337. Woowookarung Circuit 10.1km

 U3A Hike No 337



Hike Report By Terry O'Brien

Good roll up on 19th Dec at 7.50 at 10 Valley Drive for the last U3A Ballarat Hikers
Walk for 2024. 24 hikers wanted to acknowledge the work that Andrew, Gordon and
Mark make as leaders to this group. More turned up later for lunch. Consistent contribution is
made all through the year by these leaders and their caring commitment is evident in
so many ways and valued by us all.

New walkers, Kim, David and Luk were welcomed and Janet announced that due to
her music commitments on Thursday this would probably be her last walk with the
group.

Today’s route through the Woowookarung Park was about 10.1 kms and with a
combination of N, E, S and W directions we essentially walked in a rough square
bound by the Bunny Hop Line, Boundary Road, Recreation Road and back to
Valley Drive. Today’s walk was an opportunity to build up on our familiarisation of this
wonderful asset that Ballarat has acquired since 2016. How lucky is Ballarat to have
this 641-hectare park of messmate stringybark, grass tree and native heath to
explore – and right on the doorstop. So we followed our leader “under the gumtrees”
of Woowwookarung and “climbed the rocky tracks” into “ the wonder of the bush”
and tuned into “nature’s heart beat” . We didn’t see “rosellas dance”, but we did see
eagles resting on the branches.

Not a lot of fauna sighted today – too hot – but two special visitors compensated for
that. Wally the wombat and Koala came dancing and singing to the party and
brought many a smile. Thanks Jan and Joan. Music was an important ingredient to
the day’s celebration of the year of interesting informative and energising walks and
an opportunity to wish all well for the Festive season. Thank you to all the musicians
for their performances who got us singing the Elvis and Christmas themed aussie
tunes.

No dancing however after our 10km walk!

Andrew and Ingrid’s house provides an ideal setting for the luncheon as we rest
under the shade of the long veranda and look out onto their colourful well-tended
garden . Andrew and Ingrid are relaxed, and welcoming hosts and we thank them for
their generous hospitality.

The generosity of spirit flows through the group and many helped today. Food prep
and contribution, waiting, organising presents, speeches, help with prep and clean
up – many quietly helping to make the day a success. 

Andrew and Ingrid’s daughter and son in law were also key contributors to the day.
We realize our good fortune being part of this group and welcomed the opportunity to
thank all those who make it special and wish each other best wishes of good health
and happy times for the festive season and the coming year.

Photos By Andrew Parker

























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