315. Ben Major State Forest (East) 11.8km

 U3A Hike No 315

Hike Report by Fiona Deutscher

Eleven hikers enjoyed the 12km circular walk in the Ben Major State Forest north of Beaufort today. 

The conditions were windy & very chilly- so a brisk walking pace to keep ourselves warm was the order of the day! We parked our vehicles at the intersection of Kelly & Rations track before commencing our hike in an easterly direction along Kelly track. We observed many fallen eucalypt trees along the forest track. There was also evidence of the 2018 bush fires which had extensively damaged the surrounding areas. As we walked along our presence was acknowledged by noisy squawking cockatoo's in the area. 

The track was relatively flat for the first few kilometers. However, once we turned northward on the intersecting Ben Major track, our path became a steady ascent along a ridge toward the summit. We caught occasional glimpses of the surrounding mountains through the forest before reaching the summit & trig point of Ben Major. The Ben Major lookout offered amazing 360 views to the surrounding mountains & pastoral areas. We were able to identify the Pyrenees Ranges, Mt Lonarch  & Mt Cole and the Waubra wind farms. We braced ourselves against the cold wind for a group photo on the summit then took a welcome the coffee break in a sheltered area just below the peak. 

We descended the mountain on the undulating forest track with views to the surrounding forest & countryside. One interesting feature was the Lourdes Camel Sanctuary nestled amongst the hills. This camel farm has been donated to the Father Bob Foundation. It has been fundraising to offer a unique form of animal therapy & reconnection with nature for under-privileged city dwellers. 

We walked the last few kilometers along a level track through the bush back to our cars. We enjoyed a brief lunch stop & chat before heading back to Ballarat. 

Thanks to Gordon for a most enjoyable scenic walk today. 

Photos by Gordon & Fiona

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