Cosgrave Reservoir and Goldfields Track, Creswick State Forest Circuit - 10 Kms

 U3A Hike No. 227

Hike Report by Geoff

Summer still avoiding us, we were rugged up when we met at Kirks reservoir.  21 today, unfortunately not our age and not the way we felt and although it was still cool when we arrived at Cosgrave Reservoir conditions were dry. 

Adaptability was required at the start of the walk as Andrew found that our planned crossing of the stream below Cosgrave was to be thwarted with the flow still running too strongly.  Our alternative route saw us walk down stream for nearly a kilometre before we could cross via a road bridge to regain our path. This diversion saw our walking distance increase from the proposed eight kilometres to ten. 

The track varied in style, sometimes seeing us walking along broad gravel tracks and sometimes on narrow, bush lined paths. It also saw us walking along short sections of the Goldfields Track.   Occasional wallabies watched us as they munched on the abundant grass supply while keeping a safe distance. Some of the group may have failed to see them as conversation took precedence.  Wildflowers weren’t seen in abundance, however blue pincushions greeted us on occasions. Mineshafts and mullock piles also were not obvious but we did find ourselves crossing or walking along water races at times. The well-made wall of Eatons Dam again reminded us of earlier mining history and the need to supply water to the community in the Creswick area in early days. 

We stopped for morning tea at the north eastern end of Cosgrave Reservoir, gaining a peaceful view across the water. The wind that came across the water was however still cool and we were pleased to get moving again after our break. 

As we made our way up hill, around to the north and then to the west we came past the site of the early home of WG Spence, one of our earlier federal members of Parliament.  As well as being a founding member of the Australian Union movement and of the Australian Labour Party he went on to become a member of Parliament in three States and was expelled from the Labor Party, along with Billy Hughes for his stance in support of conscription. 
 
Our track eventually brought us back to the creek outflow from Cosgrave Reservoir and back up to our starting point at the reservoir carpark. Here we enjoyed an early lunch, again appreciating views across the reservoir while watching the results of ongoing recent high rainfall flowing over the top of the reservoir. 

Again thank you to Andrew for leading us today and Gordon, who, as whip, saw that all 21 of our group returned to our starting point. 

Photos by Andrew















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