Grampians - Day 1 : Wonderland, Pinnacle and Sundial Circuit - 15.5 Kms

 U3A Hike No. 167

Hike Report by Mark H

Monday morning saw about a dozen intrepid U3A Hikers meet at Grampians Wonderland Carpark in cool but promising conditions. With the scary sight of yours truly in front holding the GPS we rock-hopped our way up the slope of the Pinnacle Track. Sadly, nearby Grand Canyon was closed to through traffic but we were able to gaze in awe down it from the top.

Wildflowers galore along the path to Bridal Veil Falls which was just trickling down. Next was Silent Street – a long narrow steep gap between massive boulders which is definitely not for the claustrophobics out there but offered great photo opportunities.

Eventually all that uphill work was rewarded by reaching The Pinnacle and its spectacular views across Halls Gap (and beyond) and Lake Bellfield to the south.  Morning tea in the sunshine was very welcome by then!

A minor descent by rock path gave way to sand and clay paths that offered glimpses of tomorrow’s walk up Giant’s Staircase at Mt Rosea.  More rock scrambling eventually presented Lakeview Lookout and more spectacular (expect that word even more yet!) vistas closer to the lake and over the Lakeview Caravan Park where most were staying.  By now everyone felt they had earned lunch which was taken at nearby Sundial Carpark which provided picnic tables and facilities.

Next a pleasant track with a mixture of sand/clay and rocks took us to Sundial Lookout, likely named because of its shape from certain angles.  It really does have a sundial which worked because the sun was out, but not adjusted for Daylight Saving. Of course the views were spectacular.

Time to turn around and head back. Gordon’s trace provided some loops away from entirely retracing our steps. The loop from Sundial Carpark to near Bridal Veil Falls provided many wildflowers, the names I’ll have to leave for others to remember. A very tame wallaby allowed us to get some close-up photos. Many weary legs eventually worked their way down the rocky slope to Wonderland Carpark. Some not totally weary legs took the short walk round to and up Grand Canyon and its scenery.

Phew! Strava said 15.5 km and it congratulated me as well. I loved the long but very rewarding hike thanks Gordon. It provided everything one expects at The Grampians.

Photos by Andrew, Frances and Joan





































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