July 10 Bushwalk - BUNINYONG

Meet at 9.20 for a 9.30am departure from the rotunda in the Buninyong Botanical Gardens. There are toilets in the gardens and parking is available on the road.

We will walk on the more bushy south side of Buninyong, mainly along unmade roads and tracks. They are quite wet and muddy in places, after the rain, so poles would be useful. Category B.

Distance is around 8.5kms.

Bring a snack for morning tea but we will be able to walk to Espresso Depot for coffee after the walk.

Led by Helen & Tim B.

June 26 Haddon Common Walk Report

19 walkers were very lucky yesterday to miss the rain of the previous days when we met at Haddon Primary School to complete the Haddon Common loop walk. We were very pleased to welcome new member, Sheila, to the group. Although briskly cold when we set out, we soon warmed up after passing the Haddon Memorial Reserve, established by the community in 2000, and an old water trough and pump before walking into the Haddon Common Bushland Reserve. 

This was a generally easy walk through light bush and on made tracks. We had to skirt several extremely large puddles, evidence of heavy rain in the area, but nothing too challenging. We enjoyed a break and a snack on a well chosen log before heading off to finish the walk back at the school. From there a large group met at In the Sticks Cafe at the Avalon Nursery for a warming drink.

This was a most enjoyable walk in very convivial company and many thanks go to John and Dot for organising and leading the walk.

 Haddon Common Bushland Reserve - Loop Walk June 26

Length : approx  6 kms

Category : A

Meet at 9.20 for a 9.30am departure from the beginning of the walk, NOT Llanberris.

Led by John and Dot.

Travel instructions : 

• Travel along Skipton St to LaTrobe St ;
• turn right onto LaTrobe St and continue west towards Haddon, before turning left onto Sago Hill Rd;
• travel along this road until you reach Haddon Primary School on the Right Hand Side. 
• There is room to park here (near the Basketball Stadium) and also down near the oval.

This is a fairly easy walk around the Haddon Common Bushland Reserve.

It covers bush tracks and gravel roads through light bush. 

Kangaroos may be seen crossing the paths and occasional bird song heard.

Other :

Bring a morning snack.

Good walking shoes and walking poles could be handy.

Coffee afterwards at the nearby 'In the Sticks' café at Avalon Nursery.

 WALK REPORT JUNE 12

After an easy drive to Castlemaine, our group of 8 met up at the Leanganook Camping area, in the Mt Alexander Regional Park, for the beginning of our loop walk. Walking through native grassland and Manna woodland, we first visited Ed’s Seat Lookout which had some pretty views, and then on towards Dog Rocks where we had lunch. There were many beautiful granite rock formations to admire along the way and at Dog Rocks. The weather was intermittently foggy and sunny so it was lovely to enjoy the sun when it came out. 

On the way back down the mountain, we stopped at the ruins of a former silk worm farm, dating from the 1870’s. It was a pioneering enterprise, run by women, but unfortunately short lived as the site was totally inappropriate.

A stop for coffee at Das Kaffeehaus in Castlemaine on the way home finished the day perfectly. A big thank you to Jean and Graeme for their efforts in preparing and leading the walk, which proved to be most enjoyable and interesting.

Next Walk Mt Alexander 2/6/25

 Mt Alexander Walk - Thursday 12 June 2025

Meet at Llanberris Car Park at 9:15 for 9:30 Departure for 1.5 Hr drive to Leanganook Camping Area (100km).

This will be a loop walk of around 4.5 km with some ups and some downs and some tricky stoney sections, but generally a moderate walk.

Plan to have lunch about 2/3rds along the way at Dog Rocks.

A side excursion in the cars on the way back down the mountain is also on offer which will involve another short walk.

Jean Brant and Graeme Scharley

 WALK REPORT MAY 22

A crisply cold morning, with quite a strong wind, saw 23 people gather at Lake Burrumbeet for a very enjoyable walk, led by Shirley and Mark. We were very pleased to welcome new member, Sally Nagle. The first part was flat and easy, alongside the race course. Once past there, Shirley pointed out some beautiful old trees and interesting vegetation along the way. One arresting sight was of the horse and donkey, as they galloped around their paddock, putting on a show for us. 

When we turned towards the lake we had beautiful views from the walking trail; the wind had subsided and the water was calm. There was plenty of birdlife on the lake. After a banana break, we ventured up to the pine forest and made our way through some uneven ground to rejoin the more accessible track closer to the water.

Having made it back to the caravan park, after a steep climb up a sand dune, most people left for other activities while a small group stayed and enjoyed a picnic lunch in the sun. We were very lucky with the weather and we were all very grateful to Shirley and Mark for leading another terrific walk.

Next Walk May22 Lake Burrumbeet

 

After an inland stroll, we'll cross over into the scenic Lake Walking Trail. This is mostly flat and easy, but there are some overgrown and very uneven sections, and a couple of steep, sometimes slippery, hills. For that reason, please wear good walking shoes, and bring a pole. 

The walk is about 7km, 2 hours. Bring a snack and water - and a folding chair or picnic rug to stay for a relaxing lunch overlooking the lake. 

Meet at LLanberris at 9.20 for a car pool.

If you prefer to go straight to Lake Burrumbeet, it's reached by driving through Alfredton and following the Avenue of Honour. Turn left into the Burrumbeet Caravan Park, drive towards the water and then turn left again when you see a sign to the public toilet. We'll park a little way on from that, at a sports ground and old clubhouse. Please arrive by 9.55.

Led by Shirley and Mark    5331 4408  or, on May 22 only, 0431 544 60

WALK REPORT MT BECKWORTH MAY 8

Ten people had perfect walking weather for their ascent of Mt Beckworth. Chris took us on a most interesting and informative walk, drawing on his personal experience of the area and a book by Barry Golding called “Six Peaks Speak”, to give us details about the history, geography and geology of the area.

We took the south route to the top, starting with the cork oaks, a very atmospheric grove of trees. The trail was well marked, with a couple of steep sections, but we were rewarded with some beautiful views. Highlights included the very impressive granite boulders and the Lollipop Tree at the top. This is a huge solitary pine tree which is over 100 years old. 

We enjoyed an early lunch under the tree, in the sun and sheltered from the wind. Then we retraced our steps to the cars and completed our excursion with coffee at The Yacht Club on Lake Wendouree.

Many thanks to Chris for his preparation and information. It certainly made the experience so much more valuable. Thanks also to Greg for being our Whip on the day.