Creswick Brackenbury Circuit

Creswick Brackenbury Circuit - 12 Kms

September 17, 2020

U3A Hike No 114

Photo - Blue Group.

Attendance: Twenty-three hikers in three groups.

Report by Nita for Blue Group

The alarm went off VERY early and I was excited to ‘bounce’ out of bed ready to do our welcome-back group hike. So with comparative freedom, our Blue Group led by Andrew met up in Creswick and with our MASKS being an extra accessory off we trekked. Following the Goldfields track we meandered past Lake St.George, through the old School of Forestry and the University of Melbourne’s historic buildings and surrounds, the now extinct Koala Sanctuary and then the La Gersche Forest. The history of this area never ceases to inspire. Of particular interest are the St Georges Reef and Eatons Reef gold mines and associated deep leads and tributaries. The dancing Happy Wanderer and the occasional sighting of a Green Hooded Orchid along the tracks was also a highlight. A climb up to Brackenbury Hill gave 360 degree views of the surrounds, a bit windy but was worth the effort although the unfortunate graffiti on the historical monument and household rubbish left there was a disappointment. Following the track further and the changing landscape indicated we were getting near the La Gerche Forest. Walking into a beautiful canopy of trees and a carpet of fallen leaves we were taken into a whole new world. 19,000 trees were planted by LaGerche in the late 1880’s-1890’s to restock the forest after the goldrush decimated the land. What an amazing legacy this man has left. A great place to take families and visitors (later on). Thanks to Andrew and the group for a great return sharing stories and enjoying lunch afterwards.

Report by Anne for Gold Group

The seven walkers of the Gold group set off under the leadership of Tim. We were all enjoying the post-lockdown freedom of walking as a group and took a little freedom with the navigation too. This might explain how we ended up behind Gordon’s group.

This was a very varied walk – through the historic grounds of the School of Forestry, circling partway around Lake St Georges, a loop through the old koala park, 360 degree views from Brackenbury Hill and finally back through the soft beauty of the La Gerche Forest Walk. I’ve usually done this walk in the opposite direction and it was interesting to see it from a different perspective.

Everything was very green and we enjoyed splashes of colour from the purple Hardenbergia and the pink bells (Tetratheca). Other plants spotted along the way included Greenhood orchids, the little white Early Nancies, Creamy Candles, yellow pea plants and some very large flowering wattles on the La Gerche Walk.

Thanks to Tim, Andrew and Gordon – it’s great to be back to group hiking!

Anne Ottrey

Report by Mark for the White Group

Yay! Andrew must have had his finger hovering over his email ‘Send” button waiting for the out-of- lockdown announcement. A large group (considering the necessary late notice) of cooped up hikers met in their smaller groupings at Creswick for the short drive to Sawpit Road. The start of the 12k walk took our bunch following Gordon through the Creswick School of Forestry and along part of the Wallaby Track to St Georges Lake.

By the time everyone had had the ‘how did you fill in the last 6 weeks?’ conversations we were walking the bush tracks around the old Koala Park admiring the blooming Hardenbergia – Happy Wanderer, Heath and other emerging wildflowers. Only a few average hills were a blessing for any like myself who had let the fitness go during lockdown. Of interest were the remains of gold diggings and water races as well as the fencing and styles infrastructure of Koala Park. Did not notice any koalas though. Morning tea was on a footbridge spanning the Creswick Creek and a welcome chance to slip off the mask while snacking.

Eventually the walk looped back to St Georges Lake and headed north uphill to the lookout. After admiring the impressive 360 degree view and lowering the heartrate we headed through mainly pine forest tracks to Brackenbury Road which eventually led us to the La Gerche Walk.

John La Gerche was a Government Forester who had the thankless job of administering the local forests in the mid-late 1800s. Poor controls over mining and timber cutting (La Gerche himself had previously owned a sawmill) had decimated the area’s forest and he energetically worked to replant much of it. Mostly with native species but mixed with others as well. The result is a heritage listed Botanic Gardens style walking trail. One gully we encountered stood out for its ground mat of oak leaves which contrasted startlingly with the usual diet of pine needles and bush litter.

Photos in front of the above’s statue then a pleasant stroll through some Forestry School paths took us back to the cars and well earned lunch. Good work and thanks Andrew for the swift notice and organisation, and thanks to our fearless group leader Gordon!

Mark Hawley