Walk Report October 24.

 

16 enthusiastic walkers assembled near the bridge on Geelong Rd. at Buninyong, in cool, fine weather. We followed the path beside the road to Mt.Helen then crossed to Gear Ave. After a few hundred metres, we turned into the bush to join the Goldfields Track around Federation University – a 3.8km. well marked loop.

After crossing University Dve., we commenced the long, gentle ascent to our main break, stopping for a couple of rests along the way. We passed through mostly open Eucalypt forest with an understory of bracken and quite a few recently fallen trees. There are also several fire dams along the way, one nearly empty.

On our recce walk we noticed the logs we usually sit on for morning tea, were covered in saw dust, so we were prepared with brushes to clean them. All part of the service! As we enjoyed our refreshments, I spoke about the “Tree Of Knowledge”, in the university grounds. I always believed it was deeper into the campus than the large tree visible from our vantage point.

Fortunately, John Maguire, familiar with the area, felt this was, indeed, the tree in question and guided us the short distance to view, with awe, this stunning example of a Tasmanian Blue Gum. The 241 acre site was purchased in 1966 and the powers that be are to be congratulated for their foresight, in deciding to incorporate the tree into the campus layout. Planted in 1896, in 2003 it was between 35.5m and 39.5m wide, 42.5m high, with a girth of 7.75m.Truly magnificent.

Reenergised, we set off along the track to Gear Ave., where we left the Goldfields Track, crossing into the bush along a narrow path to Fiskin Rd., then into a much more open environment on the other side, with many wildflowers evident and some escaped non-native species.  Pink Bells, Large Kangaroo Apple, Hop Goodenia, Matted Bush Pea and Milk Maids were evident. Arriving at Henderson’s Lane, we enjoyed the downhill aspect of the walk back to our cars. 

Many thanks to Joan for acting as Whip and also the recce on the Tuesday.

 

Helen Mc.

 

Next Walk October 31 Leaders Shirley and Mark Exploring Black Hill

 

Meet at the corner of Peel and Chisholm Sts (Peel Park) at 9.20. There's plenty of street parking nearby. That's just a short drive to BNCC and the U3A Luncheon.

We'll set off very promptly at 9.30, with a short uphill stretch to the Black Hill Lookout. Then there's a rough, slippery path down to its base, and the Yarrowee Trail. We'll proceed east, later crossing to the quieter south side of the creek for our return. This is a mix of flat paths, grassy sections and sealed footpaths. Plenty of interesting natural and residential areas to enjoy.

You can then choose from these alternative endings:

1. A steep climb (15 mins?) up Nicholson St back to our cars. Lovely cottages, gardens and views.

2. For those concerned about the time or steep hill, Mark's car will be parked there, ready to drive people up to their cars, or even the BNCC.

Level B+. Two steep sections and some rough slippery paths. Bring a stick and wear good walking shoes. Also water and a snack. About 4km, 1.5 to 2 hours

Buninyong/Fed. Uni. Walk Oct. 24

Led by Helen McD. and Joan.

 

We will be walking beside the Geelong Rd., to Gear Ave. Up Gear Ave., to the Goldfields Track. We will follow this track through the bush around Fed. Uni., to then across Gear Ave., and Fiskin Rd., and down Henderson’s La. back to the cars. It is a 2hr. 6.3km. walk, including drink and morning tea stops.

 

We will meet on the path beside the Geelong Rd. on the Buninyong side of the bridge into the town, at 9.15am. for a 9.30 start.

Please park in, or near, Russell St., the first road on the right after the bridge if you are coming from Ballarat.

 

Bring morning tea. Code B. Bring poles as there are a few slippery / wet spots. A steady climb to morning tea and long down hill walk home.

Updated walk schedule

October 24          Mt Helen/Fed Uni.          Helen McD & Joan

October 31          Black Hill                        Shirley & Mark (to accommodate Tutors’ & Volunteers’ lunch)

November 14      Linton                              Dale & Heather B

November 28      Eaton’s Dam                    Chris & Tim

December 12      BNNC                              Short walk, planning meeting for 2025 & shared lunch 

 Camp Photos - Maldon & Bendigo

Camp day 3

 This time we had 28 participants  as we met up with the  Bendigo U3a Bushwalkers at the Camp St Reserve.

 The walk took in part of the Leanganook Track section of the Goldfields Track and  followed sections of the ingenious gravity fed Coliban water supply channels. Part earthern, part dressed rock and some more recent concrete works.

The vegetation included patches where ironbarks, then box trees dominated. Grevillias, shrub wattles and hakeas seem to flourish in the dry rocky terrain..

Thanks to Jenny and Margaret for their guidance and the other walkers for their conviviality.  Not to forget the cakes and biscuits for morning tea.

A great way to complete our Bendigo getaway. 

Chris C

Camp Day 2

 Day 2 saw us at Crusoe Reservoir and No 7 Park, part of the Greater Bendigo reserve surrounding the city.
Our numbers swelled to 15 with Kerryn’s sister Kim and our ex-president Phill Grant joining us.
This walk took in some box ironbark forest and featured remnants from surface gold prospecting.
The reservoir location meant that the track was quite level- quite a change from the previous day.

 The trail includes a lattice walled bird hide and a remarkable number of benches. 

A convivial evening meal at the Old Boundary Hotel completed the day.

Camp Day 1

 Nine walkers met at the Maldon Historical Park- site of the formerly prosperous North British Mine and the associated engineering works. The quartz kilns and other masonry foundations remain from the gold mining era.
The walk up Mt Tarrengower afforded us spectacular views of the district.
The tower at the top, a recycled poppet head, has been in place for 100 years and has a modern use as a fire spotting site.
The walk down took us past the Anzac memorial plantings and some of the older parts of the township.

Then to Maldon for additional refreshments followed by travel to our accommodation in Bendigo.