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366. Hepburn Springs-Hunts Dam-Chocolate Mill

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  U3A Hike No 366 Hike Report by Annette Currie A group of 13 enthusiastic hikers gathered on a crisp and frosty morning to hike morning to hike from the Hepburn Mineral Springs. There were plenty of beanies and gloves on show as we set off following our leader Kim and with Gordon bringing up the tail of our group. We were very impressed with the improvements to the trail. More information signage, seats of various types and some very clever wood carvings of native animals and birds. An early morning tea stop made good use of an area of new seating, then we continued on our way along a single rocky trail which opened up to a wider trail as we walked up and down over hills, passing Hunts Reservoir where Gordon informed us of some of the history of the Reservoir and Mr. Hunt. Onward we moved again to finally reach the Chocolate Mill, where we stopped and enjoyed a special hot chocolate/mocha or coffee. After the compulsory group photo outside the Chocolate Mill, we continued forward ...
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365. Maribyrnong-Newmarket Hike 13.8km

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 U3A Hike No 365 Hike Report by Colin Fraser Leader: Gordon Talbett Whip: Mark Hawley Distance: 13.8 km Weather: fine   Ten hikers met at Ballarat Railway Station and travelled by train to Melbourne, followed by a suburban train to Newmarket, where we commenced the walk.   We walked through the old Newmarket Sale Yards site, which closed in 1987.  Decentralisation of the livestock industry and expansive urban development directly contributed to the closure of the Saleyards.   After almost 130 years of cattle and stock trading, the Newmarket Saleyards were handed back to the State Government to be redeveloped into a private and public housing estate under the Lynch's Bridge Project. The reconstruction of 80 hectares of land cost $100 million over 10 years. Some buildings were retained, renovated and incorporated into the development.  The redevelopment retained some of the old infrastructure – bluestone paving, stock pens, and the auctioneer’s office.  ...
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364. Rhinoceros Walk - Brisbane Ranges NP 12.1km

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 U3A Hike No 364 Hike Report by Sharon Moss On a crisp 2 deg Ballarat morning, 11 keen hikers set off for the Rhinoceros walk in the Brisbane Ranges , named in honor of its outline on the map. There was not a safari suit or pith helmet to be seen!  We were certainly all  over -dressed leading to frequent wardrobe stops along the way. We soon warmed up with a steady climb, as we left Friday’s Campground. The Rhinoceros walk is part of the Burchell trail which is a multi day hike of 33 km. Not far into our walk, we decided to stop for morning tea at the lovely Old Mill camping ground. Then we reluctantly left our sunny picnic spot and headed off. Once a popular area for gold mining, the Brisbane Ranges offer a wide variety of hiking trails. There is an abundance of Australian native flora, with grass tress, eucalypts and masses of wildflowers in Spring. Previous mining is evidenced by the deep gorges, old mine shafts and relics along the way. We detoured to visit The Centen...
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