Three Dams – Cotter Picnic

02 June 2025 / Author: Simon and Cathy Trickett - Photos: Simon and Cathy Trickett, Lili Chi, Rob Wilkins, Nick Satsia

It was cold, grey, damp and windy, what a day for a run! But it had just rained for 2 days and it was mid May in Canberra. Arriving first (I think this is the only time this has happened!) gave me time to do a spot of shopping at SuperCheapAuto and Cathy at Spotlight, before the other attendees started rolling into the carpark. After a quick chat and a briefing we headed out of Queanbeyan towards the first dam, Googong. I did spot an interesting advisory sign on the way out, never seen one for lizards before.

Googong Dam was looking rather full, to be precise 96.49% full as at 23 May. Stopping to take a few photos, we didn’t hang around too long. Driving south we headed towards the Monaro Highway. Not much to say about this stretch of the journey as it involved highway and driving through suburbia...

Tharwa Country Store was the chosen place for mornos (it was the only option in Tharwa village). As it turned out we had the place to ourselves. After some rearranging of the tables and chairs we were able to have a good old chat whilst the food and drinks were brought out. The building, from what I could find out, is over 100 years old and has been in the same family since 1926. If you are interested in antiques and knick knacks, part of the store is set aside for Nana’s Pearls Antiques. Lots of random items from kitchen utensils to knitting needles and empty biscuit tins. A treasure trove of junk, sorry antiques.

Suitably refreshed, we started off again in the direction of the second dam, Corin. As we turned on to Corin Road there was a sign that indicated the road was closed. Did we stop and turn around? No, we kept going as the scenery through here is very picturesque and the road has many sweeping bends. Alas, 13km in, this leg of the run came to an end as the gates were closed across the road. Later checking the ACT Govt City Services website, this was an emergency weather related closure rather than planned – dam that weather! Technically we did a u-turn but it doesn’t count as such as we knew we would have to turn around at some point, and we hadn’t made a wrong turn.

So back down we went through the bends. Aiming north on Tidbinbilla Road we enjoyed improving weather, well, a bit of blue sky. This is a road that always brings a smile to my face, good condition, curves galore and today, no other road users, driving bliss. Pulling in to the Cotter picnic area, we were greeted with a final splash of autumn colour from the many deciduous trees that had lost or were rapidly losing their remaining leaves. Normally a favourite spot for picnickers it was almost deserted. The original idea was a picnic here, but common sense prevailed and this was changed a day earlier as it was damp under foot and there was quite a cool breeze. 

Lunch instead was to be at 2 Before 10 at Denman, but not before a final twist or two as we drove up Brindabella Road towards Uriarra. We did catch up with a Volvo, and thought “our fun had come to end” but they pulled over and allowed us to pass, wonders never cease! A few more corners later we came to a green Mazda2. Why do people drive 70kmh in a 100kmh zone? I could rant for hours, nuff said.

2 Before 10 has been a regular spot for coffee before a run but we’ve never stayed longer than its takes to knock back a macchiato or a weak double shot decaf caramel latte! As it turned out, the service was quick and friendly and the food was tasty and good value. Five of the six people on my table ordered the Phở. It looked good, but not being one to follow the crowd I went with a Mexican inspired dish.

So there we have it. Having had a great time leading three runs in May, its time to take a break from leading until our next adventure to The Royal in July, more info here: It’s a long way to Bungendore. Hope you can join us then.

Relive provided by Rob, thank you. https://www.relive.com/view/vPv4Z2x3PR6