Black Mountain is a small mountain with an elevation of 812 metres (2,664 ft) AHD that is situated to the west of the Canberra central business district on the northern shore of Lake Burley Griffin, in the Australian Capital Territory of Australia. Black Mountain is protected from development by the Canberra Nature Park and is predominantly covered in native bushland and is a haven to native wildlife.
The mountain is located west of the main campus of the Australian National University and, together with the Bruce ridge, forms a natural west and northwestern boundary for Canberra city. Black Mountain rises 256 metres (840 ft) above the water level of Lake Burley Griffin that lies at its base. Situated close to the highest point on the mountain is Black Mountain Tower (previously known as Telstra Tower, and Telecom Tower), a broadcasting tower rising a further 195 metres (640 ft) above the summit.
The Australian National Botanic Gardens and the CSIRO share the eastern base of Black Mountain, next to the Australian National University.
Black Mountain was originally named Black Hill at the same time as the naming of nearby Red Hill. The original name explains why the mountain is not now known as Mount Black like nearby Mount Majura and Mount Ainslie. The early European settlers referred to the mountain formation as the Canberry Ranges.
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...
Read moreThis is the tower on Black Mountain in Canberra, Australia, known as the Telstra Tower. It’s one of the city’s iconic landmarks, serving telecommunications purposes while also offering the public an opportunity to enjoy panoramic views of Canberra from its observation deck.
The tower stands out with its distinctive satellite dishes surrounding it and is located amidst the natural beauty of Black Mountain, creating a serene and scenic atmosphere. If you ever visit Canberra, this tower is a must-see for both the views and the...
Read moreUnless you are visiting in Black Mountain tower this is not much of a lookout. Rather go to mount Ainslie for the view. What is worthwhile is doing the rough but shaded circle walk from the carpark about three quarters of the way up. No water or refreshment but can be ambled in less than an hour with Canberra, framed in a series of scenic views...
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