Hepburn Back Tracks, Hepburn Regional Park Circuit - 10.2 Kms

U3A Hike No. 252

Hike Report by Jan

After meeting at Kirks Reservoir we carpooled to the Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve carpark. It was very misty all the way to Hepburn and the whole length of our hike too. Quite atmospheric! It was a good winter turnout comprising eighteen hikers. 

The hike consisted of two circuits, kind of like a figure of eight, with morning tea and lunch both at the “waist” of the figure. The first circuit included (in no particular order) brief stops at Argyle and Wyuna Springs, crossing Wild Cat Creek, lots of tall trees, a fenced off adit and gentle-ish ups and downs. 

The second circuit was longer and seemed to have steeper hills, more understorey, patches of very prickly tall gorse along the track, a couple of creeks to cross, many deep mineshafts following a reef close to the edge of the trail, an adit, some mullock heaps and a rustic swimming pool! Geoff knew a lot about this swimming pool and gave us a bit of a run down about how it was saved from closure by the enthusiasm of the local people and a politican who listened to them :-) 

While we were getting our breath back at the top of a hill Geoff and Leona told us about their recent hikes in Italy and some silliness on a mountain top - something to do with The Sound Of Music and twirling like Julie Andrews. 

After a total of about 10 kilometres of walking, we ended up back at the cars and appreciated eating lunch at the undercover picnic tables as the mist became rain. This was a very enjoyable hike shared with some really nice people. Thanks Gordon for organising it and Andrew for leading the way. 

Photos by Andrew

















No one was keen on swimming this time, so here's a photo from the last time we visited! 

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