BENDIGO CAMP REPORT OCT 7-9, 2025
Day 1
Das Kaffeehaus in Castlemaine was the meeting place for quite a few of us to have coffee before heading
off to reconvene at the start of our first walk, One Tree Hill. We parked at the bottom of the hill and
walked up to the lookout and picnic area, from where we started the One tree Hill Tower Loop. We had
perfect weather for the walk which took us through varied landscapes, over some rocky tracks which
eventually smoothed out and made the walking easier. Many stops were made to admire and identify the
plentiful wildflowers. We enjoyed lunch along the way and found our way back to the cars after an
enjoyable walk that wasn’t too taxing for any of us. And rest assured, there was more than one tree!
After settling into the caravan park, the full complement of 13 people met for happy hour and a bbq in the
camp kitchen and enjoyed the warmer weather and daylight savings until heading off to our respective
accommodation.
Das Kaffeehaus in Castlemaine was the meeting place for quite a few of us to have coffee before heading
off to reconvene at the start of our first walk, One Tree Hill. We parked at the bottom of the hill and
walked up to the lookout and picnic area, from where we started the One tree Hill Tower Loop. We had
perfect weather for the walk which took us through varied landscapes, over some rocky tracks which
eventually smoothed out and made the walking easier. Many stops were made to admire and identify the
plentiful wildflowers. We enjoyed lunch along the way and found our way back to the cars after an
enjoyable walk that wasn’t too taxing for any of us. And rest assured, there was more than one tree!
After settling into the caravan park, the full complement of 13 people met for happy hour and a bbq in the
camp kitchen and enjoyed the warmer weather and daylight savings until heading off to our respective
accommodation.
Day 2
After an hour’s drive through some lovely country and the historic town of Inglewood, we met up at the
picnic area of Melville Caves in the Kooyoorah State Park. The caves are named after the notorious
bushranger who used the caves as a hideout in the 19th century.We completed, on another fantastic day for walking, the Long Rock Walking Track which took in the Southern and McLeods Lookouts. From the lookouts and other vantage points, we enjoyed beautiful views. We took advantage of one conveniently flat rock, which gave us spectacular views, to have our morning tea.
The walk included quite a bit of up and down, dramatic rock formations, the odd kangaroo and more
wildflowers. The path evened out as we walked down and towards the picnic area again and as the day
was really warming up we were very glad to get back for a well earned rest and lunch.
After lunch we drove to the top where we found a camping ground and access to caves, formed by giant
boulders, that we could enter and explore.
Dinner was at The Old Boundary Hotel, which was very impressive, producing good quality meals in a
very organised fashion.
After an hour’s drive through some lovely country and the historic town of Inglewood, we met up at the
picnic area of Melville Caves in the Kooyoorah State Park. The caves are named after the notorious
bushranger who used the caves as a hideout in the 19th century.We completed, on another fantastic day for walking, the Long Rock Walking Track which took in the Southern and McLeods Lookouts. From the lookouts and other vantage points, we enjoyed beautiful views. We took advantage of one conveniently flat rock, which gave us spectacular views, to have our morning tea.
The walk included quite a bit of up and down, dramatic rock formations, the odd kangaroo and more
wildflowers. The path evened out as we walked down and towards the picnic area again and as the day
was really warming up we were very glad to get back for a well earned rest and lunch.
After lunch we drove to the top where we found a camping ground and access to caves, formed by giant
boulders, that we could enter and explore.
Dinner was at The Old Boundary Hotel, which was very impressive, producing good quality meals in a
very organised fashion.
Day 3
A gentle walk to finish the camp was held at the Crusoe Reservoir Loop via No 7 Reservoir. This walk was on made tracks, taking us by the water and across the dam wall, with a little bit of bush land included.
There are interesting historical sites which highlight the amount of work put into early water storage
efforts, particularly in the channels and the No 7 reservoir which was constructed in 1857. We had lunch
back at the very attractive picnic area of No 7, before heading off back home.
Thanks to all who came to the camp and made it such a fun experience. We were lucky with the weather
and everyone enjoyed the walks and the social activities.
A gentle walk to finish the camp was held at the Crusoe Reservoir Loop via No 7 Reservoir. This walk was on made tracks, taking us by the water and across the dam wall, with a little bit of bush land included.
There are interesting historical sites which highlight the amount of work put into early water storage
efforts, particularly in the channels and the No 7 reservoir which was constructed in 1857. We had lunch
back at the very attractive picnic area of No 7, before heading off back home.
Thanks to all who came to the camp and made it such a fun experience. We were lucky with the weather
and everyone enjoyed the walks and the social activities.
Apologies that the photos are not in chronological order!
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