303. Iron Mine-Lal Lal Bungal Historic Area 10.4km

 U3A Hike No 303



Hike Report By Joan Brick

17 members of our group, on a beautiful crisp autumn morning, went on an adventure in the Lal  Lal Bungal Historic Area.  Our aim, under the direction of our very knowledgeable  leader, Andrew,  was to meander through the bush in search of historical remnants that exemplified the role this area played in the iron ore industry as well as gold mining.  

Our adventure began with hiking through a very quiet still,  forest just waking up from a cold autumn night.  Pink and white heath could be seen amongst the trees as well as beautiful spider webs spun between branches catching the sunlight as walked past.  Grass trees welcomed us too as we made our way along the track.  It wasn't far along the track when we came to our first historical marker, the grave of the Shepherd’s daughter.  There are mixed stories of who she was though it seems that she was the daughter of a shepherd who contracted a serious illness and died.  The real significance is that this grave represents the harshness and reality of life in the bush for people trying to make a living and raise a family.    

As we walked towards the Blast Furnace/Iron Smelter, Andrew pointed out that we were walking on the alignment of the once 5km long tram track that was built to carry the processed iron to Lal Lal where it could be loaded on to trains to Ballarat.  The Lal Lal Iron Mine and smelting works was the only attempt in Victoria to establish an Industry like this.  Andrew explained how the trees were cut and used to make charcoal to fire up the furnace.  The Blast Furnace was amazing to see and admire especially in its construction.  Geoff squeezed into the narrow opening to take a fantastic photo that looks from the bottom up to the top opening of the furnace!! 

After a short historical walk of the immediate area, we took a stroll over to a more recent feat of construction which was the Bungal Dam which supplies water to both Ballarat and Geelong.   

From this historical area we started our climb up a pretty rough and rocky road.  Along the way we came across signs of gold mining in this area.  Mines, mullock heaps and the remains of what would have been a fireplace in a house were visible as we continued our upward climb.  

On arriving at the top we noticed a denser eucalyptus forest with grass trees very prevalent  which made a nice relaxing stroll back to the cars.  We enjoyed our lunch as well as the peaceful surrounds of this interesting neck of the woods.  

We are glad to report that Andrew was again lucky in finding money.  This time he found $5 in a plastic bag....BUT it turned out to be the $5 that one of the hikers had reported lost and was going to give Andrew for a sit mat!!  Thanks to Andrew for another interesting hike and to our fellow hikers with whom we shared this adventure.


** More detailed historical information on the grave and blast furnace can be found via the link after the photos.



Photos By Andrew Parker


















This Photo By Geoff


















LINKS




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