This is a challenging walk for anyone wanting a great view of
Canberra and the Tidbinbilla Valley. You will need to set aside a
complete day, take at least one litre of water and protection from
the elements should the weather turn bad. The area may be covered
in snow during winter.
There are two options for reaching the cache.
- Option 1 - Start at Fishing Hole carpark in the south of
Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve (S35 28.833, E148 53.985). Follow the
fire trail up to the saddle (about 3.5 km), then head up the north
spur to the top of Mount Domain (S35 28.458, E148 52.205). From
there continue north to Snow Corner (S35 26.568, E148 52.232). You
can climb to the top of Mount Tidbinbilla if you're doing good
time. The cache is on a saddle point 200 metres before you reach
Tidbinbilla Peak. You can return the way you came, follow option 2
in reverse or B-line it done a steap spur.
- Option 2 - Start from the carpark at the start of Camel Hump
trail (S35 27.378, E148 53.222). Follow the fire trail towards
Camel Hump (approximately five kilometres), until you reach the
burnt remains of a communications tower (S35 25.437, E148 53.660).
Head SSE towards Johns Peak (S35 25.955 E148 53.315) for a
demanding traverse around (or over this peak). Stick to the east
and south faces, as the northwest face has a shear drop. Follow the
ridge west and then south to Tidbinbilla Peak. The cache is a
further 200 metres south on a saddle. You can return the way you
came, follow option 1 in reverse or B-line it done a steep
spur.
Both options are quite rocky and will not only test your
fitness, but boots as well. I wouldn't recommend this trip for
children or unfit people. Also note, it took us 10.5 hours to
complete the circuit.
Register your walk with the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and
contact them via mobile (Ph. 6205 1233) if you think you will be
late or are in trouble. The park closes at 8 pm during daylight
savings (Nov-Mar) and 6 pm at other times. There is currently NO
admission charge to the park.
Handicaching rating:
H55552