Woowookarung Regional Park Circuit - 10 Kms

 U3A Hike No. 177

Hike Report by Martin

The leadership team:  Mark H took the lead on this hike, with Ken as whip.

We numbered around 21 as we gathered across the road from No 10 Valley Drive.  A short pre-hike briefing from Andrew and we were on our way towards Canadian Lakes, passing a bevy of swans that had taken up residence in the front garden of the properties facing the lake.  We continued on up Canadian Lakes Blvd, on through a laneway between houses and onto the track that ran along the boundary of Woowookarung, which we followed until reaching Katy Ryan Road.

The it was then on to the “Dementia Friendly Forest and Sensory Trail”, (Dementia Friendly Forest and Sensory Trail | Goldfields Guide) opened in recent months to provide sensory experiences for those affected by dementia.  This is a fabulous new addition to Woowookarung.  Please encourage family and friends to visit, you don’t need dementia to enjoy the benefits.

Continuing along the Sensory Trail, we enjoyed walking through the natural bush of the park that has been slowly reclaiming its rightful place – with the help of the Friends of Canadian Corridor (FOCC), Parks Victoria and many volunteers, including our Hiking group.  We continued on alongside Bakers Roads until we reached the lookout – with fabulous views (looking to the west) out over Ballarat.  The rate of growth in the trees that have been planted as part of the natural revegetation program to rehabilitate the park form its days as a pine plantation was clearly evident.

After taking in the views and photo opportunities, we crossed over Bakers Road to pick up the “Grass Tree Trail”.  This was a fabulous section of the hike that took us through an area abundant in Grass Trees.  A beautiful walk of some distance that eventually placed us back on Katy Ryan Road.  Whilst we took a pause here, Andrew provided a brief history of who Katy Ryan was – a store keeper in the early history of Ballarat.  Her store was at the end of Elsworth Street where it becomes Katy Ryan Road.  Why locate a store there?  Well, during the gold rush it was the main road leading out of Ballarat towards Geelong.

After travelling some distance back along Katy Ryan Road, we stopped for morning tea and Andrew took the opportunity to assess the many young trees the Hiking group had been involved in planting during the 2021 planting season.  He reported back, no obvious casualties.

Continuing along Katy Ryan Road, a sharp hairpin bend onto Dozer Road, and then on to Hocking Avenue we soon found ourselves on Horwood Avenue and then back at the starting point and time to enjoy our traditional end of year BBQ lunch and what a feast it was.

A big thank you to Ingrid who spent the morning preparing for our arrival.  Also, a big thank you to those who contributed some of the fabulous dishes.  After a short speech from Andrew – never one to miss the opportunity – Geoff, on behalf of the group, offered a few words of thanks to Andrew, Gordon and Theresa for the work they put in over the last 12 months.

Another fabulous day!

Thank you to all and Happy Christmas.

Photos by Mark B






















Comments

  1. Jan19 December 2021 at 21:30

    Thanks for a great year of hikes, Andrew & Gordon 😊

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Berringa Mines and Heritage Walk - 9 Kms

Image
 U3A Hike No 279 Hike Report by Lyn The day was overcast and hazy as our group set out from the Berringa Recreation Reserve and started walking back towards Ballarat. Soon we stopped and marvelled in awe as Andrew waved a $50 note in the air, then a $5 note apparently picked up from amongst the roadside litter. However we were not fooled and Andrew returned the notes to his pocket and we continued on.  Our first mine we came across was the Birthday Tunnel mine set high up the steep sided gully. Since our last visit in February 2021, the mining relics consisting of brickwork and a rusting boiler were still evident but a new addition in the form of a modern looking living transportable container was within close proximity. Not wanting to hang around for too long we then descended the steep sided gully concentrating on our foot placement as it would have been very easy to slip on the downward leaning grasses, although we took time out to look at the impressive mullock heap.  With expert n
Read more

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

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