This walk was organised and led by Mike B as an NPA walk:

3 January, Saturday Walk THEODORE HILLS Map:- Tuggeranong 1:25,000 Grading:- 1 A/B Leader:- Mike B. Meet at 8:00am at Calwell Shops (in carpark between Calwell Club and Calwell Tavern) for a short drive to the start of the walk near the substation at the southern end of Theodore. The walk is off track over Theodore Hills (100m climb) for about 2-km to a site of significance. Return to the cars via a firetrail along the base of the Hills. Expect to be home for lunch.

14 of us met and drove to the Callister Cres entrance to the Tuggeranong Hill Nature Reserve in Theodore.

"Depending on the weather and people I may include an optional walk up Tuggeranong Hill (extra 40-60 minutes) after the programmed walk. Tugg. Hill walk starts from where the cars will be parked so anyone who does not want to do it can go home."

The site of significance is ACT Site of Significance T18 and Tuggeranong Hill is ACT Site of Significance T20.

Walk

This was my first ever NPA walk and an opportunity to continue the Canberra Nature Park theme. The map for the Tuggeranong Hill Nature Reserve is here. Very knowledgeable folk - know the names of all the plants. Also met a real (young) 'living legend', who had spent a lot of her childhood in and around the S Namadgi. Fascinating stories! And the loan of some seminal walking material from another.

We strolled first up along the fire trails and footpads on the spine of the NE ridge of the park. Fine views from the two knolls (see pic 1 and Facebook). Then down the E side of the suburb of Theodore, between it and the Monaro Highway. Before reaching the furthest extent of this leg, Mike led us to the site of significance - additional material available via password. A short pause to admire. Next, back along the edge of the suburb and around the base of the knolls on fire trail back to our start point.

We then wandered up the management trail to Tuggeranong Hill. In the saddle after the first knoll, Mike pointed out a rather interesting growth pattern in a tree (see pic 2 and Facebook). Well worth the climb to the top for all round views, including a slightly different angle to the SW hills (see pic 3) - Booroomba Rocks is in behind Blue Gum Hill from Weston Creek; and over the 'burbs (see Facebook). Returned the same way.

A very nice little morning wander, thanks Mike and all.

Distance: 7.6km  Climb: 350m.  Time: 8.10 - 11.10am (3hrs), with 15mins of stops.
Grading: S/E; E(6)

KMZ file for Google Earth/Maps: Theodore Hills - Tuggeranong Hill Nature Reserve