323. Mt Cole Summit Loop-Mt Cole State Forest 11.7km
U3A Hike No 323 Hike Report By Sharon Moss On a beautiful Spring morning ,thirteen enthusiastic hikers set off for Ditchfield campground , to begin our trek to Mt Cole summit . The drive to Mt Cole State Park was very sobering , as we viewed the devastation of the recent ( Feb ‘24 ) bushfires. The fire burnt out over 14,000 hectares with a number of homes lost & 1000 firefighters involved . A number of areas remain closed within the park , including the well known Beeripmo Walk . Ditchfield campground is now open , boasting a new toilet block , fire pits & picnic tables . Not currently open for overnight camping . We set off from Ditchfields along Camp Road, all in awe of the apocalyptic landscape we were witnessing . Nature at its very best post bushfire recovery . Magnificent burnt eucalypts sprouting lush new foliage . Many gums had been stripped bare of their bark & stood in stark contrast to their blackened neighbours. This new foliage is known as Epico