Telstra Tower

Before I was born there was debate about whether they should be allowed to build this tower on Black Mountain. I have seen Black Mountain in an Albert Namatjira painting and can see why. I don’t know what spiritual significance it has to the local indigenous (Ngunnawal) people, or if this was a factor in the decision, but I would like to find out. Black mountain certainly has ecological significance, with more species of ants than the whole of europe, great bird life, and I have seen kangaroos etc. there.

Since then it has become a part of the landscape, and nobody questions its presence, it is just a part of Canberra. Driving home from an interstate trip, the first sign of home is the tower on the horizon, and it stirs up a sense of home and security.

Walking up the mountain and back takes a bit more than an hour, and you can leave from the botanic gardens taking it in on the way. This gives you much more of a sense of achievement than driving up, although you can also drive to a carpark near the top and spiral towards the tip on foot, which is a bit easier.

You get a decent view from the top of the mountain without entering the tower, but if you are there for the first time it is worth paying the money to go up the tower for one of the most spectacular views of canberra.

There is an overpriced kiosk with not very nice food at the top, as well as a revolving restaurant that I have heard is also overpriced but possibly romantic at the top. Or you can head to the cafe at the botanic gardens at the bottom for a much nicer and cheaper meal.