BUSHWALKING CAMP: March 25-27, 2025

Tuesday, March 25

The 4 Peaks Challenge – complete all 4 peaks or choose the ones you would like to do. This will not be a difficult day of walking even though it looks like it is!

Bring morning tea and lunch, or there is a good cafe in Camperdown for lunch.

Meet at 9.30am at Mt Elephant, Derrinallum.

3.4km, 162m elevation gain, 1hr10min estimated time, circular trail

A nicely maintained trail up to the summit. You can extend the walk around the crater rim and take in unhindered views of the Western District.

Visitor centre and toilets. Gate to the road leading up to the visitor centre will be unlocked.

We will then drive to the Mt Leura and Mt Sugarloaf Reserves in Camperdown, arriving about 11.30am, and meet at the carpark of the Information Shelter at the base. There we will listen to a short talk on the history and geology of the reserves from a member of the Friends of Mt Leura. We will then drive to the carpark at the top and complete the Panorama Circuit. We can add the Mt Sugarloaf Trail if wanted.

Mt Leura and Mt Sugarloaf are part of the same extinct volcano and together are known as Leura Maar. From the vantage points on this walk there are views of the craters as well as views to the Grampians and Mt Buninyong to the north, Mt Porndon to the east and Lavers Hill to the south.

No toilets available but we're not far out of Camperdown.

We will then drive to Terang and the Mt Noorat Crater, about 6kms north of Terang.

2.7km, 126m elevation gain, 55 min estimated time, circular trail

A beautiful track offering views of the south west. It’s a steady path around the rim.

Alan Marshall, author of “I Can Jump Puddles”, was born in Noorat and there is a memorial to him there.

From there we will make our way to Warrnambool and the Surfside Holiday Park, 120 Pertobe Rd, Warrnambool.

Shared BBQ in the Camp Kitchen

Wednesday, March 26

Meet at 9.30am at the Breakwater car park, at the end of Pertobe Rd.

We will walk to the Hopkins River Mouth and Point Ritchie, and back to the Breakwater on the Foreshore Promenade. This is a sealed track with lovely views of the sea. About 9kms but an easy, flat walk. Morning tea at the Hopkins River Mouth and coffee/lunch at the Foreshore Pavilion Yacht Club.

You can also walk along the Breakwater wall with the Southern Ocean on the right and Lady Bay to the left. The Breakwater was completed in 1890 and was constructed for protection of early shipping and beach front.

Toilets at the Breakwater and Point Ritchie.

Free afternoon.

Dinner at the Cally Hotel, 112-114 Fairy St. Warrnambool.

Thursday, March 27

Meet at 9.30am at the Tower Hill Reserve, 18km west of Warrnambool and accessed from the Princes Highway.

Parking and toilets in the picnic area.

We will start with the Journey to the Last Volcano Loop – easy/moderate, 1.9km, 1 hour circuit.

Then we can do the Lava Tongue Boardwalk, an easy 1.6km, flat, 30 min circuit.

If we’re feeling energetic, there is the Peak Climb, 1.5km, steep, circuit. Panoramic views of the park and the coast.

Morning tea in the picnic area.

 

Surfside Holiday Park Information

Beach Chalets – 3 available

2 bedroom and the best option for people who want to share, with separate bedrooms.

Cooking facilities, linen, TV and DVD

$245 per night, before a 15% discount

Mariner’s Cottages – 6 available

Open plan with a double bed and 2 sets of bunks in the same room as the living room – suitable for a couple or a single, or singles who don't mind sharing

Cooking facilities, linen, TV, verandah

$175 per night, before a 15% discount

Cedar Park Cabins – 12 available

Made up of 2 rooms and an adjoining hallway – suitable for a couple, a single, or singles who don't mind sharing, as the bunk is not in a separate room

Living area, kitchen, linen, TV

$190 per night, before a 15% discount

Check out their website for more information www.surfsidepark.com.au or feel free to make your own arrangements.

Please Note

The 15% discount will only apply if we book 7 sites (of any kind). Tell the receptionist that you are part of the Ballarat U3A bushwalking group and only pay a deposit at time of booking. When the full amount is payable, hopefully you can claim your discount off the full amount.

It would be best to book as soon as possible but by the end of February at the latest. The full amount will need to be paid before March 17.

Please let Helen know if you are coming and whether you have booked the Surfside or will be making your own arrangements for accommodation.

