Hard Hill Water Race Walk, Ross Creek State Forest Circuit - 10.4 Kms

 U3A Hike No. 236



Hike Report by Geoff

A group of ten people met at Bunnings Delacombe on a very pleasant morning and from there we drove to the Ross Creek area,  parking on Doctors Road. 

Our walk led us on a forest track to State Forest Dam which we approached along a water race. We followed many more water races snaking along until we came to the dam wall of the imaginatively named, Big Dam.  We could not see any water in the dam as the large area is completely covered with lush green, riparian grasses. We walked along the dam wall before returning to our track, again following another water race which took is through some challenging scrub. 

Much of the complex water diversion works were excavated under the control of Thomas Boden, in the late 19th century, all so important to the gold mining operations through this area. Some of the four wheel drive tracks we came upon, although showing little signs of recent use provided easier walking as we headed to Hard Hills Dam. We were relieved to find that the track elevation was gentle even though we were heading towards Hard Hill. 

On reaching Hard Hill Dam we were impressed by the significant body of water held behind the dam wall and, after walking the length of the wall, we walked along the outer wall to inspect the large outlet valve still in place. 

Skipper Dam was the last dam to be encountered and we completed a full circum-navigation before continuing along the last leg of our 10.4 kilometre walk. The last section of the track leading us up, out of the gully countered any concern that this could have been an easy walk and ensured that we gained excellent exercise.

Lunch was appreciated back at the cars as stories of Gordon's 1980's London experience were shared.

Thanks again to Gordon for leading, and Andrew who, as whip ensured that no one was left behind and that everyone heard Gordon's learned historical expositions of this damned countryside with its network of water races. 

Thanks also to Geoff who used one of those electronic, sat-nav gizmos to help lead the group and keep them on track, at least mostly on track.

See the updated historical notes via the link after the photos.

Photos by Andrew


























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