Tumut-Brindabella-Canberra Road

The Tumut and Adelong Times

20 December 1927

There have been many reports circulated throughout the Southern districts that a direct route from the Southern States to the Federal Capital was impossible, on account of the mountainous nature of the country between Tumut and Canberra.

These ideas have in most cases been circulated by people who are ignorant of the true facts; and, in any case, it is always a good plan 'audi alteram partem.'

This question has been thoroughly threshed out by the Tumut National Road League, who are convinced of the feasibility of the road.

To prove their contention, a party of five, piloted by Mr. H. O. L. Wilkinson, and prominent members of the Canberra-Albury National Road League, left Tumut on Thursday morning, 8th inst., at 8 o'clock, by car, arriving at Micalong, 30 miles from Tumut, through magnificent mountain scenery, at 10 a.m., where they were joined by Sir. Frank Neylan, a son of one of the pioneers of Micalong, and thoroughly conversant with the locality.

The climate at Micalong was delightful, in spite of the time of the year. Beautiful paddocks of English clover in bloom, roses and other cool climate flowers were in profusion at Neylan's homestead, which is situated in a splendid stream well stocked with Rainbow trout which would delight a disciple of Isaac Walton.

The road from Tumut to Micalong passes through the fertile soldiers' settlement of Lacmalac, and also Argalong, where apples and English fruits grow in profusion, and only needs opening up to outrival Batlow for fruit-growing.

This road is in first-class order to Argalong, and in fair condition to Micalong Swamp, which would delight any sportsman   with a gun - duck, plover, wallabies, and game being plentiful about the swamp.

The next 8 miles of the road is through bush country on the tableland, and is in fair condition, with the exception of one narrow crossing which had to be corduroyed.

This part of the country is suitable for cereal crops and fruit.

The next ten miles, to Brindabella, is an old bullock-dray track, which had not been used for many years, through heavily timbered country, consequently there were many obstructions which had to be removed, the ordeal occupying about 4 1/2 hours.

After clearing this part of the road and travelling without any mishap, Bramina Creek, 14ft. wide, was reached, which had to be bridged with saplings.

Here a party, from Brindabella assisted in re-erecting the bridge, which had recently been almost completely washed away.

This part of the road is in the Yarrowlumla Shire. After crossing the creek and travelling about half a mile the Goodradigbee River is reached - one of the finest trout streams in the State.

Brindabella Station, occupied by Franklin Bros., who are celebrated for their hospitality, is on this stream and is a favorate resort for tourists from Queanbeyan and Canberra for fishing and shooting.

The country in this vicinity is very fine, and is well worth a visit, being about 20 miles from Canberra.

The road then winds up Brindabella Mountain.

The start of the first six miles is up a rather heavy grade, but is easily negotiable by cars, it being quite a common sight to see 30 or 40 cars with occupants hastening to spend their week-end in these delightful surroundings. This is the boundary of the Federal Territory, 22 1/2 miles from the Capital, and this portion of the road is in excellent condition.  

The next object of marked interest is the Cotter Weir, that supplies Canbberra with water.

The road then crosses the Murrumbidgee River, over a massive iron bridge on cement pillars, then winds around the mountain through a pine forest of about 1000 acres.

The trees are 12 years old and 20 feet high, and will be a valuable asset in a few years.

From here the road leads, to Parliament House.

The return journey to Tumut occupied 6 1/2 hours, proving that it would only cost a few hundred pounds to put this road in fair order to travel by car during the summer months, as there are only about five miles which is rough, being in its natural state.

This road would open up excellent country, and become a tourists' paradise on account of its scenic beauty, as well as the numerous trout streams encountered on the journey, viz: Sandy Creek, Micalong Creek, Bramina Creek, Goodradigbee River, besides numerous smaller streams.

It has already been surveyed quite recently and proved not to have any engineering difficulties.

This is the first car to undertake the journey and proves that the road can be easily constructed and thus give another and shorter route from the Southern States to the Capital City of Australia.