Garfield Wheel - Welsh Village Circuit - 10 Kms

 U3A Hike No. 146



Hike Report by Chris

Twenty-four hikers gathered at the Garfield Water Wheel site for the walk around the Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park.  The massive stone supports dating from 1887, are evidence of the largest waterwheel constructed in Victoria. Water was directed along races and a wooden flume for many kilometres to power the stamping battery. 


After inspecting the remains of the waterwheel, we walked carefully along the partially concrete lined water race, avoiding Dirty Dick’s trail below. There were many mine shafts throughout the area both shallow and much deeper, as well as signs of puddling and sluicing and many other indications of prospecting. 


We dodged a large golden orb spider in its web and saw spectacular sheer excavations from later slate mining (The distinctive Castlemaine Slate). We explored many substantial stone ruins of the Welsh Village on the hillsides dating from the 1850’s. Some elderly fruit and peppercorn trees still remain.

 
The next part of the trail led to Expedition Pass Reservoir which is used by locals for swimming and fishing and was a pleasant lunch spot for us. We then followed the pleasant track along Forest Creek marked with red-topped posts.  At Chinaman’s Point we headed up and over a ridge and made our way back to our starting point. 

 
Many of us adjourned to the eclectic ‘Das Kaffeehaus’ in Castlemaine and some of the more adventurous even partook of the ‘schnappicinos’. 

 
Thanks to all who shared this venture. 


DOWNLOAD RESOURCE LINKS AFTER THE PHOTOS

Photos by Mark B


























LINKS

HISTORICAL NOTES

DOWNLOAD A GPS FILE

INTERACTIVE MAP

TRACK NOTES AND MAP

      TOPOGRAPHICAL MAP DOWNLOAD 



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

287. Frith Gully - Mt Misery Loop. Enfield State Park

Image
 U3A Hike No 287 Hike Report by Colin Fraser Eight hikers assembled outside the Marty Busch Reserve in Sebastopol for an 11.5 km hike on the Frith Gully-Mt Misery Loop in the Enfield State Park. We travelled in two vehicles to the start of the walk at Bald Hill on Incolls Road, Enfield. The walk was graded as moderate, and described as continuously hilly. We walking paths and rough bush roads through isolated parts of the park. There were deep gullies with lush vegetation, high ridges with open scrub, and areas that still bear the scars of extensive surface mining in the 19th century. We followed Misery Creek Road south then the Misery Creek and Forest Park walking tracks to Surface Point Picnic Ground, where we had smoko. Before arriving at Surface Point we were accompanied overhead by the raucous alarm calls of a group of cockatoos warning of our intrusion into their forest. Coincidently this occurred just near Mt Cockatoo!! We shared the picnic table with a man who was camping there
Read more

Hiking Group Rules

Image
All members resident in Ballarat are expected to attend the meeting point for a travel briefing. Expectations as to pre-hike meeting times. 1. Arrive at the nominated meeting point prior to 7:50am. 2. 7:50 to 7:55 - Vehicle allocation & transfer gear to allocated vehicles. 3. 7:55 Briefing regarding travel to hike venue. 4. 8a.m. (or when all previous steps complete), depart the meeting point. All members of the U3A Ballarat Hiking Group need to sign a form which sets out the risks associated with hiking   A copy of the form can be found here:   Acknowledgement of risk form  All members will: ...play a part in maintaining my safety and that of the other members of the Group.   ...disclose to the leader details of any health problems that may arise during a walk.   ...be responsible for carrying their own medications on walks.   ...comply with the Hiking Group rules regarding clothing, equipment, and safety* ...follow the instructions of the designated leader(s).   ...consider
Read more

305. Fisherman's Bend - Port Melbourne Walk 11.3km

Image
 U3A Hike No 305 Aerial Photo Showing Former Airfield Hike Report By Sharon Moss. On a blustery but fortunately dry morning , 19 intrepid travelers made their way to Southern Cross Station to begin their suburban hike through Fisherman’s Bend - Port Melbourne. We set off at a brisk pace with Andrew capably leading us & Gordon as whip. We had a lovely walk along the banks of the Yarra River, passing impressive boats moored at the marina with one bearing the name Costa Lot ! Andrew pointed out pylons that are decorative rather than functional, as they sit adjacent to the Bolte bridge but are not part of the structure . Passing under the bridge, we then joined busy Lorimer St , where conversation slowed somewhat as noise overtook. We were all alert watching out for bikes , scooters, joggers & traffic ! We passed several landmarks of interest . The  art deco building previously GMH , with one part of the building now occupied by a Ballarat company J King  Homes . Andrew shared inte
Read more