Paddys River Mine lookout

Map: Cotter Dam 1:25000

Walk Description

This walk was organised and led by Rob H as a CBC walk:

Saturday afternoon 28 December: Paddys River - S/M. A short search for the mine-shaft upriver from the Cotter Caves, followed by picnic snack and swim. Map: Cotter Dam. Leader: Rob H. Transport: drive yourself.

5 of us drove from Canberra to the Cotter Bend car park.

Further Information

Rob has sleuthed some interesting information. See Paddys River Mine and Canberra Karst Region - Paddys River and London Bridge Cave Areas.

Photographs

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Track Map

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Track

Google Earth

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Track Notes

Picked up from home in the Phillip-mobile, thank you very much.

From the car park, down the path which winds down behind the toilet block and over the wooden bridge (Thompsons Crossing?). Left over the grass to the star picket marking the beginning of the old concrete path which runs a few hundred metres up the true left bank of Paddys River. Onto the fire trail and past the track up to the cave and lookout, then down to Paddys River.

A pleasant wade in baby-pee-warm water a few hundred meters up the river to a point that Rob had interpolated from one of the above documents. Steeply up the bank. A short search revealed the vertical entrance to Tunnel No. 3, found by our leader. A criss-cross of small sticks covered the hole; we could see a metal ladder inside. One wouldn't want to be wandering around here in the dark.

Back down to the river and a return wade. The ladies continued down the river to the pool at the confluence with the Cotter River, whilst we boys went up to have a look at the cave and to spy out the land from the lookout. I was last here 6 May 08. There may be a short walk in the area again.

Back down to near the car, then to the swimming pool. I watched.

A most pleasant ramble on a 33°C day.

Summary

Distance: 3.2km Climb: 85m. Time: 1.20 - 3.20pm (2hrs), with 30mins of swim for those who indulged.

Grading: S/M,W; E(5)

Walk Participants

5 walkers - Jenny H, Rob H (leader), Jenny S, Phillip S, me.