Woowookarung Circuit, Woowookarung Regional Park - 9 Kms

 U3A Hike No. 228

Hike Report by Martin

The leadership team:  Andrew took the lead for this hike, with Mark (H) as whip.

We numbered 25 as we gathered out the front of Andrew’s place.  A short pre-hike briefing from Andrew and we were on our way towards Canadian Lakes, linking up with Canadian Lakes Blvd, traveling east until we encountered a short laneway that led to a track, connecting to Katy Ryan Road.

The it was then on to the “Dementia Friendly Forest and Sensory Trail”,  (See link after photos for more info) 
Opened in late 2021, it provides sensory experiences for those affected by dementia.  A fabulous contributor to the diversity of activities available within Woowookarung.  Please encourage family and friends to visit, you don’t need dementia to enjoy the benefits.

Continuing along the Sensory Trail, we enjoyed walking through the natural bush of the park that has been slowly reclaiming its rightful place – with the help of the Friends of Canadian Corridor (FOCC), Parks Victoria and many volunteers, including our Hike group.  We then continued on, deeply engaged in our individual conversations, along an un-named track for a short spell, leaving the track to go cross-country towards the old rifle range where we explored the surprisingly huge target infrastructure.

We then continued on to the scenic Lookout for an opportunity to take in the views to the North and North West, out over Ballarat.  If you looked carefully, the Nerrina Water Tanks could be seen.  Andrew invited Geoff to provide a short history of the process to have the park established, which took considerable work to have all the parties engaged in the process, including the traditional owners, who were involved in establishing the park’s name.  More information can be found via the link after the photos:

After taking in the views and photo opportunities, we then headed south on the “Grass Tree Trail”.  This was a fabulous section of the hike that took us through an area abundant in Grass Trees.  A beautiful walk of some distance that eventually placed us back on Katy Ryan Road.  

Weaving our way back, Andrew pointed out the trees that had been planted by this group some time ago (a combination of swamp gums and wattles) as part of the revegetation program to rehabilitate the park form its days as a pine plantation.

Continuing on we arrived at the sharp hairpin bend onto Dozer Road, and eventually along a track that led to Lavery Ave, then Gough Crt, and then Sailor’s Gully Rd, Hocking Ave and back to our start point.  Time to enjoy our traditional end of year BBQ lunch and what a feast it was.

A big thank you to Ingrid and Kerryn who spent the morning preparing for our arrival.  Also, a big thank you to those who contributed all the fabulous food.  Entertainment was provided by our intrepid ukulele players; Andrew, Ingrid, Jan, Leona, Janet, Annette, Kerryn and Dick and we all sang along.

After a short speech from Andrew, Geoff, on behalf of the group, offered a few words of thanks to Andrew, Gordon, Mark and Theresa for the work they put in over the last 12 months.  And a special mention to Ingrid for opening up her home once again for our end of year windup.

Another fabulous day!  Another fabulous year!

Thank you to all and Happy Christmas.

Photos by Mark B


























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