Grade: M-X
Distance: 60km return
Road Conditions: Mostly Cycle paths leading onto a fairly quiet rural road (can be busy at weekends).
Route: A return trip along cycle paths through Woden and Tuggeranong into the Tharwa Valley, and the picturesque Tharwa Village with its heritage listed bridge.
Map: Canberra Cycleways Map and 1:100 000 Tographic Map of the Australian Capital Territory.
Starting Point:Weston Park.
Description:
The Tharwa Valley lies between Tuggeranong Hill and Mt Rob Roy to the east and Castle Hill and Mt Tennant to the west. The Murrumbidgee River flows through the centre of the valley. On the fertile river flats on the western bank William Farrer carried out his famous wheat breeding experiments.
Follow the route for “Point Hut Crossing Ride”, but instead of turning right off Woodcock Drive towards Point Hut Crossing, continue straight ahead and right on the cycle path adjacent to Tharwa Drive. The path ends at the southernmost edge of suburban development. From here the road heads south past the turnoff to Lanyon Homestead, to the Murrumbidgee River and across the historic Tharwa bridge to Tharwa Village and Cuppacumbalong Gallery.
Lanyon is an old homestead about two kilometres off the Tharwa Rd along a gravel road. Parts of the building and some of the out-houses date back to the first half of the nineteenth century, and it has been lovingly restored and furnished with period furniture. It may be inspected for a small fee. A tea shop in one of the outbuildings provides Devonshire teas and other light refreshments. The Nolan Gallery, on your left as you ride in, houses a permanent collection of Sidney Nolan paintings and has other exhibitions.
Tharwa is a small village that was established long before Canberra. The social hub of the town is the combined general store/petrol station/antiques shop where you can buy food and drink. The historic bridge over the river, built in 1895, and recently restored for its centenary, has a wooden deck with the ususal gaps between the planks.
Under the western end of the bridge is a picnic area with several barbecues, and a rather shallow , sandy swimming spot suitable for children.
Cuppacumbalong is another old homestead just south of Tharwa on the Naas Rd. It now houses a well-known pottery/craft centre and art gallery, as well as a tea house. Pottery and other craft work is for sale. One kilometre beyond Cuppacumbalong on the Naas Rd is the visitors centre for Namadgi National Park.
Points along Tharwa Road afford excellent views across the Murrumbidgee Valley towards the Brindabella Mountains.
More information about the Murrumbidgee River in the ACT