Bullarto Reservoir area, Wombat State Forest Circuit - 13.5 Kms

 U3A Hike No. 271

Hike Report by Terry O'B

Quite a crowd was gathering at the Kirks Reservoir entrance at 7.35am for our walk departure to Lyonville and we knew this was going to be something special. All was soon revealed to Andrew Parker by Ballarat U3A President, Nina Netherway, as she informed us all that Andrew was a recipient of a special award endorsed by so many of his supporters, the U3A Network Tutor Recognition Award. It recognises Andrew’s leadership of the Hiking group since 2016,  and his very professional, efficient and caring approach with its management and involvement of group members. It was good to see the many early risers who had come to honour Andrew and his contributions to the Hiking Group

 After the photos and celebratory speeches, the crowd thinned to 13 for the walk .Our leader for this walk, Bullarto Reservoir area circuit, was Mark Hawley. Wombat and kangaroo were used on the route map and made sense but when Alan, towards the end of our circuit, picked up the Badger track sign, we were a bit mystified. Apparently the first European settlers equated the Australian wombat with the European badger.  We arrived at Lyonville in rainy cold conditions and some anticipation that this might be one of those wet sloppy walks and head down as you brave the elements. How wrong that was.  As the morning progressed, we had sun and the rain receded.  Recent rains meant some boggy wet sections but generally track was easy walking and through attractive forested scenery . The area  was regrowth forest and had been logged some time ago. Consensus at one time was that it was more up than down but it was very moderate and enjoyable variation in elevation. Although it was a bit telling when the group declined the opportunity to track up to Babbington Hill  for hill-top views of the surrounding country. Give a group a choice towards the end of the walk and the easier option is likely to be  the attractive one!

We did the circuit clockwise and, on the return, we repeated the walk from Bullarto Reservoir Road to Lyonville.  As Geoff commented it was  déjà vu  except because of the changed weather conditions, from rain to cleared sunny conditions it seemed we were exploring new territory.  It was in this section that we crossed the headwaters of the Loddon River

We sought out the Lyonville Hall as a congenial comfortable spot for lunch. Celebrations continued as Teena presented specially decorated cup-cakes – works of art – to honour Andrew for his award. A very generous warm gesture Teena and appreciated by all of us .We didn’t use the facilities at the Bullarto Reservoir for our morning tea, but they are currently being upgraded and something to keep in mind for future walk planning in this area. 

Thanks, Mark, for leading this most enjoyable walk. The only obstacle or problem we faced was  the huge fallen tree on the track, but this was easily navigated around. Right at the end of the walk the creaking sound of one of the trees made some of us move on quickly and consider some of our options if it did fall! Thanks Mark – a safe, well navigated walk and enjoyed by all especially the good weather. 

Andrew in his thank you speech for his award rightfully acknowledged the contribution of Gordon. Gordon is always the steady support and navigation guide when needed. Thank you, Gordon.

Photos by Alan, Mark H and Teena



















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