Bridle Path Gully, Wombat State Forest (near Shepherds Flat) Circuit - 12.1 Kms

 U3A Hike No. 172

Hike Report by Chris

Six hikers travelled to Shepherds Flat for our walk around Bridle Path Gully in the Wombat State Forest.  We parked to the west of Cricket Willow, the quirky museum to the greatest game.

Gordon had included the terms ‘remote’ and ‘steep hills’ in his description so we were forewarned about the nature of the terrain. The mild day and the unseasonal green growth about presented us with pleasant vistas. Lyn identified lots of orchids, lillies and yam daisies among the native plants flowering.

The gullies showed signs of considerable alluvial mining activity from the gold rush. Some of the rubble has been turned over again by recent prospectors.  The area has many distinctively named features. Frying Pan Hill is easily identified. Gullies such as “New Zealand” and “American” were probably named for the most recent origins of the diggers. Perhaps Bridal Path Gully indicated a need for those on horseback to dismount and lead their charges.

We did encounter some much deeper shafts, the stonework of an early hotel surrounded by giant Aloe Vera plants, two well preserved quartz kilns and a series of semi-intact fireplace/ chimneys that indicated an ordered street in earlier times. A fenced and quite modern test drilling rig site shows that much more modern technology is being used for assay work. After a final cuppa, we journeyed home via Hepburn.

Photos by Mark H