Captain's Flat

After foray's to the north, south and west it was time for a ride to the east of Canberra.    A regular ride destination is Captain's Flat, especially for adventure and dirt riders.  The Tallaganda State forest is to the east of Captain's Flat and its host of fire trails is popular with dirt riders and the one horsepower variety (ie horse riders!).  Also dirt roads venture in all directions.

Depart Queanbeyan heading east on Kings Highway.  The first major intersection is the junction with Captains Flat Road, so turn right here.  The Molonglo River and the old railway line parallel your line of travel to Captains Flat.  The railway line being an artefact from Captains Flat mining days.

One of the rail bridges over the Molonglo River 

A very fine structure from days gone by is the church of Saint Thomas The Apostle at Carwoola.  It is faring better than the rail line and is still in operation, although you wonder how long it can hold on in this post-Christian age.  

  Saint Thomas The Apostle, Carwoola

  As I continued towards Captains Flat a willy willy took off - right of picture.

Willy Willy - aka Dust Devil

The road meanders south flanked by dry yellow fields and finally gives way to bushland typical of the area.  As the road starts to climb and become twisty this indicates you are nearing the outskirts of Captains Flat.   By this time the rail line will be on your right.  Keep an eye out for Miners Road which will be on the right and almost central in a 45 kmh left hand bend, so it can be awkward.  

A kilometer or so you will see the tailings of the old mine on the right.   A short walk up the stairs will reward you with a view of the mine entrance and a view over the town.

The mine entrance

The oranges and yellows are in start contrast to the usual bush palette.

  
Follow Miners Road down into the town, perhaps have a refreshment at the local.  A friendly place where the children are happy to wave to a passing biker as time slowly passes on a hot summer day.