Black Mountain (Australian Capital Territory) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Black Mountain |
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| Black Hill | |
Black Mountain and Black Mountain Tower as seen from across Lake Burley Griffin.
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| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 812 m (2,664 ft) |
| Prominence | 256 m (840 ft) |
| Geography | |
 Black Mountain
Location in Australian Capital Territory
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| Location | Australian Capital Territory, Australia |
| Geology | |
| Volcanic arc/belt | Silurian |
| Climbing | |
| First ascent | 1820 |
| Easiest route | Hike or drive |
Black Mountain is a cool, small mountain in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Australia. It stands 812 meters (about 2,664 feet) tall. You can find it just west of Canberra's main city area, right on the northern shore of Lake Burley Griffin.
This mountain is a special place because it's part of the Canberra Nature Park. This means it's protected and mostly covered in natural bushland. It's a safe home for lots of native Australian wildlife.
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Where is Black Mountain?
Black Mountain is located west of the main campus of the Australian National University. It helps form a natural border for Canberra city on its western and northwestern sides. The mountain rises 256 meters (about 840 feet) above the water level of Lake Burley Griffin.
The Famous Tower
Near the very top of Black Mountain, you'll see the Black Mountain Tower. This tall broadcasting tower adds another 195 meters (about 640 feet) to the mountain's height! It's a famous landmark in Canberra.
Gardens and Science
At the eastern base of Black Mountain, you'll find the beautiful Australian National Botanic Gardens. Right next door is the CSIRO, which is a big science research group. Both are close to the Australian National University.
Why "Black Mountain"?
Black Mountain was first called "Black Hill." This happened at the same time that a nearby place was named Red Hill. That's why it's not called "Mount Black" like other mountains in the area, such as Mount Majura and Mount Ainslie. Early European settlers used to call this whole mountain area the "Canberry Ranges."
What is Black Mountain Made Of?
Most of Black Mountain is made of a type of rock called Black Mountain Sandstone. This sandstone is white and was formed a very long time ago, during the Early Silurian age. On the southeastern and northwestern slopes, you can also see layers of State Circle shale.
The Black Mountain Peninsula, which is a part of the mountain that sticks out into the lake, has different types of rock. In the north, there's mudstone, and in the south, you'll find greywacke. These rocks are even older, from the Ordovician age.
