Black Mountain (Australian Capital Territory)

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Black Mountain

Black Mountain and Telstra Tower as seen from across Lake Burley Griffin
Elevation 812 metres (2,664 ft)
Location Canberra, Australia
Range Brindabella Ranges
Coordinates 35°16′32″S 149°05′51″E / -35.27556, 149.0975Coordinates: 35°16′32″S 149°05′51″E / -35.27556, 149.0975
First ascent 1820[1]
Easiest route hike or drive

Black Mountain is situated close to the central business district of Australia's capital city Canberra. Like all major hills in Canberra it is protected from development by the Canberra Nature Park. It is covered in native bushland and is a haven to native wildlife.

With its peak at 812m AHD, Black Mountain rises 256m above the water level of Lake Burley Griffin. Situated at close to the highest point is Telstra Tower, a broadcasting tower rising a further 195m above the summit.

The Australian National Botanic Gardens and the CSIRO share the eastern base of Black Mountain, next to the Australian National University.

[edit] Geology

The bulk of Black Mountain consists of the white quartz Black Mountain Sandstone. This was deposited in the late early Silurian Age. On the south east slopes and north west there are exposures of State Circle Shale. The Black Mountain Peninsula contains mudstone in the north and greywacke from the Ordovician age Pittman Formation in the south. Geology of the Australian Capital Territory covers more of the geology of the ACT.

[edit] References

  1. ^ The Story of Canberra - Yesterday's Canberra
Black Mountain Locality Map
Black Mountain Locality Map
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