Bunny Hop Hike





U3A HIKE NO 59 10KM




By Janet McKay



We had to again postpone our intended start of the Lerderderg track due to weather conditions and track closures and so we met at Andrew and Ingrid’s home for a relatively gentle hike into the newly created Woowookarung Regional Park. We numbered 26 walkers, welcoming several new members (Geoff, Peter and Jane) and set off in cool conditions, enjoying the freshness of last night’s rain.



The walk took us through diverse vegetation, very dry at this time of the year. We saw some impressive stands of grass trees and extensive areas of gorse removal to allow for regeneration of the native vegetation. The plans for the Park, including walking and cycling tracks, conservation and regeneration as well as visitor amenities are really exciting.



We took a quick detour to look at the site of the Mount Clear Railway Station, one of seven stations on the Bunny Hop Line between Buninyong and Ballarat. Andrew has added some further information about the history of the railway and some photos at the end of my report.



We continued uphill to enjoy the spectacular views across Ballarat and surrounding districts.



Morning tea and a talk by Andrew on the treatment of tick bites, fortunately the worst species of Australian Paralysis Tick is not found in this part of Victoria but very useful information for those walking in other areas.



A group of curious kangaroos watched our progress as we headed back to Andrew and Ingrid’s. Starting to get a bit warm and humid and a rest under their shady veranda, cool drinks, coffee and tea were very welcome.



Thank you Andrew and Ingrid for an enjoyable hike and welcome refreshments

Photo's by Mark Bevelander








The site of the former Mt.Clear Railway Station where 1915 figures show that, 3,242 passengers left the train here.








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Remember: on average in Australia, there are six deaths in total per year from crocodiles, snake bites, jelly fish and other nasties, ......  but
"we know that physical inactivity already causes an estimated 14,000 deaths per year and almost one-quarter (24%) of the cardiovascular burden of disease. (National Heart Foundation)

Ballarat Buninyong Railway Line











Comments

  1. Marianne Kennedy8 February 2019 at 17:46

    Thanks Janet for a great report on a very interesting and enjoyable hike. Also thanks to Mark and Andrew for the photos and historical information.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Maryd8 February 2019 at 18:21

    Great report, Janet, and photos, Mark.
    Was very interested in the photos and information about the train line to Buninyong.
    Not sure that Karen wants her fall in the mud immortalised though. Hope you are okay today, Karen.
    Thanks to the Parkers for a welcome morning tea.
    What a great hike with wonderful people.
    Ken and Mary

    ReplyDelete
  3. Mark Bevelander8 February 2019 at 19:16

    Fascinating historical detail of the Ballarat-Buninyong Railway. I've seen the line off Victoria St but didn't know of the other stations.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Jan8 February 2019 at 21:31

    Interesting info. I particularly like the photo of the tram going over the cutting in Victoria St. I pass that spot every day.

    ReplyDelete

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