This walk was organised and led by me as a private walk.

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Walk

An early morning stroll from home up the Mt Stromlo Road. The water treatment works have grown since the last time I walked past and the Mt Stromlo Observatory area still looks a little bare. At least the Administration Building is still standing (Site of Significance in the ACT SU27) (see pic 1).

A view from near the Mt Stromlo trig down the way to Dairy Farmers Hill and Black Mountain for the WBB (see pic 2). I've never been up here before, so visited the Duffields' grave (see pic 3).

Then down the Stromlo Forest Park mountain bike paths and fire trails. I got it a bit wrong and hit the Uriarra Road well to the NW of the Holdens Creek corner, but there is a perimeter track paralleling the road and it may be best to keep out of the road of the bikers on the day. Crossed Uriarra Road at the guard-railed corner and ... you know me and pine forests and car rallies! I ignored the sign, but couldn't ignore the guy who said they were racing all through the area I wanted to walk. So did a right turn, headed up to the picnic area (revving cars and people already there) and went home.

I rang Canberra Direct, then sent a whinging email to Patricia, Ms ACT Forests bookings. And, to cap it all off, I went in the arvo to check out the arboretum to Black Mountain - only to find access to the arboretum and Dairy Farmers Hill blocked off. The construction guys said they'd be building roads there around 30 August! So looks like a low level pass there, via the National Zoo and Aquarium. Bummer.

Distance: 13.2km  Climb: 200m.  Time: 5.35 - 8.15am (call it 2.75hrs) with no stops.
Grading: M/E,X; E(6)

KMZ file for Google Earth/Maps: WBB Recce 1 Mt Stromlo