6 May 2008 Paddys River Mine Photos
Map: Cotter Dam 1:25000
Getting There

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

Paddys River Mine - S/E,X. A drive and walk to a Site of Significance in the ACT. A combination of on and off track. Around 4km and 100m total climb. Map: Cotter Dam. Further details at http://jevans.pcug.org.au.

Further Information

Site of Significance in the ACT PT2. 4.2km. From the old Murrays Corner picnic area, follow fire trails down Paddys River. Climb onto a spur of the Bullen Range and search for the Paddys River Mine site.

Walk

Parked at Murrays Corner, wandered across the ford over Paddys River, then N along the fire trail. Came to the spur and headed bush through the regrowth. A steep little hill. Wandered all around the exposed cliff-let. Not terribly thrilling, unless you are a geologist and can appreciate the '... porphyrytic dacitic ignimbrites regarded as being the basal or oldest volcanic sequence in the Canberra region.'

The area along Paddys River was also known for the extensive stands of River Oak. They look a bit sad now - burnt and gaunt, with wattle regrowth and blackberries below.

Passed a sign just after the Cotter on the way out saying that the Pierces Creek Forest was closed for the Rally of Canberra. A few cars could be heard and a couple passed me on the way back. A bit of a surprise when I got to the car park - rally cars, huge marquees and tens of people had engulfed my car. I apologised for being there (I forgot that Pierces Creek Forest extends to the E of Paddys River); they said that was ok and that it was fine to go up Oakey Creek (which I'd planned to do). However, I thought better of meeting a speeding car coming towards me. An interesting walk grading on my 36th wedding anniversary!

Distance: 4.2km  Climb: 100m.  Time:
Grading: S/E,X; E(4)

KMZ file for Google Earth/Maps: Paddys River Mine

Click on a thumbnail below to see the full sized picture
1 Paddys River mine mineralisation
2 Paddys River mine area
3 Gaunt River Oak in a recovering area

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