Gunning

Gunning is a small town located 75 km north of Canberra.  The highlight for motorcyclist’s being the Merino Café.  Gunning was on the Hume Highway until 1993 when it was bypassed.   The ride from Canberra is pleasant rather than exciting, being a fairly typical Australian minor road. 

Ride north on the Federal Highway and take the Sutton Road turnoff.  The ride takes you through Sutton and Gundaroo.  The road changes name to Gunderoo Road once you pass north of Gundaroo village.

At Gunning have a caffeine break at the Merino Café, no doubt you will be joined by other riders.  For those historically minded Gunning has an interesting range of architecture dating from the late 1800’s.   For something older, take a side trip to Dalton where the aptly named Fossil Rock is located.  Fossils were discovered in the region in the 1880’s and sent to Europe for study.  The specimen on display was once used as a doorstep for a local shop!  Leaves and other artefacts can be clearly seen.

Fossil Rock - Dalton

Some good options for the return ride to Canberra.  Head north from Gunning on the old Hume Highway, now Cullerin Road.  A fun section of 65-75 kmh bends awaits you although the road surface is uneven.  At Breadalbane turn right onto Breadalbane Road, which will take you to Collector.  This road is narrow and very bumpy in places.

Lake George Lookout - Federal Highway

Once at Collector you have the option of returning to Canberra via the Federal Highway or take the longer route via Bungendore.  The Federal Highway will take you along the shore of Lake George, an endorheic lake, as it has no outflow of water to rivers and oceans.  The lake is 25 km long and 10 km wide, extremely shallow, with a very small catchment.   

Resultant evaporation rates, as well as a tendency for strong winds to blow the water back on itself, explain the mysterious filling and drying episodes on both short term (hours) and long term (years) time scales.