Mount Tarrengower, Maldon Historic Reserve Circuit - 8.4 Kms

 U3A Hike No. 195

Hike Report by Geoff

Despite being a chilly morning with the temperature down to three degrees, 11 members of the group met at Kirks, headed for Maldon. The crisp night provided for a clear sunny morning and so the drive through Daylesford onto Maldon was very attractive with mist rising over very calm dams and fields. 

On reaching Maldon, the temperature had risen to eight degrees but the sky remained clear. Our walk started in the centre of town and saw us walking back down High Street, past many historic homes, then along Perkins Reef Road before we reached the site of the North British Mine, described in the 1880s as one of the worlds richest mines employing over 100 people.  Many stone and brick structures remain as evidence of the mine, which operated until 1928, most impressively the quartz kilns.
 
After leaving the historic reserve we started our slow assent along Ridge Track to the summit of Mount Tarrengower. Despite remaining cool our up-hill journey and continuing sunlight helped us to stay warm. As we progressed up through the bush we gained spectacular views to the west, over Cairn Curran Reservoir to the Pyrenees. We were pleased to eventually reach the top where we climbed the tower to gain 360° views over this attractive area. The attractive tower was erected in 1923 after the Advance Maldon Association bought the poppet-head of the Comet Mine in Bendigo and relocated it to Mt Tarrengower. The cold wind ensured that our stay on the tower was not lengthy. 

Walking down the mountain towards Maldon, we took time to take in views over Maldon township. The walk then led to the ANZAC Hill Track where trees have been planted in memorial of those from Maldon area who died during the First World War. 

We also came across a re-creation of the Volunteer Air Observers hut 1942-45. This was one of many sites activated by the Volunteer Air Observers Corps (VAOC) established in 1941 to support the Royal Australian Air Force, with its main role of 'sighting and observing aircraft over Australia'. Not surprisingly the site wasn’t used for many years. 

Soon we made our way from ANZAC hill back down into Maldon town where we enjoyed walking past more historic homes. We enjoyed our lunch back in the North British Mine before returning to Ballarat.   

Thanks to Gordon who led us. No one got lost and no one fell on the loose, water worn, gravel track down the ANZAC trail into Maldon. 

Photos by Mark H














Where's Wally??


LINKS



HISTORICAL NOTES





Comments

  1. Jan8 May 2022 at 17:26

    I don't know where Wally is but poor Gordon looks like he's been stabbed in both shoulders! 😉

    ReplyDelete
  2. Anonymous8 May 2022 at 19:19

    Looks like a good hike. Jane

    ReplyDelete

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