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


























LINKS



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

287. Frith Gully - Mt Misery Loop. Enfield State Park

Image
 U3A Hike No 287 Hike Report by Colin Fraser Eight hikers assembled outside the Marty Busch Reserve in Sebastopol for an 11.5 km hike on the Frith Gully-Mt Misery Loop in the Enfield State Park. We travelled in two vehicles to the start of the walk at Bald Hill on Incolls Road, Enfield. The walk was graded as moderate, and described as continuously hilly. We walking paths and rough bush roads through isolated parts of the park. There were deep gullies with lush vegetation, high ridges with open scrub, and areas that still bear the scars of extensive surface mining in the 19th century. We followed Misery Creek Road south then the Misery Creek and Forest Park walking tracks to Surface Point Picnic Ground, where we had smoko. Before arriving at Surface Point we were accompanied overhead by the raucous alarm calls of a group of cockatoos warning of our intrusion into their forest. Coincidently this occurred just near Mt Cockatoo!! We shared the picnic table with a man who was camping there
Read more

Hiking Group Rules

Image
All members resident in Ballarat are expected to attend the meeting point for a travel briefing. Expectations as to pre-hike meeting times. 1. Arrive at the nominated meeting point prior to 7:50am. 2. 7:50 to 7:55 - Vehicle allocation & transfer gear to allocated vehicles. 3. 7:55 Briefing regarding travel to hike venue. 4. 8a.m. (or when all previous steps complete), depart the meeting point. All members of the U3A Ballarat Hiking Group need to sign a form which sets out the risks associated with hiking   A copy of the form can be found here:   Acknowledgement of risk form  All members will: ...play a part in maintaining my safety and that of the other members of the Group.   ...disclose to the leader details of any health problems that may arise during a walk.   ...be responsible for carrying their own medications on walks.   ...comply with the Hiking Group rules regarding clothing, equipment, and safety* ...follow the instructions of the designated leader(s).   ...consider
Read more

305. Fisherman's Bend - Port Melbourne Walk 11.3km

Image
 U3A Hike No 305 Aerial Photo Showing Former Airfield Hike Report By Sharon Moss. On a blustery but fortunately dry morning , 19 intrepid travelers made their way to Southern Cross Station to begin their suburban hike through Fisherman’s Bend - Port Melbourne. We set off at a brisk pace with Andrew capably leading us & Gordon as whip. We had a lovely walk along the banks of the Yarra River, passing impressive boats moored at the marina with one bearing the name Costa Lot ! Andrew pointed out pylons that are decorative rather than functional, as they sit adjacent to the Bolte bridge but are not part of the structure . Passing under the bridge, we then joined busy Lorimer St , where conversation slowed somewhat as noise overtook. We were all alert watching out for bikes , scooters, joggers & traffic ! We passed several landmarks of interest . The  art deco building previously GMH , with one part of the building now occupied by a Ballarat company J King  Homes . Andrew shared inte
Read more