Gibraltar Creek, a perennial stream that is part of the Murrumbidgee catchment within the Murray-Darling basin, is located in the Australian Capital Territory, Australia.

Gibraltar Creek
Gibraltar Creek in the foreground, with Gibraltar Peak in the district of Paddys River.
Location
Country	Australia
Territory	Australian Capital Territory
Region	South Eastern Highlands (IBRA), Capital Country
Physical characteristics
Source	Brindabella Ranges
• location	Billy Billy Rocks in Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve
• coordinates	35°29′8.97″S 148°56′2.63″E
• elevation	1,420 m (4,660 ft)
Mouth	confluence with Paddys River
• coordinates	35°26′30.55″S 148°58′57.1″E
• elevation	647 m (2,123 ft)
Length	13 km (8.1 mi)
Basin features
River system	Murrumbidgee River, Murray–Darling basin
Falls	Gibraltar Falls
[1]

There are several types of Greenhoods found along the creek's banks. Historical Aboriginal camp-sites have been also found on the creek banks.

Location and features

Gibraltar Creek rises on the eastern slopes of the Brindabella Ranges in the south-west of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), below Billy Billy Rocks in Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve, within Namadgi National Park. The creek flows generally north-east before reaching its confluence with Paddys River, south-west of Tuggeranong Town Centre. The creek descends 774 metres (2,539 ft) over its 13 kilometres (8.1 mi) course.[1][2]

Gibraltar Falls are found on the Gibraltar Creek;[2] and Gibraltar Creek Woods Reserve are located on the creek's edge.[3]

Wildlife and vegetation

Vegetation found on the banks of the creek include threatened flora such as the Scarlet Greenhoods, Fisch's Greenhood, Faint Greenhoods, Nodding Greenhoods and Maroonhoods.[4] E. callianassa, Banksia and B. marginata have been found in the creek.[5]

In 1930, the Cotter River was stocked with New Zealand trout, which were expected to migrate up the tributaries including the creek.[6][7]

History

Historical Aboriginal camp-sites have been found on the creek banks.[8] In 1863, land abutting the creek was sold at auction.[9] During late 1933 and early 1934, the river flooded several times and made it difficult to cross the creek. A motion was made to Australia's Minister for the Interior to cement over the creek bed to make crossing during the flood more feasible.[10] By 1934, ramps had been added to assist in crossing the creek, replacing gates that had been placed there for cattle crossings.[11]

Bushwalkers organised walks alongside the creek in the 1950s.[12] In 1954, hikers got lost in the area and a search for them took place near the creek.[13] In 1957, a teenager was shot while hiking near the creek.[14]

References