Hepburn Springs - Hunts Dam Circuit, Hepburn Regional Park - 12.2 Kms

 U3A Hike No. 173

Hike report by Martin

The leadership team: Gordon led with as Ken as whip.

A small group of twelve meet at Kirks at the usual time, and once formalities conclude we were on our way to Hepburn Springs - our meeting place was the carpark at the Hepburn Mineral Springs Regional Park.  The morning was partially overcast with the weather having a problem deciding whether it should rain, or not.  Fortunately, the day improved as it progressed.

We saddled ourselves with provisions for the walk and our first destination, Wyuna Springs, about 150 m east of the start point.  Continued on to Argyle track, which runs along Wild Cat Gully, we noted a number of fenced off adits and mineshafts.  Nearby were Wild Cat Cascades.  Shortly we arrived at Argyle Mineral Springs and after a short pause to contemplate the natural environment we turned north, crossed Wild Cat Creek and went off-track until we located a 4WD track which led us along a series of ridges until we arrived at the Hepburn Back Road.

With the appropriate caution, we crossed Hepburn Back Road, on to Mannings Road (a dirt track), continuing until we reached the Dry Diggings track on the right, which lead us to a short track and Hunt’s Dam – our destination for morning tea.

During morning tea, we learnt that a member of our party had inadvertently left their backpack at home but was fortunate enough to have a couple of volunteers that were willing to carry his tucker - free of any “porter” fees.  Provided plenty of opportunity for some light-hearted banter.

After morning tea, we retraced our steps and returned to the Dry Diggings track and continued north west with Beehive Gully on our right, looping back south we picked up Mannings Road, stopping for a good look at the view north towards Mt Franklin.  To the north east we could see Elevated Plains.

A short distance along Mannings Road we found the Dry Diggings track leading south down into and up along the south side of Widows Gully, and then crossing though Womens Gully to arrive at Jackson’s Lookout, which most of the party climbed to take in the view.

We returned to the Dry Diggings track, tracing along Locarno Gully to arrive back down near Wild Cat creek and our final destination and time for some light refreshments and more conversations.

Another fabulous walk.  Thank you to Gordon, and of course Ken for not losing anyone.

Photos by Mark H