368. Jackass-St.George-Humbug, Creswick Regional Park, 11km, circuit.

 U3A Hike No 368



Hike Report by Kim Radenic

Date:  Leader: Gordon | 

Whip: Mark

Attendees: 17 hikers (including new member Michelle – welcome!)

🚗 Getting Started

We met at Selkirk Stadium, loaded into our cars, and headed off to Jackass Road in Creswick. Gordon gave a quick briefing on what to expect, and then we set off along the Goldfields Track—a wide, well-used trail that clearly doubles as a mountain bike highway, judging by the abundance of tyre tracks.

🌿 Nature & Noteworthy Engineering

The morning was cool and refreshing, with birds chirping, hikers chatting, and scenery that was, in a word, fan-dam-tastic. At one bridge, Gordon explained why there’s only a handrail on one side: during heavy creek flow, debris can crash into the bridge, and the rail is designed to fold away thanks to cleverly engineered burst bolts. (Humans can be pretty smart!)

🌳 Track Closed? Not for Us

Wallaby Track offered a gentle stroll until we reached a taped-off section marked “Track Closed – Fallen Trees.” Gordon gave us a choice: detour via road or explore the closed track. Naturally, curiosity won. We navigated around and under a massive fallen tree across a bridge—equal parts obstacle course and good fun.

☕ Morning Tea at Lake St George

The lake was serene, with mirror-like reflections of trees and sky shimmering across the surface. A perfect spot for morning tea and a breather.

🏞️ Quarry Colours & Mining History

Continuing along Wallaby Track, we passed Blue Waters Quarry—opinions varied on its colour: green, cobalt, maybe even turquoise. We entered gold mining territory, spotting numerous old mine shafts. One particularly large hole was identified by Gordon as Selkirk’s former clay quarry site.

🍽️ Wrapping Up

After a fantastic walk filled with stories, scenery, and shared laughs, we returned to the cars for lunch. 17 hikers came, 17 hikers went home—tired but happy.

Thanks to Gordon for leading and Mark for keeping us together. Another great day out with the crew!


Photos by Corinne Mesnage



















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