Grade: M-XX
Distance: 40km return
Road Conditions: Mostly cycle paths, with a short road section down to Kambah Pool. Steep hill down to the Reserve.
Route: This ride heads south-west mainly on cycle paths which take you across open paddocks and then through suburban areas of Weston Creek and south into Tuggeranong. Return the same way.
Map: Canberra Cycleways Map and 1:100 000 Topographic Map of the Australian Capital Territory.
Starting Point:Weston Park.
Description:
A popular series of swimming holes on the Murrumbidgee River. Nude bathing is allowed at one of the pools. Barbecues and toilets are provided.
Exit Weston Park westward (right) and follow the main cycle path past the Yarralumla Nursery and the Governor-General’s Residence and down under the Lady Denman Drive underpass. Ignore the left turn immediately after the underpass, but turn left when you get to the next cycle path intersection near the Molonglo River, about 300 metres before the Scrivener Dam.
Follow this cycle path all the way through bushland with the molonglo River on your right, until it crosses the Cotter Road at traffic signals and runs alongside Streeton Drive. Continue on the cycle path adjacent to and then under Streeton Drive, past the MacDonald’s restaurant at Coolemon Court shops, under Hindmarsh Drive and along the footpath next to Namatjira Drive (the road is very wide and easy to ride along). The path climbs up and over a hill and curves left to the junction with the Kambah Pool Road about 200m before reaching the traffic signals at Drakeford Drive. Turn right into Kambah Pool Rd, which leads you downhill to the river about five kilometres further on. The turn-off at Namatjira Drive is signposted.
Points along the Kambah Pool Rd afford excellent views across the Murrumbidgee Valley towards the Brindabella Mountains.
Allow plenty of time for the return trip as there is a steep climb coming back up from the river.
More information about the Murrumbidgee River in the ACT