Grade: M-XX or L-XX
Distance: 72km (via Cotter) or 100km (via Point Hut Crossing)
Road Conditions: Bicycle paths through Canberra, then quiet rural roads out to Tidbinbilla (more traffic at weekends). Lots of steep and challenging hills.
Route:This is an interesting circuit but you may find it hard work in parts. The circuit goes into Tidbinbilla Valley either via the Cotter Reserve or Point Hut Crossing.
Map: Canberra Cycleways Map and 1:100 000 Topographic Map of the Australian Capital Territory.
Starting Point:Weston Park, Yarralumla.
Description:
This ride is basically an easier variation of the “Corin Dam Ride.” From whichever of the two ways you go into the valley, don't head up to Corin Dam, just keep going along Paddy’s River Road round the circuit. By not going to the Dam you should have time to visit the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and/or the NASA Tidbinbilla Tracking Station (known as the Canberra Deep Space Communications Complex) - both are well worth a visit.
The Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve is enclosed by an impressive ranges of hills, which are often covered in snow for several weeks in winter. Wildlife roams freely within the reserve, but there are also some enclosures where you can get a good look at wallabies, kangaroos and in particular koalas (take your binoculars). There is also an excellent waterbird area. There is a display and information centre about 500m from the main road, and information can be obtained here about walking trails, barbecues, toilets and animal enclosures. There is a small entrance fee.
Tidbinbilla Deep Space Tracking Station is at the end of a four kilometres road off the main Tidbinbilla Road. The visitors centre at the Station is open daily and contains models, photographs and audiovisual descriptions of the station and its work.
Tanners Flat, Flints Crossing, and Murrays Corner are picnic spots on Paddys River with barbecues and toilets.
More information about the Murrumbidgee River in the ACT