Hi all,
I will lead a daywalk through the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve this coming Sunday, taking in wonderful views from Tidbinbilla Mountain, the Pimple, Tidbinbilla Peak and John's Peak. Approximate distance of 15-16km, with 700-800m of elevation gain. The trail comprises a mix of foot pads (vague and slightly overgrown tracks), walking tracks and fire trail walking. This trip is suitable for people with some day walking (bushwalking) experience, or keen beginners with a moderate level of fitness (and no hesitation about walking through a bit of scrub).
You will need to bring normal bushwalking equipment including:
- Lunch, snacks, at least 2.5L of water
- Day pack, rain jacket, warm jacket (it is usually considerably colder on the peaks than in Canberra)
- Sun protection (sunnies, hat, sunscreen)
- Headtorch and batteries (for emergencies in case we are delayed returning)
Optional - gaiters, hiking poles, gloves, beanie (depending on weather forecast)
The plan will be to meet at ANU Sport at 0730 and drive to Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve (arrive by 0830 and walking by 0845). Park at Mountain Creek carpark, and take the Lyrebird Trail to start, then onto the footpad up to Snowy Corner (approx 500m elevation gain over 2kms - steep walking!), then onto Tidbinbilla Mountain, across the peaks with a side trip to the Pimple (note this involves some rock scrambling to reach the summit, so comfort with rock scrambling needed and is also reported to be very scrubby walking to access it) then onto Tidbinbilla Peak and Johns Paak before we rejoin the Camels Hump fire trail and take this back to the carpark. This is a full day walk, we may not be back at the cars until 5-6pm, and back in Canberra about an hour later. For an idea of the hike see the notes here https://www.johnevans.id.au/wp/31-july-2019-tidbinbilla-mountain-to-johns-peak-traverse/ and for details of the scramble to the Pimple see photos on this page: http://www.tobiashayashi.com/blog/2020/7/16/hike-to-tidbinbilla-mountain-and-the-pimple
Note as a day walk there will be no pre-trip - transport and final details will be conveyed via email. Please ensure that if you sign up you check your emails daily for final details.