 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 30 - Dec 1

Daily cooked-to-order breakfast for a fee

A by Adina Canberra

Canberra City Centre

Michal

NT$3,390 total

includes taxes & fees

Dec 7 - Dec 8

Quest Canberra

Canberra City Centre

Catherine

NT$3,036 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 13 - Nov 14

Studio Apartment | Premium bedding, in-room safe, individually furnished, desk

Quest Canberra City Walk

Canberra City Centre

Patrick

NT$2,623 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 28 - Nov 29

Mini-fridge, microwave, stovetop, espresso maker

The Sebel Canberra Campbell

Campbell

Nigel

NT$3,521 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 16 - Nov 17

Abode Narrabundah

Narrabundah

Angel

NT$2,890 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 13 - Nov 14

Nesuto Canberra

Canberra City Centre

Kath

NT$2,563 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 16 - Nov 17

50-inch Smart TV with satellite channels, Netflix, streaming services

Punthill Tuggeranong

Greenway

Joshua

NT$2,623 total

includes taxes & fees

Dec 7 - Dec 8

Three Bedroom Deluxe Apartment (2nd Floor - Stairs Only) | Living area | 30-inch LCD TV with premium channels, TV

Pinnacle Apartments

Griffith

Scott

NT$3,643 total

includes taxes & fees

Dec 7 - Dec 8

Oxley Court Serviced Apartments

Griffith

Kylie

NT$3,306 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 16 - Nov 17

Full-size fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

Adina Serviced Apartments Canberra Kingston

Griffith

Demeter

NT$3,423 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 13 - Nov 14

Three Bedroom Penthouse | Living room | LCD TV

BreakFree Capital Tower

Canberra City Centre

Jodi

NT$4,634 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 30 - Dec 1

Tempur-Pedic beds, individually furnished, desk, laptop workspace

Manuka Park Apartments

Griffith

Marianne

NT$3,361 total

includes taxes & fees

Nov 16 - Nov 17

Nishi Apartments Eco Living By Ovolo

Canberra City Centre

Emma

NT$4,171 total

includes taxes & fees

Dec 7 - Dec 8

Unilodge at UC Short Stays

Bruce

Carolyn

View all properties

Save an average of 15% on thousands of hotels when you're signed in

Top Paddys River Hotel Reviews

Hyatt Hotel Canberra - a Park Hyatt

10/10 Excellent

"Excellent stay. Staff went above and beyond to make us feel welcome. Amazing gym and pool, as well as other facilities. Only minor downside is the bed, which is okay but could have been more comfy. "

Find out more about Paddys River

Paddys River Aparthotels information

Number of reviews	17,315
Accommodation	23 Aparthotels
Lowest Price	NT$2,206
Highest Price	NT$4,634

Aparthotels in Paddys River

Compare and save

Change your mind

Treat yourself

Be picky

Check prices for these dates

Aparthotels in Paddys River

The Sebel Canberra Civic

Abode Woden

Meriton Suites Canberra

Abode Belconnen

Mantra MacArthur Canberra

Adina Serviced Apartments Canberra James Court

A by Adina Canberra

Quest Canberra

Quest Canberra City Walk

The Sebel Canberra Campbell

Abode Narrabundah

Nesuto Canberra

Punthill Tuggeranong

Pinnacle Apartments

Oxley Court Serviced Apartments

Adina Serviced Apartments Canberra Kingston

BreakFree Capital Tower

Manuka Park Apartments

Nishi Apartments Eco Living By Ovolo

Unilodge at UC Short Stays

Top Paddys River Hotel Reviews

Hyatt Hotel Canberra - a Park Hyatt

Find out more about Paddys River

Paddys River Aparthotels information

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

More Accommodation Types in Paddys River

All Accommodation Types

More ways to book