Mt Beckworth 9km Hike + Abseiling

August 16, 2020

U3A Hike No 113

Hike Report by Martin Russell

As we assembled at Fishers IGA (Miners Rest) the morning that greeted us was cold and overcast with a considerable layer of fog. Blue Group were the first to depart, heading off into the fog towards Mt Beckworth and our starting point - Cork Oaks camp ground.

Once organised, we set off for the Scenic Reserve located at the top of the Mount, where we would find fabulous views of the countryside and visit the famous “Lollipop Tree”. But first we had to navigate our way up the slight incline of Mt Beckworth itself. Did I say slight. This was trek that was not for the faint hearted. Naturally we found it was necessary to regularly pause, to take in the magnificent views and scenery out towards Waubra. Many commented at the beauty of the natural bush setting as we moved ever upwards. Finally, we arrived at the top, at an elevation of 634m the views were breathtaking (not that we had much breath left).

While at the Scenic Reserve we had a group photo taken with the historic “Lollipop Tree” and then Andrew gave us a brief history of the tree itself. In 1918, a group of students from Glendaruel Primary School plant a stand of five Monterey pine trees on the summit. In 1945, four of the five trees were cleared to allow for an aerial survey beacon. The remaining tree had its lower branches trimmed and became a local landmark, known as the 'lollipop' tree – when viewed from a distance it has the appearance of a giant lollipop. During World War 2 the “lollipop tree” was used as a beacon for trainees from the R.A.A.F. No. 1 Wireless Air Gunners School (WAGS) based at the Ballarat Airport.

Following morning tea, we then headed north along the Northern Ridge Track, peeling off to head down an unnamed track on the other side of Mount; head east towards Manna Gums Track. Poles were an advantage on this track as the ground offered considerable opportunities to slip - again the views out towards the valley were spectacular. On arriving at the Manna Gums Track, we headed in a north(ish) direction towards the Manna Gums camp ground.

We took a short break at the Manna Gums camp ground before continuing on, branching off on a walking track that ran below the ridgeline near the Dam. This track would take us across the fall-line, again through some fantastic natural bush, over a saddle and another section of the Cork Oak Track. And from here it was a gentle walk of about 1.8 km back to the Cork Oaks camp ground.

After a bite of lunch and a chance to regain some energy, a group of us went back up the Mount. This time towards the large granite outcrops above Cork Oaks camp ground, to have a crack at abseiling. This walk up back up the Mount was even more punishing than the first, but well worth the effort. Everyone had a great time abseiling, overcoming fears and doubts – oh and exhaustion. And a big thank you to Gordon and Robert for putting on the abseiling adventure.