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414. Rathole/Toerag Track - Wombat State Forest, 11.5km,

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 U3A Hike No 414 Hike Report by Monica Eleven hikers set out under grey, overcast skies on this approximately 11.5km forest walk, which began on an isolated piece of unsealed road in the Wombat Forest. Taking care, after a pot-holed drive, to park cars between water-filled ditches we began the ‘penguin circuit’ – the coloured route outlined on Gordon’s paper map – on the Rat Hole Track. No rats were observed, but plenty of holes filled with yellow-brown water and muddy edges punctuated the gutted path. In fact, due to heavy recent rains, the entire circuit comprised a series of mini-lakes between sections of gluey track. Those who’d brought them found support from their poles; others took detours on higher ground through dense scrub and fallen trees and branches from recent storms. While the walk itself was surprisingly benign, without the usual steep inclines of ‘moderately difficult’ gradings, this one was a challenge in other ways. Nearly everyone had a near-or-semi-soggy encoun...
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413. Doctors Gully - Grand Designs - Hepburn Regional Park 7.8km

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 U3A Hike No 413 Hike Report By Chris Fourteen walkers gathered at Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve on a still but chilly morning. We were joined by Kelly, Barbara’s daughter from California. The frost even made the asphalt in the carpark and an early wooden bridge crossing slippery. The trail to the west of Hepburn took us along the forested and scenic Doctors Gully, generally along a broad, level terraced track. We did climb one short scrabbly hill and there were a few ups and downs to keep it interesting. The recent rains left a few muddy patches and ice encrusted puddles. Lots of fungi were evident. We disturbed occasional grey kangaroos along our quiet track. An embankment near Westward St was a pleasant place for the morning tea stop, prior to a return via another gully towards Spring Creek. Here we saw some stylish modern homes with elaborate retaining walls and clever garden sculptures. We stopped at the peaceful waters of the old Hepburn swimming hole which had a good flow ...
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412. Buckshot Track- Friday's Cammpground, Brisbane Ranges NP, 11.6km, circuit.

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 U3A Hike No 412 Hike Report by Kath     As I drove from my house in the teeming rain to our meeting spot in Buninyong, I thought “ am I crazy ” and perhaps many fellow hikers also shared those doubts as we were a small (but select) group of five that set off in two cars to the start of the hike. Gordon often opts to hike in the Brisbane Ranges National Park on days forecast for heavy rain, as often there is less rain there than in and around Ballarat and…once again ….our faithful Gordon proved himself right. While spouses and fellow would be hikers remaining in Ballarat watched the rain teem down all day , the merry band of five only encountered a bit of drizzle from time to time during our 11.6 kms hike .  We started our walk from Friday’s campground where a small group were indeed camping, huddled around the ir campfire . The Brisbane Ranges may have a reputation for being dry but during this lovely hike we delighted in all the greenery , the variety in the...
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411. Long Forest Reserve (Coimadai) 10km

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 U3A Hike No 411 Hike Report and photos by Michelle McGillivray While the early morning was cold, it became a delightful day for a walk in the forest. Cool, dry, still and beautiful. It certainly beats staying home in bed.   A special welcome to new walkers Greg and Maureen.   After car-pooling and a quick car shuffle, we started south of Merrimu Reservoir and walked west to Pyrites Creek. Mark, our leader for the day, decided to avoid “Steep Track” and instead turned south along the Coimadai Track. We still managed to hike many hills and mixed terrain, making it an interesting and varied walk. We kept our wits about us on the steep rocky climbs and descents.   Trekking on the eastern edge of Pyrites Creek was beautiful and serene, with mixed vegetation, birdsong and evidence of wombats making their home in the forest. Some of us could not resist exploring the inviting burrows.   We walked by the remnants of a cottage set beautifully on a hillside overlookin...
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