Walk Report Mt Macedon

 Walk Report April 11.

 

An elite group of ten enthusiastic, and optimistic, walkers set off in cold, damp conditions for the 1 ¼ hr. drive to Mt Macedon, via Gisborne. On arrival, the weather was improving so David decided to begin the walk at the Camel’s Hump.

We all tackled the steep climb to the top of this rugged, granite outcrop with its stand of stately Snowgums, to be rewarded with panoramic views to the north over Hanging Rock. On the return we paused for a “banana break” and to appreciate the ferns and moss covered trees.

The walk then continued into the forest through Messmate, Mountain Ash and Candle bark trees,towering over the lush, damp understory, to emerge onto open, cleared pine forest. Returning to the bush, we soon encountered the memorial to the "Kurana”,  a DC – 3 aircraft that crashed in 1948. A short distance saw us at the gate to the Memorial Cross Park and we followed the track beside the road to the picnic area for lunch.

Refreshed, we passed through an avenue of colourful trees to the Major Mitchell Lookout, with its extensive vistas towards Mt Buninyong in the west. A short walk brought us to the Memorial Cross, a salute to the veterans of the First World War. The original was built in 1934 but deteriorated and was replaced in 1995, under the very generous auspices of the well known,building firm of Grollo Brothers. We were delighted to sight a large koala, high in the tree tops, on our return from the Cross. 

The trail back to McGregor’s Picnic Area had been recently bulldozed and was strewn with loose granite rocks, requiring a great deal of foot watching. We were quite relieved when the track became easier to navigate and we were able to appreciate the glorious tall and old trees we passed through to the end of our walk.

Many thanks to David for a walk that ticked all the boxes for scenery, ecosystems, exercise, information and enjoyment.  We appreciate your knowledge and experience in the Mt Macedon area and also Chris Charlson, who acted as Whip for the walk.

Helen Mc.

Photos from Mt Macedon

 

Next Walk Anzac Day April 25 Leader Brian Hay

 

We will meet at Llanberris at 9.20 for a 9.30 start. 

We will carpool to Kingston 

The walk is all on minor roads with some gentle hills. There are some amazing views. 

Walk graded at B as the distance is about 8k.

There are no toilets. Bring morning tea and a cuppa and snack lunch if you like. We also expect to have the option of a coffee stop in Creswick on the way home. 

Car $5.00

Photos

 

Woorookarung Report

 Walk Report March 28.

 

20 members assembled in the Eureka Centre car park before heading off to join the northern end of the “Bunny” Trail. This section connects with Victoria St., where a red brick bridge is still visible. We turned east and continued along Victoria St, passing an historic hotel, before turning into the site of the old Ballarat Orphanage, now a new housing development. The former school house has been incorporated into the IGA Supermarket and the Toddler’s Block is, appropriately, a kindergarten. Several significant Elm trees and an historic wall along Stawell St., have also been preserved.

Emerging from this estate onto Fussel St., we followed the boundary of the Mt. Xavier Golf Course. This land is owned by the Sisters of Mercy, Ballarat East, and has been leased by the golf course and bowls club for 70 years. The site also includes a significant pine forest containing information plaques attesting to its history. Much of this land is to be sold and the club house and greens etc. will need to move onto new land in the next five years, with grand plans to construct new bowling facilities and a community sports hub.

We then skirted the perimeter of Pryor Park, a public space, possibly named after Ballarat Mayor Joseph Pryor, and a pine plantation before clearing in 1990. It is now a community managed bush land with over 4000 native trees and shrubs planted by local residents to maintain the north – south wildlife corridor.

On arriving at Eureka St., we crossed into the Woowookarung Regional Park where we enjoyed morning tea – complete with a visit from the Easter Bunny and Easter eggs of course! 

We then took the new Cherry Ballart/Ferny Loop to connect with York St., following it back to the Eureka Centre for a well deserved cuppa/lunch after 10.2km. and over 15,000 steps.

Many thanks to Greg for a most enjoyable and interesting walk and to Libby for her always cheerful and efficient, ”Whipship”.

Helen M.

NB:  Cherry Ballart or Native Cherry – a medium cypress/sheoak like shrub or tree, bearing bright red, edible cherries. It is a little bit parasitic (hemiparasitic) as it gains extra nutrients by allowing its roots to tap into nearby host plants.

Next Walk -11th April Mount Macedon Leader David Radcliffe.

 Meet at Lanberris parking area at 9:20 for a 9:30 departure.Car Pool $10.

We will drive to McGregor’s Picnic Area near the top of Mt Macedon. The walk is a circuit which includes the Memorial Cross, the Camels Hump Lookout and Major Mitchell Lookout.

The walk is through undulating country, partly on hiking trails and partly on forest roads. There are a couple of uphill sections but they are not too steep. Walking poles could be handy in places but not essential

( The short climb to the Camels Hump is fairly steep but is optional.)

The walk length is 9.8km.

Bring Morning tea and lunch

Toilets are available at the start/finish point and also midway through the walk.

Expected return to Ballarat is mid afternoon.

Note that David is looking for a collaborator to assist him checking out the walk.

Camp Photos