Discover the Orroral Tracking Station in Namadgi National Park

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Nestled within the captivating Namadgi National Park lies a hidden gem of astronomical history, the Orroral Valley Tracking Station. This remarkable site was a crucial part of NASA's Spacecraft Tracking and Data Acquisition Network (STADAN), playing a vital role in humanity's quest to explore the stars. Just 50 kilometres southwest of Canberra in the Australian Capital Territory, the Orroral Valley Tracking Station was one of three pivotal stations in the ACT and seven across Australia. Orroral Valley Tracking Station today is a great peaceful place to stay in contact with nature, the starting point of amazing hikes, and the perfect spot for picnics and camping.

The story of Orroral begins in 1963, when the site was carefully selected and construction swiftly followed. By May 1965, the station was fully operational, boasting a 26-meter antenna alongside a collection of smaller VHF and microwave frequency antennas. Unlike the long-range communication tasks handled by Tidbinbilla and Honeysuckle Creek, Orroral's mission was to quickly switch between supporting various Earth-orbiting satellites. With view periods lasting only a few minutes and a plethora of different systems transmitting data, the station was a hive of activity, recording data on magnetic tape to be air-freighted to the United States for analysis.



VHF, or Very High Frequency, refers to a segment of the electromagnetic spectrum with radio frequencies ranging from 30 MHz to 300 MHz. This frequency range is known for its ability to transmit over long distances with relatively low power, making it ideal for a variety of communication applications. VHF is commonly used in radio broadcasting, television signals, maritime communications, and aviation. Its ability to penetrate obstacles and cover large areas makes it a reliable choice for these purposes, providing clear and consistent transmission in many environments.



Orroral's storied history includes supporting the groundbreaking Apollo-Soyuz project in 1975, a mission that brought American astronauts and Soviet cosmonauts together in Earth orbit. It also played a critical role in April 1981, providing telecommunication support to the Space Shuttle Columbia. Until its closure in 1985, the station continued to support Space Shuttle missions, leaving an indelible mark on space exploration.

The legacy of the Orroral Tracking Station lives on, with its iconic 26-meter telescope now forming the heart of the Mount Pleasant Radio Observatory in Tasmania, operated by the University of Tasmania's School of Mathematics and Physics.



Today, the Orroral Valley Tracking Station serves as a scenic endpoint for the annual ANU Inward Bound event, and its rugged beauty continues to draw adventurers and nature enthusiasts. The Orroral Valley Circuit offers an 18.5-kilometre loop trail near Tharwa, ACT, presenting a challenging yet rewarding experience for backpackers, bird watchers, and hikers alike. With an elevation gain of 435 meters, this trail promises solitude and stunning vistas, dogs are not permitted on this journey.



For those seeking a shorter yet invigorating trek, the 8-kilometre return walk from the Orroral Tracking Station is a steep ascent through towering forests and granite boulders, culminating in breathtaking views of the Orroral Valley from the former geodetic observatory. The Granite Tors track notes guide intrepid explorers through this natural wonderland, where history and the great outdoors converge in a symphony of discovery.



The Gardens at Orroral Station

In the heart of the Orroral Valley, where the echoes of space exploration once reverberated, lay a verdant oasis known as the Gardens at Orroral Station. This lush expanse of greenery was more than just a backdrop for the scientific endeavours of the tracking station; it was a sanctuary that provided solace and beauty to both the staff and the wildlife that called it home.



The creation of these gardens was entrusted to Fritz Rehwinkel, a man whose journey from German paratrooper to esteemed gardener in Queanbeyan is as storied as the landscape he crafted. His vision for the gardens was both practical and profound, selecting European tree species that could thrive in the valley's challenging climate. With an eye for resilience and heritage, Fritz chose Japanese maple, holly elm, silver ash, poplar, and oak trees—each species boasting deep roots and a hardy nature that required minimal water. These trees, now mature and majestic, stand as living testaments to Fritz's foresight and skill, their heritage value cherished by all who visit.



Gordon Owtrimm, a former Orroral employee, fondly recalls the gardens and their creator. He remembers Fritz not only as a gardener but as a man whose family business had left a lasting imprint on the district. Gordon's memories are filled with the scent of fruit trees and the sight of vegetable patches, a reminder of the garden's bounty and the sustenance they provided.