0425 708 918 or helbosh@gmail.com

 Walk Report Jan 30

23 walkers gathered at the rotunda near Piper’s for a leisurely walk around Lake Wendouree. It was a lovely opportunity to catch up and to welcome Ross, Ace and Phil to the group. It was a cool and somewhat windy morning but the conditions made for pleasant walking. Afterwards, coffee was enjoyed by a large group at Piper’s. 

Walk Bunninyong Thursday Feb. 13.

Meet at 8:22 for an 8:30 departure at the car park, to the rear of Foodworks, Bunninyong.

Plenty of parking there, or nearby in Forest St.

 There are toilets nearby in DeSosa park.

The walk will follow Union Jack Creek, skirting Bunninyong Golf Course. We will use Macs 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 10:45.

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

Walk at the Bunny Line

 Thursday February 27 - The Bunny Line history walk

Meet at 8:20am for an 8:30 departure, at Dyte Parade near the intersection of King St North. Park along the railway reserve.

8km, Grade A, mostly flat.

A walk and talk which follows the former Ballarat to Buninyong Railway (the Bunny Line), from where it diverged from the Melbourne line to Levy stopping point, Canadian.

Bring morning tea, water, sunblock, hats.

Little Square Garage café at 81A Humffray St N is nearby for those interested in a cuppa afterwards.

Led by Anne O and Libby T

WALK FOR THURSDAY, JANUARY 30

 We will walk around Lake Wendouree, meeting at the rotunda near Piper's restaurant.

Meet at 8.20 for an 8.30am start.

Coffee after the walk for those who would like to stay.

Grade Descriptors for Bushwalks 

(Leaders will add to these basic descriptors for each walk.)

A - Easy - Flat terrain with marked tracks

B - Moderate - Undulating terrain and possible rough tracks

C - Hard - Possibility of steeper hills and rough tracks

 

 

GUIDELINES FOR BUSHWALKERS

SAFETY PROCEDURES FOR U3A BUSHWALKING

 ALL WALKERS

It is everyone’s responsibility to ascertain whether each walk is within their capabilities and not to undertake a walk that may be beyond their capabilities. Please read the Blog for walk details and check the day prior to a walk in case of changes.

On arrival at the meeting place (usually Llanberris Netball Courts Car Park), each walker should go to the class rep to have his/her name ticked off. Walkers should have the following on each walk:

• U3A badge with current details completed

• strong footwear (not new)

• weather appropriate clothing

• hat and sunscreen

• water, food

• mobile phone, turned on, with class tutor’s or rep’s number stored

• crepe bandage or substitute, in case of snake bite

• a whistle is also handy to carry

THE LEADER

Prior to doing the walk, the leader should check to ensure its access and suitability with another person. Provide information about the walk to Chris Charleson (christrudy1952@gmail.com) so it can be posted to the blog a week before the walk is to take place.

Information should include:

• Location

• Distance of the drive to the start of the walk (if not at Llanberris)

• Distance of the walk

• Grade – A, B or C (A is easiest and C is hardest)

• Short description of the walk

• Meeting point for walk or car pool

• Names of leaders

• Time to meet at Llanberris or the start of the walk and estimated time of finish

• Need for morning tea and/or lunch

• Availability of toilets

Provide 3 copies of the map for the walk, one each for the leader, whip and tutor (for the archive).

Before leaving Llanberris, advise walkers of directions to the start of the walk, possibly with written instructions.

Complete a head count before commencing the walk.

Ensure someone is carrying the first aid kit (provided by the group) which is returned to Greg or his deputy at the end of the walk, and a mobile phone.

The leader should wear an orange fluoro vest (provided by the group) which is returned to Greg or his deputy at the end of the walk.

Carry a walkie-talkie (provided by the group) which is returned to Greg or his deputy at the end of the walk.

Ensure that there are adequate drink stops.

 

THE WHIP

The whip is the person who assists the leader by preparing for the walk and then walking at the back of the group to ensure everyone keeps up. The whip should remain the last walker at all times.

The whip should wear a fluoro vest and carry a walkie-talkie and return these to Greg or his deputy at the end of the walk.

 

CAR POOLING

Drivers are entitled to an amount of money for the use of their car.

$10 for 25kms+

$5 for up to 25kms

DRIVERS

Drivers should ensure they have received a set of instructions for directions to the start of the walk.

Ensure you have the mobile phone numbers of the leader of the walk and of Helen B or her deputy.

ON THE WALK

It is everyone’s responsibility to remain behind the leader and in front of the whip, both of whom will be wearing fluoro vests. Ensure the person following is able to see you.

People who know they walk slowly should walk at the front or in the middle of the group.

If you feel unwell, please let the nearest person know.

Walkers in need of a toilet stop should tell the nearest walker before leaving the track.