U3A Ballarat Hikers

 U3A Hike No 416 Hike Report and Photos By Alan E. Ten enthusiastic hikers arrived at Chirnside Park in Werribee approximately at 9.30am. Leaving our cars behind, we set off following the Werribee river downstream.   After about 2k we arrived at the Federation Trail. This is a shared path for cyclists and walkers that is almost 28k long. It follows Melbourne's historic outfall sewer. The sewer goes over the Werribee river on a red brick, five arched bridge.  We crossed over the river and went under the Princes Freeway, from here we left the river behind, following the fence line of Werribee zoo.   We stopped in the Werribee river park for morning tea with great views across the river towards the golf club. During our break we had the privilege to view a pelican flying over and a hawk disappearing into a tree. There was a lot of noise coming from the tree as the hawk entered it; we assumed it was feeding its young.  We continued on, and followed the Wer...

U3A Hike No 415 Hike Report by John vanR Twelve intrepid U3A hikers headed out for this walk in cold, threatening weather conditions. Thanks to Kim for stepping up at the last minute to lead the walk due to Mark’s incapacity. We had fun and games the cars in attempting reach the start of the walk on a short cut back track, thanks to the muddy conditions. After retracing our tracks, we made it on the main access route. The walk commenced in a pleasant sunny manner following the undulating Pipeline track through the forest. Wombat Forest lived up to its’ name with wombat scats left as wayside markers every 300 metres along the track. Once we crossed Kangaroo Creek we had the long steady climb up Badger Track toward Babbington Hill. Kim did his best Philomena Cunk historical impression followed by a David Attenborough-ish explanation of fauna and flora.  The climax of the  walk was the steep 80 metre ascent of Babbington Hill rewarded with views amongst the trees of the surroundi...