Yet, the gardens were not without their surprises. Philip Clark, another former employee, recounts the unexpected encounters with the valley's wildlife. As night fell, the lawns became a grazing ground for kangaroos, their sudden movements sometimes startling those making their way to the canteen. And beneath the operations building, where a web of cables lay, snakes found refuge, adding an element of caution to the otherwise tranquil surroundings.



The Gardens at Orroral Station remain a symbol of the delicate balance between human ingenuity and nature's splendour. They tell a story of transformation—of a place where the boundaries between the cultivated and the wild blur, creating a haven for all who wander through its shaded paths. Today, these gardens offer a glimpse into the past, where the echoes of a bygone era mingle with the whispers of the wind through the leaves, inviting visitors to pause and reflect on the harmonious coexistence of technology and nature.

Activities at Orroral Valley Tracking Station

When you embark on a journey to the site of the former Orroral Tracking Station, you're stepping into a realm where nature and history intertwine, offering a plethora of activities to enrich your visit. Here's a guide to making the most of your time in this remarkable location:

Birdwatching: The Orroral Valley is a sanctuary for a diverse array of bird species. Bring along your binoculars and a field guide, and immerse yourself in the serene art of birdwatching. Listen for the melodious calls and watch for the vibrant plumage of local avian residents as they flit through the trees.



Camping: For those who wish to extend their stay, camping offers an unparalleled opportunity to connect with the natural beauty of the area. Set up camp under the expansive sky, surrounded by the tranquillity of the valley, and fall asleep to the gentle sounds of the wilderness. For booking your camping site visit the official website Orroral Campground .



Nature Observation: Take the time to explore the rich flora and fauna that call the Orroral Valley home. Whether you're identifying native plants or observing the behaviour of local wildlife, every moment spent in nature is a chance to learn and appreciate the intricacies of the ecosystem.



Picnics: Pack a basket with your favourite treats and find a picturesque spot to enjoy a leisurely picnic. With the stunning backdrop of the valley and the remnants of the historic tracking station, it's the perfect setting for a relaxing meal in the great outdoors.



Stargazing: As night falls, the valley transforms into a celestial theatre. With minimal light pollution, the Orroral Valley offers exceptional stargazing opportunities. Lay back and gaze up at the vast expanse of the night sky, where constellations, planets, and distant galaxies reveal themselves in all their glory.



Walking and Running: Whether you're seeking a peaceful walk or a more vigorous run, the trails around the former station provide ample opportunity for both. Enjoy the fresh air and the natural beauty as you traverse paths that lead you through forests, alongside granite boulders, and up to breathtaking viewpoints.



Each of these activities allows you to experience the Orroral Valley in unique and meaningful ways, making your visit to the former tracking station a memorable adventure filled with discovery and wonder.

Namadgi National Park

Within the heart of Ngunnawal Country, Namadgi National Park is a living testament to the ancient and dynamic landscape that has been stewarded by the Ngunnawal people for tens of thousands of years. This land is not merely a geographic location but a vibrant mosaic of cultural, social, environmental, spiritual, and economic significance that the Ngunnawal people have woven through millennia of connection and care.



Spanning an impressive 106,095 hectares, Namadgi National Park encompasses a breathtaking expanse of alpine, sub-alpine, and mountain bushland. This vast area constitutes nearly half of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), offering a sanctuary of natural beauty and ecological diversity. Within its borders lies a world of discovery, where high-altitude sphagnum bogs serve as both a critical habitat and a natural water reservoir. These unique ecosystems are vital for endangered species and play a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance of the environment. Acting as nature's sponges, they slowly release pristine water into the ACT's water supply, a testament to their importance in sustaining both wildlife and human communities.



Visitors to Namadgi National Park are invited to experience this remarkable landscape without the barrier of admission fees, allowing everyone the opportunity to connect with the land and its stories. As you explore the park, take a moment to reflect on the rich heritage of the Ngunnawal people, whose stewardship has preserved this land's beauty and vitality. Their traditions and knowledge are interwoven with the very fabric of Namadgi, offering a profound understanding of the interconnectedness of all life.

Whether you're trekking through its rugged terrain, observing its diverse wildlife, or simply soaking in the serene beauty of its vistas, Namadgi National Park promises an experience that is both humbling and inspiring. It is a place where the past and present coexist, inviting all who visit to honour its legacy and embrace its wonders.

Reference

Namadgi National Park
Orroral Valley Tracking Station

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