I've lived within sight of this place for almost 10 years but I have never come up here until very recently. When I did, I was quite surprised by what I found. I hope you enjoy this quick tour of the site.
This is an ACT Heritage listed site. Your are not permitted to removed anything from this place.
Note: The iron ores present here may affect magnetic compass headings
Waypoint 1: Main entrance
Gubur Dhaura means "Red Ochre Ground" in the native Ngunnawal/Ngarigu languages. It is thought this site has been occupied for at least 5,000 years and possibly as long as 20,000 years. Archaeologists have found stone artefacts dating back to these times. Note the colour of the rocks and soil here. The deep red is characteristic of iron ores present at this site.
Let A be the number of stairs leading up the hill at this point.
Waypoint 2: The Hilltop
From here you have a 360° view of Gungahlin and beyond, assuming it is not foggy when you are here. This was a base camp-site of the aboriginal people who moved through this area. The rocks around here were ground and used as ceremonial paint and for artworks. There is also evidence that stone tools were shaped at this place, although the local rock was unsuitable for this purpose.
There is a large round mosaic at this place. Let B be the number of round, white tiles on the mosaic.
Waypoint 3: The Mine site
Note the colour similarity of the rusty artefacts and the rock colour here; it's no coincidence as the rocks are iron ores.
This place marks an interesting intersection between ancient aboriginal culture and the coming of European settlement. Behind you, if you are facing up the hill, is the remnant of an early road that cut across this hill leading up to the old Well Station Rd in what is now Harrison across Flemington Rd. If you read the plaque at this point you will see a mine was planned for this site.
On the sculpture; at this place, let C be the number of plough disks on the sculpture just here. If you're not sure what a plough disks is, it's a round disk-shaped implement used to dig the ground.
Waypoint 4: The cache
The cache is located just off the hill a bit. You can find it at:
S35° 11.A(A-C)(A+C) CS=25
E149° 08.(B-1)C(B-C) CS=35
As always, a souvenir awaits the FTF