Kingston Photos

 

Latest Walk report

 Walk Report April 25.

 

Another occasion where the 13 who braved the cold, wet outset, were rewarded with a very pleasant day. The bit of drizzle and a brief shower failed to dampen our enthusiasm or mar the spectacular views from Alcorn’s Rd., Springhill.

There are several, large mullock heaps in the foreground and it is pleasing to see new signage indicating the sites of mines in the district, including three in the immediate area. There are also at least four volcanoes in the distance that Brian identified, and reassured us that the last eruption was some 40,000 years ago. However, these volcanoes are dormant, not extinct. There are only two active volcanoes on Australian territory and both are in the Antarctic.

We proceeded to the site of old Smokeytown for a banana break before backtracking to take Smokeytown Rd., to the Midland Hwy. 

A short distance found us at Kingston Rd., with its glorious Avenue of Honour, where we paused for a moment of reflection and a short piece of music appropriate for ANZAC  Day. 

(“Il Silenzio”,  Nini Rosso’s trumpet version of the Last Post with accompaniment).

The Avenue took us back to our cars and most of us adjourned to, appropriately, the Smokeytown Café , in Creswick, for lunch.

The Creswick Information Centre has some excellent brochures on the district goldmining history, including a map for a tourist drive around the mines of the “Buried Rivers of Gold”.

Many thanks to Brian Hay for leading the walk and sharing his extensive knowledge of the area.

Helen Mc.

Next Walk May 9, Anakie Gorge

Led by Helen McDowell and Wendy O’Rafferty.

 

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

A one hour drive to the Anakie Gorge carpark, followed by a 6km. (2hr. approx,) return walk to the Stoney Creek Picnic Ground. If you wish to go up the road (steep) to view the Lower StoneyCreek Reservoir or along the track to the base of the wall to view the machinery, add another 1km. & 10min. return for each.

The walk is easy with a few rough spots and creek crossings – rock hopping optional. 

Poles could be helpful on occasion.

Toilet facilities and picnic tables at both ends of gorge. Bring morning tea and lunch. 

Car pool $8.00.

 

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