Crossing Circuit Hike - 9.2 Kms



 U3A Hike No. 216



Hike Report by Chris

Nine participants left our meeting spot in Buninyong for our travel to the Crossing Picnic Ground in the Brisbane Ranges National Park, near Stieglitz.

The forecast showers stayed away as we set out along the Burchell Trail to the sound of birdsong. The cream-coloured flowers of the Pomaderris were out in profusion. Various bush peas, orchids, sundews and creepers provided additional interest by the trail. Eastern Grey Kangaroos made occasional appearances in the gullies of Blackwoods and various gums.

Parks Vic have provided signage to illustrate the engineering solutions applied to local sites.  A horse-drawn whim acted as a windlass to haul ore up a mine shaft.

At calcining pits, which are still evident, gold bearing ore was super- heated using firewood to make the later crushing easier. A crushing battery site is similarly illustrated.

We had morning tea at Fridays Picnic and Campground before exploring the massive mullock heaps and the remnant brick engine foundations of the United Albion Mine site.

We then followed tracks past stands of grass trees. There we regained the Burchell Trail and returned to the Crossing for a pleasant lunch prior to the trip home.

Thanks, Andrew, for the navigation and organisation

Photos by Mark B

















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