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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"I really liked staying here. Clean and quiet . Beds were very comfortable ! "

￥13,126 total

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Oct 6 - Oct 7

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

"Pleasant check in, very presentable and clean room, breakfast and dining excellent. "

￥14,855 total

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Oct 6 - Oct 7

Daily to-go breakfast (AUD 23 per person)

"Great hotel recommend staying "

￥14,465 total

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Oct 26 - Oct 27

"Lovely hotel, close to tram and all major sites. Rooms were very clean, comfortable bed and quiet."

￥14,563 total

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Oct 12 - Oct 13

"Great room service, nice suite, and everything needed to enjoy stay within walking distance!"

￥18,863 total

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Oct 9 - Oct 10

Daily cooked-to-order breakfast for a fee

"I always love staying here!"

￥20,687 total

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Oct 12 - Oct 13

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

"Close to everything! "

￥16,713 total

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Oct 26 - Oct 27

Mini-fridge, microwave, stovetop, espresso maker

"It’s a nice place to stay, clean and comfortable. "

￥17,005 total

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Oct 6 - Oct 7

"Friendly staff."

￥15,123 total

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Oct 6 - Oct 7

"Great location. Even the airport bus stops nearby. "

￥14,884 total

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Oct 12 - Oct 13

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

"Great spot "

￥21,307 total

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Oct 30 - Oct 31

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

"Great location "

￥20,143 total

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Oct 26 - Oct 27

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

"Former local, very convenient with great staff and facilities."

￥14,763 total

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Oct 26 - Oct 27

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

"Comfortable stay, the bed was super nice. Close to shops and restaurants and to tourist sites "

￥16,044 total

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Oct 12 - Oct 13

"Stayed here several times before. Great that it is pet friendly. Unfortunately there were issues with the air conditioning however extra blankets and portable heaters were supplied. Our stay was fine however the rooms are starting to need a refresh. Looking a little dated. "

￥14,465 total

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Oct 23 - Oct 24

"Clean, comfortable and affordable."

￥18,517 total

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Oct 6 - Oct 7

Three Bedroom Penthouse | Living room | LCD TV

"Nice place to stay with family "

￥21,405 total

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Oct 26 - Oct 27

"Love this hotel and the team"

￥19,423 total

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Oct 12 - Oct 13

"It's a great place the cabins are beautiful "

￥14,161 total

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Oct 28 - Oct 29

Full-size fridge, microwave, oven, stovetop

"Lovely garden and a quiet stay. The rooms were exceptionally clean and spacious. The indoor pool was much enjoyed by the kids "

￥18,194 total

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Oct 12 - Oct 13

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Rydges Canberra

10/10 Excellent

"Very central and convenient"

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