15. Goldfields-Dry Diggings Track Stage Three 11.3km

 U3A Hike No 15


Hike Report by Anne Ottrey

A lucky 13 hikers set out on the first day of winter, for the third stage of the Dry Diggings Track. It was a cool start as we set off downhill through bush showing signs of regeneration after fire. The track wandered up and down through sluiced gullies, sometimes following water races and passing stone chimneys – the only remaining sign of the gold miners’ huts once scattered through this area. Layers of clothes were removed as we hit the first hill, and the day turned into a sunny day ideal for walking. 

Around Sailors Gully we passed heavily mined country with deep mining holes to either side of the track. We approached Vaughan Springs via an old bridle path, following the contour high above the Loddon River. At only 12 kms, this was one of the easier walks we have undertaken, and it finished at the very attractive Vaughan Springs picnic area. 


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