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372. Werona Rd Circuit 11.4KM

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 U3A Hike No 372 Hike Report by Colin Smeaton 🌥️ Weather & Conditions Cool and overcast conditions greeted 14 hikers as we set out on the Werona Road circuit in Wombat State Forest. Fortunately, the rain stayed away, making for an enjoyable ramble on old roads and tracks. 🛣️ Track & Terrain Apart from missing a turn early on, the walk was free of difficulties and mishaps. We encountered a road crew widening the tracks—likely in preparation for planned burns—which left parts of the walk on soft, newly disturbed ground. Sadly, felled trees were pushed to the side, leaving a bit of a mess. 🥾 Distance & Duration The walk undulated for 11 kilometres through old bush and took a little over 3 hours, including breaks. 🐦 Flora & Fauna Wildlife sightings were limited to a pair of crimson rosellas and the occasional wallaby. However, early spring brought out some wildflowers: Early Nancy Tall and prostrate sundews Pink heath Thanks to Lyn for helping with plant identif...
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371. Lerderderg Tunnel 10.6km

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 U3A Hike No 371 Hike Report by David Santamaria 🚶 ‍♂️ Setting Off from Blackwood   Eighteen intrepid walkers left our vehicles and set out into the bush at Blackwood. The steepness of the early climb soon had us strung out like Brown’s cows, but we eventually regrouped—slightly out of breath—at the top of the hill.     🌸 Spring’s Welcome   Spring rewarded us with groves of pink and white heath brightening our way among tall timber and fallen logs. At 10 o’clock we turned onto the goat’s track, following the ridge with ravines dropping steeply on either side.     🧗 Ridge Walking and Geological Wonders   Gordon cheerfully warned that if we lost our footing, he didn’t have a winch to haul us back up—so we planted our feet securely! The rough path kept us alert, though the views towards the Lerderderg River and its rapids made every careful step worthwhile.   Gordon explained we were walking on a raised strata bed, once horizontal but now...
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370. Steiglitz Circuit.9km - Steiglitz Historic Park

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 U3A Hike No 370 Hike Report by Sue Collier Leader: Gordon Talbett  Whip: Kim Radenic  Distance:  9km circuit  Weather: Fine 🏛️ A Town of Gold and Ghosts Steiglitz rose to prominence during the Victorian Gold Rush (1850s–1890s), once home to around 1,500 residents and boasting a hotel, newspaper, shops, and even an undertaker. Today, it’s a quiet ghost town with a population of just 60, and only a handful of buildings remain as echoes of its golden past. 🌤️ Setting Off Despite an unpredictable forecast, blue skies broke through the clouds and sunshine made frequent appearances. Eight enthusiastic walkers gathered at the Historic Courthouse in Steiglitz Historic Park, where Gordon briefed us on the rugged terrain ahead—this would be a “slip, trip, and fall” kind of walk. 🏞️ Into the Gorge We descended into a rocky gorge along Stawell Street, crossing a clear-flowing stream and pausing to admire an old capped mine embedded in the rock face. A steep, slippery...
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