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.