It's dusk a couple of nights after the recent rains, and the only sounds The Canberra Times photographer Andrew Sheargold can hear are lizards scrambling over rocks and a lyrebird in the distance. These stunning photos were taken at Gibraltar Falls, just 20 minutes from Canberra's southern suburbs.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
''People wax lyrical about Canberra being the Bush Capital, and it is,'' Sheargold said.
![Fall in love with natural treasure Fall in love with natural treasure](/images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/a67f8d8c-c1b0-48b2-a1b3-d1b75ae7e201.jpg/r0_0_417_500_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg)
Gibraltar Falls is on the edge of the Alpine Wilderness area, not far from Tidbinbilla and adjacent to Namadgi National Park, just upstream from Woods Reserve on Corin Road.
To get there you need to find Tidbinbilla Road, either from Point Hutt or from Paddy's River Road.
It is a spectacular natural treasure and one which all Canberrans should experience.
The recent rains have revitalised all the creeks that lay dormant during the drought.
Gibraltar Falls is easy to access upstream and is one of the few waterfalls in the territory so conveniently close to the city.
A short walk will take you down to a viewing platform where you can see the upper tiers of the falls.
If you're more agile you can continue down to the creek itself.
At this time of year after the rains, everything is fresh and alive, and the lichen and wildflowers are a picture.
The evocative misty water effect in Sheargold's photos was created using a slow shutter speed, giving a time-lapse effect.
Gibraltar Falls is open from 9am to 4pm on weekdays and 9am to 4.30pm on Saturday and Sunday, except Christmas Day, pending road conditions.
Entry is free and like nearby Woods Reserve, the area has picnic tables and amenities, gas barbecues and shelter.