Berringa - Surface Point Loop 14.5km
U3A ike no 117
Hike Report by Marianne Kennedy
Seven hikers met at Andrew’s house and travelled independently in convoy to Berringa Recreation Reserve where our hike started. We were very grateful that the forecast “100% chance of rain” had not yet become a reality. Under a blue and slightly cloudy sky, and all masked up, we headed off looking forward the opportunity to explore this historical mining area.
We started walking along a short section of
the Rainbow Bird Trail, and then turned right past a monument with the
inscription ‘Berringa Miners Avenue’. Snowgum Road was a lovely tree lined
gravel road that came to the historical Berringa Church. From here we turned
left into Sykes Road and onto the remains of the William Fancy Mine. We marvelled
at the structures that were built in order to find gold. Gordon pointed out the
different structures and mullock heaps and the purpose for which they were
built and utilised. Over the course of the day we were to see many mine shafts and
evidence of surface mining. This area was mostly mined by Chinese people. We
passed a memorial stone dedicated to all the Chinese people who worked and died
in the area.
Both
our morning tea and lunch were enjoyed sitting in comfort on large logs while
engaged in interesting conversation. Light rain started to fall as we were
finishing our lunch so Gordon decided it would be best to take Misery Creek
Road for part of the way before turning back into the bush past more mining
areas. It was a different experience to walk on the road which was flanked on
either side with a dense display of “Egg and Bacon’ and White Heath surrounded
by natural undergrowth and trees. The shower of rain did not last very long so
we had clear sky again to walk past the Berringa Dam and back to the cars.
While sitting in the shelter having a cuppa and a chat the heavens opened up
and we could only feel so grateful that we had enjoyed very pleasant weather
for our hike before the rain came.
There
were lots of uphill climbs and also quite steep descents through gullies eroded
by rain and running water. Quite steep and a bit slippery in places however,
with caution, we all managed to make it through safely and remain upright. A
creek crossing was necessary at one stage and there was no point in worrying
about getting our feet wet; there was only one way across and that was through
the water! Except Ken, of course, who
endeavoured to see how much air he could get under his feet?.... Umm...not much
at all really! Good try though.
This
was a fantastic hike! It provided so much variety in many ways. The terrain was
quite rugged in places and very interesting. We spotted several varieties of
orchids and wild flowers..... Now, here is the perfect opportunity to
demonstrate my vast knowledge of botanical names and say we saw Kennedia
Postrata (Running Postman) ..... Actually that’s the only one I know! The dense
assortment of native shrubs and undergrowth were all showcased in beautiful
natural bush. My Strava recorded 15.75kms.
Protected from the wind and with perfect
temperature for hiking it was easy to become totally absorbed in the landscape,
the history of the mining era and the natural beauty of our surroundings.
Thank
you to Gordon (our leader) and Andrew (our co leader) and to all participants
for your delightful company and support on the hike.
MAP
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