TheRamblingWombat ACT - Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

Camel’s Hump Walk – Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

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The Camel’s Hump walk is the longest and overall the hardest (though the Nils Desperandum walk , for instance, has harder sections) of the marked walks within Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve. There are two suggested ways of getting there with one departing from the Visitors Centre (19kms return) and the other leaving from the Mountain Creek car park (11.6kms return). Both walks are classified as hard with a recommended duration of 8hrs and 6hrs respectively. Continue reading “Camel’s Hump Walk – Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve” →

TheRamblingWombat ACT - Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

Nil Desperandum Homestead and the Irish Connection

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Archaeological excavations at Birrigai Rock Shelter have confirmed the existence of Aboriginal habitation in the Tidbinbilla Valley going back some 21,000 years.

The first European to settle in the valley was George Webb who squatted here in1832, prior to obtaining formal government approval, in the 1860s. Continue reading “Nil Desperandum Homestead and the Irish Connection” →

TheRamblingWombat ACT - Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

Lyrebird Trail – Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

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Spot a Lyrebird

The Lyrebird Trail a short 2 kilometre walk from the Mountain Creek car park.

I did this walk in late October (mid spring) and did not sight a lyrebird. They are more likely to be seen in the winter months and if you are especially fortunate you might find a male lyrebird on one of his many dancing mounds as he throws his tail over his head like a shimmering silver veil and puts on a dancing display as part of his courtship performance while all the time mimicking the sounds of numerous other birds. Continue reading “Lyrebird Trail – Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve” →

TheRamblingWombat ACT - Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

Cascades Trail – Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

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This is an absolute gem of a walk and quite a contract to other walks in the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve.

It starts from the Mountain Creek car-park (as do the Camel’s Hump and Lyrebird walks) and very quickly you are under a cool canopy of trees and bush as you make you way upwards along a bubbling stream towards the cascades though you don’t get to see much of the stream on the way up. Continue reading “Cascades Trail – Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve” →

TheRamblingWombat ACT - Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

Sore Neck Walk – Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve – Spot a Koala

27As you may have guessed there is, in fact, no walk in the Reserve with the name Sore Neck though for a country with places like Mount Buggery, Titwobble Lane and many more in a similar vain (see my Australia introduction review for many more) it would not be a surprise if there was. What I refer to as Sore Neck walk is in fact two walks – Koala Path, a very easy 700m loop walk which can easily be done in 15-20 minutes and Peppermint Trail an equally easy 1.8 kms loop walk which can be done in 30-45 mins. Koala Path is actually wheelchair accessible.

I have included both these walks in the same review as they are of similar scenery and intent and are indeed within the same fence enclosed area. Essentially Koala Path is a sealed surface sub-part of the gravel Peppermint Trail. Continue reading “Sore Neck Walk – Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve – Spot a Koala” →

TheRamblingWombat ACT - Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

Hanging Rock Walk – Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

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A very short and easy walk.

While only 500metres in length the walk does involves some steps. Allow 30 minutes at a very leisurely pace as you meander though the eucalypt forest, partially along a creek, en-route to the Hanging Rock. This is a circular walk best done in a clockwise direction. Continue reading “Hanging Rock Walk – Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve” →

TheRamblingWombat ACT - Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

The Sanctuary Loop – Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve

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This is an easy 2.1km wetlands walk (a half loop can be completed) which according to the guide takes 1.5hrs. It can be done in much less than this though do spend a bit of time to enjoy the walk and the sights along the way. You could spend a few hours here. The walk (apart from a couple of very short side detours) is fully sealed, has a number of seats, and is wheel chair accessible. It is a great (must-do) introduction the the Reserve. Continue reading “The Sanctuary Loop – Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve” →