What to do in Paddys River

Activities, attractions and tours

Aerial view of Paddy's River Falls after heavy rain. Heavy flowing waterfall in New South Wales, Australia.
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
Along the trail, there is the story of how Canberra receives its water and the importance of Cotter Reserve in its planning. At the end of the short trail, you will be amazed to find the 16 metre wide viewing platform overlooking the dam itself.
A short walk along the discovery trail to see Cotter Dam. Along the trail, there is the story of how Canberra receives its water and the importance of Cotter Reserve in its planning. At the end of the short trail, you will be amazed to find the 16 metre wide viewing platform overlooking the dam itself. Hard to believe the water level is to the very top on the rim especially when you are standing well below.
This is part of NASA’s Deep Space Network and is one of only 3 tracking facilities in the world responsible for providing vital two way radio contact – pretty cool aye. Located on Discovery Drive, Tidbinbilla about 35kms southwest of the city, it’s open every day (except for Christmas day) from 9am to 5pm. It’s a great little drive and when you are just under 1km away, you will be able to get your first glimpse of the giant 70 metre wide communication ‘dish’ known as Deep Space Station 43. Once at the Visitor Centre, there are lots of exhibits on show.
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Most fun & popular experiences in Paddys River

Tours & day trips

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Canberra: Kangaroos and Koala Experience Tour

Canberra: Kangaroos and Koala Experience Tour

Activity duration is 4 hours
10.0 out of 10 with 11 reviews
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$135 per adult
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Food, drink & nightlife

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Batemans Bay: 3-Day Murramarang South Coast Walk

Batemans Bay: 3-Day Murramarang South Coast Walk

Activity duration is 3 days
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$1,750 per adult
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Adventure & outdoor

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Riverside Canberra Stargazing Tour with Astronomer

Riverside Canberra Stargazing Tour with Astronomer

Activity duration is 1 hour and 30 minutes
Price is AU$92 per adult
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Attractions

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National Museum of Australia: Ultimate Museum Experience

National Museum of Australia: Ultimate Museum Experience

Activity duration is 3 hours
Free cancellation available
Price is AU$62 per adult
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What to do in Paddys River

 

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Day trip destinations from Paddys River

Parliament House which includes landscape views and an administrative building

Canberra

Along the trail, there is the story of how Canberra receives its water and the importance of Cotter Reserve in its planning. At the end of the short trail, you will be amazed to find the 16 metre wide viewing platform overlooking the dam itself.

Coree