Lerderderg Track and Burnt Stable Road, Wombat State Forest Circuit - 12.8 Kms

 U3A Hike No. 209

Hike Report by Annette

Our small group of seven met at Kirks just after 7.30am on a gloomy Thursday morning. Waterproof gear was everywhere, as with a "70% chance of rain" we expected to get wet!

We loaded up into three cars and all made our way to Korweinguboora (great name!), then off into the bush (Wombat State Forest), parking the cars at the intersection of Bullarto Rd and Specimen Hill Rd.  It was not raining at this point, so, after Gordon’s quick chat, we followed him down Burnt Stable Track, with Ken bringing up the back of the pack.  We all knew instantly it was going to be VERY wet underfoot as it was a ‘Liquid Landscape’, as Gordon called it. - the tracks and trails were literally running with water.

This bush was well named, as we noticed lots of wombat dung on the tracks (but didn’t see any live specimens). We did find one old signpost, covered in moss but none of us were able to decipher what was left of the writing on it. To add to our confusion, it was pointed into the bush; no trails or tracks to be seen???!!

There were a few challenging water crossings, but the rain held off. We stopped after about four kilometres for morning tea (still on Burnt Stable Track), and used a very comfortable log to sit on. The track we followed at first was The Lost Children’s Track, then later we moved onto the Goldfields Track. 

At one point the track was covered with so much running water Gordon had to check the depth with his hiking pole. He and a couple of others made their way along the edge of the track, using stepping stone (sort of), while the rest of us, this time with Ken in the lead, chose a cross country route, stepping on razor grass tussocks to keep us out of the water. We all finally arrived safely back on the track, with boots that weren’t too wet.

By this time we were on the Lerderderg Track and were making our way back towards the cars - STILL no rain, and even some patches of sunlight.  We arrived back at the cars around 12.20pm. A perfect time for lunch. So chairs were set up and lunch was being eaten, then the rain started. Fortunately, not too heavy and not for too long. We finished eating then all climbed back into the cars to make our way home.

Another great hike (Thanks Gordon) with about 12.8 wet and slippery kilometres covered in

around three hours and 25 minutes (not including morning tea time).

Still can’t believe it didn’t rain while we were walking!! 

Photos by Annette and Mark B