Next Walk May 8 Mt Beckworth - The Southern Approach

 Meet at Lanberris at 9.20 for a 9.30 departure. We will carpool to the Glendaruel Fire Station on Coghill's Creek Rd., arriving there about 10.10. From there it is a short journey to the beginning of the walk on Nyaninyuk Rd. Let Helen Bosher know if you intend driving out independently.

 The walk will take in the southern region of the Mt Beckworth Scenic Park with its notable trees and outstanding vistas leading to the summit.

  Walk will be Grade C due to some steeper sections and the gravel track which is uneven in patches though the total distance will be on the happy side of 5k. Poles could be very useful on some parts.

 Bring morning tea and a light lunch. There are no toilets at the walk site.

Led by Chris C and Greg A.

 WALK REPORT APRIL 24

After catching the train from Ballarat to Southern Cross, 13 walkers had a very enjoyable and interesting day along sections of the Yarra River less travelled, finishing up at the Mission to Seafarers at Docklands. We began by heading down King St where we saw some beautiful old bluestone buildings and ornate lamps, including the York Butter Factory which dates back to the 1850’s.

Once at the river, we walked towards Birrarung Marr, stopping to admire Indigenous art at Enterprize Park which commemorates where the first settlers arrived on August 30 1835 on the Enterprize. Next was the Sandridge Bridge which was relaunched in 2006 as a pedestrian bridge after originally transporting new arrivals from Station Pier to Flinders St Station. Passing Federation Square and Princes Bridge, we arrived at Birrarung Maar which features a range of native flora and sculpted terraces. Later in the walk we could hear the Federation Bells from the other side of the river.

Lunch was had at the Janet Lady Clarke rotunda, built in 1913, and from there we walked along the boatsheds, along Southbank and past the Polly Woodside. Our last stop was the Mission to Seafarers which is a beautiful heritage listed building, dating from 1917. Inside was fascinating; we explored the Norla Dome, the garden and courtyard and the chapel. The chapel has a stained glass memorial window commemorating seafarers lost at sea, one of which referenced Ballarat and the Lucas girls.

The day had warmed up considerably by the time we reached Docklands so we headed back to the train about 2.30pm.

We had a really interesting day, with Shirley and Mark adding commentary at various points along the walk. We’re very grateful to them for the effort they put into the day, and for adding so much value to what we were seeing.

Apologies that the photos are in reverse chronological order!

Yarra-side Stroll April 24

 -----------------------------------------

.

We'll travel on the 8.19 train from Ballarat (8.01 from Wendouree).

Please register with Helen, Shirley and Mark on the platform from 8am.

Using the carriages closest to the level crossing, we can join those boarding in Wendouree, who can register with us then.

The train will reach Southern Cross Station at 9.51am.

We'll regroup at the southern end of the platforms, past the ticket barriers and near the toilets. Anyone joining us in Melbourne can meet us there, along with anyone who missed us earlier on.

We'll head off towards the Yarra down King St and then proceed east along the north (city) side of the river. This was the birthplace of Melbourne, and there are very many interesting spots and tales from all those years. Crossing Swan St Bridge, we'll return along the southern side, with an attractive lunch spot in the Queen Victoria Gardens. BYO lunch as we're well away from shops. Continuing along Southbank and visiting the Polly Woodside, our walk will wind up at the heritage-listed Mission to Seafarers. This is a fascinating place to explore (and maybe have refreshments). It's then just a short tram ride or walk to Southern Cross Station for the 2.36 or 3.16 train home. 

This is an easy and flat walk of about 6km. Level A.

Please bring snacks, water and your lunch. There's little shade, so dress appropriately for whatever weather we have by then.  

Led by Shirley and Mark. 0431 455 603 (on the day only)

Locator Beacon

 Following U3A management discussions on risk management, it was deemed necessary for us to purchase a replacement Personal Locator Beacon.

It needs to be registered with the Maritime Rescue Authority, the group coordinating emergency events.

They require us to provide contact numbers of two people who could confirm our general location in the (extremely unlikely) event of us being out of contact on a walk and needing urgent assistance.

The contact person would need to be someone who is aware of our blog and unlikely to be on a more remote walk.

We have one volunteer but need a backup contact. 

Let Chris Charleson know if you have a suggestion

 WALK REPORT APRIL 10

On a perfect morning for walking, 21 people met in Buninyong to explore the southern side of the town. We were very pleased to welcome three new walkers: Deb, Sally and Gerard, and hope they enjoyed their first walk with the group.

We set off through De Soza Park where the autumn leaves are very much in evidence, and followed the track by the creek until we hit the Midland Highway. Once into the Buninyong Golf Club we headed off to Mac’s Rd, following it till we headed up the track on the other side of the golf course. We enjoyed a short break looking down the fairway until heading off to Webb’s Hill Rd and making our way back into the township for coffee at Dynamite. When we arrived we found Janine and Helen McD waiting to join us so that was a lovely chance to catch up.

Many thanks to Greg and Chris for leading a very enjoyable walk and introducing a lesser known part of Buninyong to the group.

NEXT WALK BUNINYONG APRIL 10

Leaders Greg Anderson & Chris Charleson

Meet at 9.20 for a 9.30am departure at the car park, to the rear of Foodworks, Buninyong.  Note the change of time due to the end of Daylight Savings time.

Plenty of parking there, or nearby in Forest St.

There are toilets nearby in De Sosa Park.

The walk will then follow Union Jack Creek, skirting Buninyong Golf Course. We will use Mac’s Rd and Webb’s Hill Rd on our circuit of the southern section of the town.

Walking poles will be handy on a couple of short sections. Bring a morning tea snack and drink. Grade B.

The walk of about 8k is expected to finish by 11.45am.

We intend then going to the renamed Marshmallow Cafe (formerly Dynamite) for refreshments.