Maldon-Mt Tarrengower Hike





U3A Hike No 76



HIKE REPORT BY FIONA DEUTSCHER

On Thursday 5th September the ‘Southern Chapter’ of the U3A Hiking Group walked 8.5km from Maldon to Mt Tarrengower. The weather was relatively mild & we managed to avoid the predicted rain.


The walking track commenced along the outskirts of Maldon on Parkins Reef Road.
We were soon reminded of Maldon’s early gold mining history as we passed the relics of the North British Mine ( which we investigated later) and the Carman’s Mine Tunnel.
Both of these gold mining ventures began in late 1800’s after the initial alluvial gold rush  (in 1853) gave way to quartz reef mining. However, there were varying levels of success.
The North British Mine was claimed to be the largest & most profitable quartz mine in the district. It employed over 100 men & was the last major mine to close. In contrast the Carman Mine’s attempt to drive a tunnel right through Mt Tarrengower was much less successful. Very little gold was recovered & work was soon abandoned.
The majority of our hike was along a stony dirt track- climbing quite steeply at times through open grey box woodland. We stopped for morning tea on a grassy saddle & enjoyed the chorus of parrots, galahs & chough’s in the bush around us. Spring flowers were also evident along the track including Early Nancy, Blue Fairy orchids & wattle blossoms.
We continued up the ridge until it met the sealed road & then walked up to the peak of Mt Tarrengower. We climbed the fire tower & were rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Views to the west included the Cairn Curran Reservoir and the surrounding bright canola fields. Visible peaks included Mt Alexander, Mt Korong & Mt Franklin.
We descended from Mt Tarrengower via the Fountain Track with good views down to Maldon township along the way. We continued our steep descent on a gravel track to Anzac Hill passing by the WW1 memorial.
Once we reached Maldon we enjoyed a social cuppa at a local cafe before returning to investigate the relics of the North British mine. These included shafts & tunnels, battery shed, cyanide settling vats & quartz roasting kilns. It was a memorable walk with wonderful views & historical points of interest.

YouTube Slideshow


Photo's by Gordon Talbett










Photo's by Fiona Deutscher








Photo's by Marianne Kennedy



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