Berringa Mines and Heritage Walk - 9 Kms
U3A Hike No 279
Hike Report by Lyn
The day was overcast and hazy as our group set out from the Berringa Recreation Reserve and started walking back towards Ballarat. Soon we stopped and marvelled in awe as Andrew waved a $50 note in the air, then a $5 note apparently picked up from amongst the roadside litter. However we were not fooled and Andrew returned the notes to his pocket and we continued on.
Our first mine we came across was the Birthday Tunnel mine set high up the steep sided gully. Since our last visit in February 2021, the mining relics consisting of brickwork and a rusting boiler were still evident but a new addition in the form of a modern looking living transportable container was within close proximity. Not wanting to hang around for too long we then descended the steep sided gully concentrating on our foot placement as it would have been very easy to slip on the downward leaning grasses, although we took time out to look at the impressive mullock heap.
With expert navigation we scrambled up the gully, then scrambled down another steep stone covered, potentially slip worthy four wheel drive track. It was with some relief that we had reached the bottom with everyone in one piece. The next section was relatively flat as we passed more mining sites both old and new. A large wasp nest was seen high up in one of the gums so a short stop was required.
Finding a suitable place for morning tea, perched high enough to take in the views, the sun appeared and the temperature rose. Whilst enjoying her cuppa, Leona found a leech on her shirt which was promptly removed. The walk then took us back to the Williams Fancy mine with another impressive mullock heap and the mine manager's house which seem deserted and needing some repairs although someone had recently cut some of the grass around the property.
Further down the road was a clay pit. It was at this point that we retraced our steps back past the mine and its mullock heap, back past the mine managers house. Turning left we came to St Aidens Church ( always good for a group photo) where we looked around and found a mummified body of a dog under the back of the building. Continuing down Toorak Rd we came to another heritage area where the crumbled chimney brick remains of one of many boarding houses still exist as well as dome capped water tanks and a brick lined sheep dip.
More mining sites including the South Birthday mine with accompanying mullock heaps were inspected with a lot of discussion about various structures and their purpose. After visiting six mine sites, it was at this point that we made our way back to the cars.
On coming across a blue tongue lizard, Andrew quickly snatched it up only to discover that a tick was attached to its body. With the first aid kit handy, the tick was soon removed with plenty of advice from onlookers as to the best way to its removal. Near here we also crossed paths on two occasions with a fox.
Today Berringa is a small settlement. It is hard to imagine that there was a rail service from Berringa to Colac from 1911-53 to service this locality. For further information about the mining history of the Berringa area, please refer to link below.
Many thanks to Jan, Andrew, Gordon and Geoff who safely navigated, informed and kept us together. Also a huge thanks to Teena and Alan for providing a scrumptious cake to share back at the recreation reserve.
Photos by Andrew
LINKS
DOWNLOAD A GPX ROUTEFILE FOR GARMIN ETC
INTERACTIVE MAP - BALLARAT TO COLAC RAILWAY (INCLUDES BERRINGA)
It was really interesting to read the old hike report and see photos of people who are no longer part of the group.
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