Nerrina - White Swan Circuit 14 Kms

U3A Hike No 107

Another good turn out saw twenty seven hikers in three groups starting fifteen minutes apart

Hike Reports by Lyn Hooper, Geoff and Mark H:

Report by Lyn Hooper

Meeting in front of The Nerrina Tavern, the morning was crisp but sunny. In several areas a frost was noticeable, but this could only mean another perfect day for a hike....Goldilocks weather not too hot, and once walking, not too cold. A short drive took our group of 9 to our starting point and after an uphill walk to the CHW pumping station* there was no further mention of being cold as we headed off into the forest. The tracks were typical of the Creswick forest at this time of the year, slippery and muddy in places with the occasional decent puddle.

On our route we were joined by an early morning walker with her dog BJ (Boris Johnson) and three young roos who were basking in the morning sun stopped us in our tracks for several minutes. Our track took us on dirt roads through forest, past semi-rural properties and even on a small stretches of bitumen. Approaching White Swan Reservoir* which we could just see through the trees, we could hear heavy machinery and whilst we were enjoying our morning cuppa break we were passed by the grader as well as by Gold Group.

White Swan Reservoir was named after the White Swan Hotel which operated from 1856 to 1915 when it lost its licence. The hotel was demolished in 1947 and the site was flooded when the White Swan Reservoir was built in 1952. That explains the naming of the reservoir but does not explain the naming of the hotel...perhaps my next challenge!! From the little that I have read the hotel seems to have had a lovely history and was situated in a beautiful setting.

At this point were also informed of a good news story but more of that later. We continued on the track which by now had been graded so it was even more slippery and muddier with the deep tyre impressions. We passed patches of flowering heath and grass trees with their tall proud spikes making the bush appear magical in this glorious winter sunlight. We then came across picture perfect Nuggety Dam* ..another reminder of this area's mining history.

After an early lunch beside the Yarrowee River just past the freeway underpass we headed up towards the Monte Christo mining area where we came across a deep uncovered shaft near the track. The next highlight was a relatively recently abandoned Mitsubishi sedan rolled on its side in a deep ditch. Here Chris pointed out a bush known as the Chinese shrub. It is a cassinia with brown tassle like flowers up to 2m high and is one of the early colonisers after soil disturbance. Apparently, rosellas enjoy the seeds.

Crossing the freeway via the pedestrian bridge we then came to Nerrina with its iconic St James Church of England* complete with its steeple. It has been restored and has been a private residence since 1995. The condition of this building is in sharp contrast to that of the Methodist Church* nearby which was looking so dilapidated. It is just waiting for Kevin McCloud and his Grand Designs team. It was then just a short walk to Old Bendigo State School* with its very interesting finials. Mary Dickson was principal here in 2004.

At the places marked * Andrew gave us an insight into their history. The newspaper articles of the day concerning the miners and the inhabitants of the church were not only quirky but fascinating. We returned to the cars where Gold Group was waiting. It was here that we celebrated Andrew's birthday. We hope he enjoyed his special day as much as we enjoyed the walk. A big thanks to Andrew and to Chris who navigated our way.

A link to the history of the sites mentioned can be found after the photographs.

Report by Geoff:

It was again another calm, sunny morning when Gold Group set off soon after 8 am. We were a group of nine, reliably led by Tim. The nearly 15 km walk from Nerrina to White Swan reservoir and back provided us with a great view over Ballarat at one point. The track under foot was not too muddy and no one complained about the occasional uphill sections of the track. We were greeted by a small number of kangaroos on a couple of occasions and appreciated seeing some heath, still in flower.

Conversations of recent trips...to Aldi, Woolworths and Bunnings were not particularly inspiring and conversations about international trips not being taken brought tears to some eyes. Other conversations continued happily, and all enjoyed the fact that we were able to walk and talk together again.

Part way along the track we passed the Blue Group, resting on some logs enjoying their morning tea. Not surprisingly, soon after, they passed our group, as we enjoyed our morning tea. Sometime later, after coming through the Nerrina tunnel we came upon Blue Group again as they stopped at a picnic area beside the Yarrowee to have lunch.

As with Aesop’s tortoise, our group continued on and were first across the finishing line, too steady for the hares of group one. Perhaps Andrew had been slowed down with too much birthday cake. Happy birthday Andrew.

Report by Mark H:

Meeting place on a slightly frosty morning was outside the Nerrina Tavern followed by a short drive over the freeway to the western edge of Nerrina. Marianne had the 'L' plates on as navigator with Gordon as the fearless leader.

Northwards through the bush we made our way towards White Swan Reservoir incorporating Alkera Road and passing some impressive pieces of real estate. The view from Creswick Plantation towards Ballarat was excellent.

Morning tea next to White Swan was punctuated by occasional diesel sounds which were eventually revealed to be a grader and backhoe stirring up the mud along the path. Mud was the theme for the next few km - one can only imagine what it was like before they started 'fixing' it!

Southwards along the side of White Swan we picked up part of the Goldfields Track across White Swan Road through the many abandoned mining works of Nerrina. Past the Nuggety dam, lunch was taken next to the Yarrowee Creek at Ditchfield Reserve.

Through the tunnel under the Western Freeway we join civilisation at Brown Hill. A paved path no less with the occasional bicycle and prams followed the freeway then diverged into a bush path. How a car ended upside down deep along the path's twists and turns created some debate!

A pleasant 14km walk finished with a stroll over the freeway at historic Nerrina and back to the cars. Many thanks to team leader Gordon and Marianne for the navigation.