Final Walk of the Year

 Walk Report December 12.

 

On a perfect summer’s day, 21 members turned up at the Ballarat North Community Centre to enjoy a short walk before our planning meeting and refreshments. Shirley led us along Walker St. to Sherrard St. then to the Inkerman Gully and Walker St Drain. This is a vital part of the drainage scheme to accommodate significant storm water run-off and also provides a pleasant, open space in the suburb. Along the way we crossed the underground drain/creek and passed some most attractive gardens, one with a glorious Leucadendron (?).

Arriving at the lower end of Inkerman Gully, Shirley explained the system, starting with the original, bluestone spillway above the retarding basin.  We then progressed up the easement, past several small drainage grates to avery large grate/pit towards the top at Simpson St. There are a couple of small playgrounds, laneway access to side streets and appropriate tree plantings, all contributing to a valuable green space in the neighbourhood.

We were now nearly at the highest point of the City of Ballarat , with houses of a size and height to make the best of the spectacular views on offer. We then headed back to the BNCC, noting the glorious Melaleuca “Snow in Summer” paper bark tree, on the way. These trees are certainly at their best this year.

Many thanks to Shirley and Mark for another very enlightening and enjoyable walk.

Back at home base, we held our annual planning meeting and were successful in listing walks for all dates in the first term. More information will be provided in due course. Several members of the group were recognized for their contributions to the administration, organization and safe staging of walks and camps throughout the year. These included Helen and Tim Bosher, Chris, Marlene and myself, who are all grateful for the kind words from Anne Ottrey and thoughtful gifts. Special mention was made of retiring stalwart, Brian Hay, who has been with the group for over 20 years and has a wealth of knowledge on walks in our area and will be sharing it with us for future expeditions. Well done and thank you Brian.

The day concluded with a delicious lunch, conversation and companionship.

Merry Christmas, a Happy New Year and we hope to see you all on January 30, for our preliminary walk around Lake Wendouree.

 

Helen Mc.

 

Photos of Ballarat North

 

Easton’s Dam Report

 Walk Report November 28.

 

We assembled at the toilet block by Lake St. George, at Creswick, in perfect walking weather. Our leader, Chris, then led the group of 13 around the lake to join the Goldfields Track to the Koala Park, constructed by students from the School of Forestry in 1942 as a breeding area for koalas.

On our arrival at the “entrance“ to the reserve, it was immediately obvious why it became something of a laughing stock. The fence posed little challenge to the marauding marsupials and there were soon more outside the park than inside. Leaving the park we continued into the bush along well defined walking tracks, frequently beside water races in an environment littered with the debris of gold mining. Unfortunately, large sections of the track have been subsumed into the extensive network of the 60 km. Creswick, All Abilities Mountain Bike Trail. The trail was to host the cross-country mountain bike event for the 2026 ”Commondebt” Games. Though the State Government pulled out, the project has continued.

Chris explained the ingenious engineering of a bridge, constructed after a significant flood, that features a hinged barrier that can be raised and secured in place to prevent large pieces of debris continuing down Creswick Creek.

It was a relief to leave the wide, steeply cambered bike track and resume our walk on the original, narrow path through the bush to Eatons Dam. This stone and earth construction was built in 1862 by the Eaton brothers and remained in use until the 1930s, sometimes supplementing the Creswick water supply. It was finally breached in the 1920s.

We then progressed to Cosgrove Reservoir for morning tea before retracing our steps back to the cars and lunch on the shore of Lake St. George. Our appreciation to Chris and Tim for their guidance and support.

This walk was to be led by Brian Hay. A consummate gentleman, Brian has decided to retire from our group after many years sharing his quiet confidence, warmth and knowledge of the history and ecology of the areas we traversed with him. I have included a photo I took of Brian on this walk last year – a man at ease with himself and the environment. Thank you Brian.

 

Helen Mc

Photos Creswick

 

 Walk - December 12

Short walk from BNCC: Leaving very promptly at 9.30am, we'll head east along footpaths and through various parks to some of the highest parts of Ballarat North. (Yes, that means a few steep hills.) There is a whole network of green spaces and drainage infrastructure designed to cope with considerable run-off during storms. Interesting, with wonderful views and very pleasant leafy areas.

Level A+, about 3km. Returning by 10.45am. Led by Shirley and Mark.