Starting from the Flints car park off Tidbinbilla Reserve Road, Paddys River, this walk takes you on a historic circuit in the mixed eucalypt woodland of Tidbinbilla. Mainly focusing on the early life of Tidbinbilla, the journey lets you observe how life was back in the day. Near the toilets, you’ll come across some pine stumps. These were once big sturdy trees, planted by the early settlers to effectively break the wind. Next up is the Flints Homestead, where Sid and Annie Flint used to live. The Sheedy family also lived nearby, at their own homesite(1885-1890). At the time, Julia Sheedy was the only official woman landowner in the Valley. Besides the historic homesteads, there is a spire-like rock named Church Rock. It is believed to have had religious importance for the early Tidbinbilla community. Masses were held and priests would bring Catholic school children here to instruct them on religious matters. A pioneer of early Tidbinbilla, Mary Ann Green(1865-1911) would also bring her children for Sunday School tuition. You’ll probably run across some kangaroos and wallabies as you enjoy this stroll in nature. Keep in mind that the Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve requires a pass, which can be acquired daily or annual. Let us begin by acknowledging the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we travel today, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present.
Before you start any bushwalk ensure you;
• Tell someone you trust where you are going and what to do if you are overdue
• Have adequate equipment, supplies, skills & knowledge for the whole journey
• Consider the impact of weather forecasts, park/track closures & fire dangers
• Can respond to emergencies & call for help at any point
• Are healthy and fit enough for this journey
If not, change plans and stay safe. It is okay to delay and ask people for help.
At roundabout, take exit 3 onto Woodcock Drive and drive for another 2 km
Turn right onto Jim Pike Avenue and drive for another 820 m
Turn right onto Point Hut Road and drive for another 4.8 km
Turn right onto Tidbinbilla Road and drive for another 10 km
Turn left onto Tidbinbilla Reserve Road and drive for another 550 m
Continue onto Tidbinbilla Reserve Road and drive for another 3 km
Turn slight right onto Tidbinbilla Reserve Road and drive for another 550 m
Turn left and drive for another 15 m
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Track Notes
Turn by turn instructions & maps
Getting started From the western end of the Flints car park off Tidbinbilla Reserve Road(630 metres southwest of Historic Rock Valley Homestead), pass through the bollard and join the subtly formed trail that’s veering left. Pass by the signpost to your left as you start moving directly away from the paved road. Follow the dirt track as you pass by the toilets to your right to continue along Church Rock Heritage Circuit(counterclockwise). This is the direction of travel on the brochure.....
Turn map
Directions & comments
Start.
After 70 m pass the sign (8 m on your left).
After another 40 m pass the BBQ (25 m on your left).
After another 65 m continue straight.
After another 15 m pass the toilet (15 m on your right).
After another 490 m turn left.
After another 125 m continue straight.
Keep left.
After another 210 m come to the viewpoint (on your left).
After another 285 m come to the viewpoint (on your right).
After another 3 m (at the intersection of Tidbinbilla Reserve Road & Church Rock Heritage Loop) continue straight.
Marked Crosswalk
After another 335 m turn right.
After another 160 m come to the end.
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Terrain
Know the Hills, grading & facilities
Church Rock Heritage
Grading
Class 2/6
Easy track
Length
1.8 km
Time
1 h 15 min to 1 h 45 min
Quality of track
Clear and well formed track or trail (2/6)
Gradient
Gentle hills with occasional steps (2/6)
Signage
Clearly signposted (2/6)
Infrastructure
Generally useful facilities (such as fenced cliffs and seats) (1/6)
Experience Required
No experience required (2/6)
Weather
Weather generally has little impact on safety (2/6)
Bushwalk
1 h 15 min to 1 h 45 min
Toilet: There is one 190 m from the start.
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After 70 m pass the sign (8 m on your left).
After another 40 m pass the BBQ (25 m on your left).
After another 65 m continue straight.
After another 210 m come to the viewpoint (on your left).
