Woodlands Historical Park, Melbourne Circuit - 11.7 Kms

 U3A Hike No 254

Hike Report by Mark B

It was a typical cold winter’s day as seven of us gathered at Kirks. It was long drive via Bacchus Marsh, Toolern Vale and Bulla to arrive at the Woodlands Homestead. After a quick toilet stop, we started along the track to Woodlands Hill covered in large granite outcrops and populated by many kangaroos who seemed to look on us with some disdain. We then followed the fence for a while before doing a sharp left to continue along this fence until a stop to view the Weerona Cemetery. This contained some old and new graves particularly dedicated to First Nations people.

It wasn’t long after this that we began the climb to Gellibrand Hill where we had morning tea and some magnificent views of the city and the nearer Airport. On top of this hill also were the remains of the Dundonald Homestead, built in 1850 and lasted until 1964 when it burnt down. Not much was left of the Homestead except for some bluestone steps and the old stable.

Returning down the hill we continued along the fence for what seemed like an eternity. The fence was established to protect a small colony of the Eastern Barred Bandicoot. Unfortunately, this area was locked for maintenance. We finally broke away from the fence and continued, in open country, paralleling the Moonee Ponds Creek. Along the way there were many examples of superb, naturally sculptured, river red gums.

While, at times, we seemed to be in the middle of a forest, there was always the roars of sound emanating from the aeroplanes taking off at nearby Tullamarine.

After 12 kilometres of following various trails, we arrived back at the Homestead which is located next to the Living Legends, established to retire some of Australia’s finest racehorses. We took this opportunity to take a tour of the Homestead which is registered as it offered a rare example of a pre-fabricated timber house bought to colonial Australia from Britain.

After a welcome lunch on a picnic table sheltered behind a hedge, we headed back home thanking Gordon for a great walk.

Photos by Mark B


























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