Walk Report May 9.
In perfect conditions, a group of 14 walkers set off from the Anakie Gorge Picnic Area, along the track through the gorge, beside the dry Stoney Creek. The path crosses several stone walls thatsupport and protect the large metal pipe that carried water from the reservoir at the top of the gorge to the city of Geelong. The pipe also passes through tunnels in the rock walls, dug by hand in the 1880s.
There are information boards along the way relevant to the flora, fauna, geology and engineering. The geology is particularly interesting and variations in composition and strata are visible along the gorge. OzGeology describes Anakie Gorge, “As a geological marvel that tells a story of tectonic movements, volcanic eruptions, ancient collisions, and the relentless force of erosion”.
The area is also a haven for wildlife, wallabies and koalas, plus a wide variety of birds. The bush includes Red Stringybark, Messmate, Manna Gum and Swamp Gums, with Grass trees, Grevillea and Acacia also present along the path. Most of the group took the “rock hopping” option over the dry creek bed wherever available, adding to the general enjoyment of the walk.
Arriving at the Stoney Creek Picnic Area, Marlene kindly volunteered to mind our back packs as the rest of us continued on to investigate the impressive, Stoney Creek Reservoir. Built in 1874, it is the oldest of its type in Australia. The impressive 16m high concrete wall, with its carved stone crest, is 68m long and was part of the water supply to Geelong from 1873 to 1998. The exitcontrol outlet for the pipe through the gorge, sits at its base. A burst of energy to scramble up the side of the gorge, provided a view along the dam.
After lunch, we returned through the gorge to our starting point, with most of us meeting at Espresso Depot in Buninyong, for a cuppa and chat. It was a very pleasant walk and a joy to introduce it to those who hadn’t been there before. Thank you to Helen Bosher for stepping in as Whip, with Wendy unable to join us.
Helen Mc.
Thank you to Helen McD for a most enjoyable walk!
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