349. Mt Beckworth Loop via Southern Ridge & Manna Gums 7.9km

 U3A Hike No 349




Hike Report by Andrew Parker 

For this hike we warmly welcomed back Alan and Teena Evans after their six month adventure in the U.K.

We were also joined by Corinne Mesnage, the leader of the Hepburn U3A Hiking Group. 

The last time we did this hike the hike report was done by Martin Russell who sadly passed away last year after a long battle with illness.

Martin had done such a good job on the report and it well describes this hike that I thought it would be nice to revisit Martin's report.  

 


Martins Report from 2020

Once organised, we set off for the Scenic Reserve located at the top of the Mount, where we would find fabulous views of the countryside and visit the famous “Lollipop Tree”.  But first we had to navigate our way up the slight incline of Mt Beckworth itself.  Did I say slight.  This was trek that was not for the faint hearted.  Naturally we found it was necessary to regularly pause, to take in the magnificent views and scenery out towards Waubra.  Many commented at the beauty of the natural bush setting as we moved ever upwards.  Finally, we arrived at the top, at an elevation of 634m the views were breathtaking (not that we had much breath left).    

While at the Scenic Reserve we had a group photo taken with the historic “Lollipop Tree” and then Andrew gave us a brief history of the tree itself.  In 1918, a group of students from Glendaruel Primary School planted a stand of five Monterey pine trees on the summit.  In 1945, four of the five trees were cleared to allow for an aerial survey beacon.  The remaining tree had its lower branches trimmed and became a local landmark, known as the 'lollipop' tree – when viewed from a distance it has the appearance of a giant lollipop.  During World War 2 the “lollipop tree” was used as a beacon for trainees from the R.A.A.F. No. 1 Wireless Air Gunners School (WAGS) based at the Ballarat Airport.  

Following morning tea, we then headed north along the Northern Ridge Track, peeling off to head down an unnamed track on the other side of Mount Beckworth then headed east towards Manna Gums Track.  Poles were an advantage on this track as the ground offered considerable opportunities to slip - again the views out towards the valley were spectacular.  On arriving at the Manna Gums Track, we headed in a north(ish) direction towards the Manna Gums picnic area.  

We took a short break at the Manna Gums picnic area before continuing on, branching off on a walking track that ran below the ridgeline near the Dam.  This track would take us across the side of the ridge, again through some fantastic natural bush, over a saddle and another section of the Cork Oak Track.  And from here it was a gentle walk of about 1.8 km back to the Cork Oaks picnic ground. 

Photos By Andrew Parker















 


Photos By Corinne Mesnage







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