To Tharwa via Angle Crossing.

This morning, after doing a bit of pruning on our bottlebrushes, it started getting too warm to continue. I decided it was the perfect time for a ride before the heat made outdoor activities unbearable. I opened up the GAIA maps and reviewed the rides I’d done around the area, searching for a nearby route with dirt tracks I hadn’t yet explored. It took some time, but I eventually spotted a potential route. Each time I’d ridden in or out of Namadgi National Park, I’d noticed Sunshine Road, which leads to Angle Crossing, but I’d never ventured down it. That seemed like as good an excuse as any to explore.
On the way to Burra, I stopped at Jerrabomberra to refuel. With a full tank, I had no worries about running out of petrol during the ride. From there, I headed towards Googong, turned onto Burra Road, and followed it to Williamsdale Road, which brought me to the Monaro Highway. This alternative kept me off the main highway for most of the route, added a short dirt section, and meant fewer vehicles to contend with. I only needed to travel a few hundred metres on the Monaro Highway before turning off towards Angle Crossing. The road to the crossing was mostly dirt, with a steep paved section near the end.

At the Murrumbidgee River crossing, I made a quick stop to assess the water depth and check for slippery algae on the bottom. A young man was fishing on the near side, while an older man floated in the cool water on the far side. The crossing looked safe enough today, so I stood on the pegs and rode through. It was a benign crossing, though I could see how it might quickly become hazardous with more water. I paused just past the river for some obligatory photos and to enjoy the scenery.
With that done, I headed towards Sunshine Road. The climb out was less winding than the descent but felt longer. At the T-junction with Smith’s Road, I turned left and quickly veered onto Sunshine Road, wondering where Smith’s Road might lead — perhaps a ride for another day. Sunshine Road returned to dirt, winding through trees and leading to a causeway over the Gudgenby River. There, I spotted a 4WD and waved to the driver as he headed upriver to join his partner, who was walking their dog. After taking a few photos at the crossing, I continued to the end of Sunshine Road, where it met Naas Road.
Although I could have followed Naas Road into Tharwa, riding a paved road didn’t appeal to me. Instead, I backtracked across the Gudgenby River and climbed back up to Smith’s Road. Continuing on Smith’s, I passed a woman riding a horse and leading two others. I wasn’t sure if she was local or had unloaded her horses at Angle Crossing, where I’d noticed a horse float earlier. Further along, I took a quick detour into Tharwa Sandwash, a pleasant spot with access to the shallow, sandy-bottomed river.
Leaving the Sandwash, I rejoined Naas Road for the short ride into Tharwa. I turned onto Tidbinbilla Road and made a rest stop at Clarrie’s Café for a refreshing drink. After that, I followed Tidbinbilla Road briefly before detouring to Lambrigg Lookout, which offered some interesting historical information (captured in a photo of the sign).
From the lookout, I followed the road down to Point Hut Crossing and then made my way home. It was an enjoyable ride and a pleasure to explore a new area.

With that done, I headed towards Sunshine Road. The climb out was less winding than the descent but felt longer. At the T-junction with Smith’s Road, I turned left and quickly veered onto Sunshine Road, wondering where Smith’s Road might lead — perhaps a ride for another day. Sunshine Road returned to dirt, winding through trees and leading to a causeway over the Gudgenby River. There, I spotted a 4WD and waved to the driver as he headed upriver to join his partner, who was walking their dog. After taking a few photos at the crossing, I continued to the end of Sunshine Road, where it met Naas Road.

Although I could have followed Naas Road into Tharwa, riding a paved road didn’t appeal to me. Instead, I backtracked across the Gudgenby River and climbed back up to Smith’s Road. Continuing on Smith’s, I passed a woman riding a horse and leading two others. I wasn’t sure if she was local or had unloaded her horses at Angle Crossing, where I’d noticed a horse float earlier. Further along, I took a quick detour into Tharwa Sandwash, a pleasant spot with access to the shallow, sandy-bottomed river.

Leaving the Sandwash, I rejoined Naas Road for the short ride into Tharwa. I turned onto Tidbinbilla Road and made a rest stop at Clarrie’s Café for a refreshing drink. After that, I followed Tidbinbilla Road briefly before detouring to Lambrigg Lookout, which offered some interesting historical information (captured in a photo of the sign).
From the lookout, I followed the road down to Point Hut Crossing and then made my way home. ​

It was an enjoyable ride and a pleasure to explore a new area.

You can view my map of the ride here.