Stringers, Welcome and Yorkey Gullies Circuit, Wombat State Forest - 9.1 Kms

 U3A Hike No. 176

Hike Report by Mark H

Rain on the roof and at least 10 ml in Ballarat gauges overnight was not the ideal start to the day. Fortunately, the day only got finer the closer the six of us approached the Wombat State Forest near Shepherds Flat.

The track headed east-ish loosely following nearby Stringers Gully along a mostly dry track. With the arrival at Stringers Creek, we were greeted by the unusual sight of an ivy tree. Closer inspection revealed an old chimney inside the plant structure (see photos). By now it was apparent the threat of rain was probably going to remain just that, so a quick break was taken to remove rain gear and a layer of warm clothing.

Gordon now took us off track across the creek. We admired a dry waterfall and after an overland hill climb reached Welcome Gully Track. One kilometre down the road we turned towards roads that wound and crested round various gullies with names like Green Gully, Corkscrew Gull and Bald Hill Creek.

The next bush bash fortunately cut off a large loop of roads which were VERY steep and unrelentingly up and down.  An example greeted us when we eventually emerged at the next road. One can only marvel how any serious transport could effectively negotiate that one!

This hilly track went down and across Green Gully then morning tea was taken. Eagle-eyed Gordon spotted a rock wall nearby. Further exploration revealed this was structure for a water race from gold rush days.  As the walk progressed more mining remains popped up and we took a few detours to explore these, especially around Yorkey Gully. Later back at Green Gully we explored the ruins of a Gold Battery with associated mullock heaps and old mine shafts.

After nearly 10km from the start the cars appeared and lunch taken, leaving us with memories of hilly tracks, a smattering of wildflowers, kangaroos and wallabies and a cool dry day despite the dire forecast.  

Great work Gordon and thank-you for organising this hike.  I speak for everyone that this was a good’un.

Photos by Andrew and Mark H