Invermay, Glen Park State Forest and Nerrina Heritage Area Circuit - 9.5 Kms

 U3A Hike No. 223



Hike Report by Ken

On Thursday 17th November, 2022, 14 enthusiastic walkers met near the Little Bendigo Primary School in Nerrina. 

 

Nerrina is an area six kilometres north-east of Ballarat. The historical notes say that the name is believed to be derived from an Aboriginal expression and is an alternative for the original name of the Little Bendigo gold diggings.

 

An Anglican school was opened in Little Bendigo in 1858 for the children of the gold miners.  It was a very busy mining area in the 19th century. While the population of Little Bendigo was 3,000 around 1890, this fell rapidly as mining declined. 

 

As we headed off from our vehicles, we walked for one kilometre to look at a pumping station which pumps water from the White Swan to header tanks in Invermay.  This provides water pressure to the northern parts of Ballarat to this day. 

 

We walked into remote bushland which seems extraordinary seeing that it is so close to the town of Ballarat.  The walk was undulating with a few short, sharp hills which was of no difficulty for our experienced group. We walked for more than ten kilometres.

 

The walk was ably led by Andrew and Mark Hawley was a very efficient whip.  We were pleased to see Monica’s return from her extensive overseas trip and in turn, she was thrilled to retrieve her missing hiking poles.

 

As usual, Mark B captured beautiful photos which included an unusual orchid.


(The Common Bird Orchid has a slightly vibrating labellum that moves in the wind, resembling a nestling bird waiting with mouth gaping to be fed. It is this feature that has conferred the common name of Bird Orchid on the genus.)

 

We only had a short break an hour and a quarter into the hike as we were making such good time.

 

At the end of the hike, we were enjoying our lunch until a shower of rain appeared unexpectedly which caused us to hurriedly pack up our belongings and head for home.  A great time was had by all.


Photos by Mark B









COMMON BIRD ORCHID 








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