U3A Ballarat Hikers

  U3A Hike No 374 Hike Report by Terry Bowring 🥾 Hike Overview Gordon led nine keen hikers on a 9.3km circuit through the Castlemaine Diggings Historical Park . The morning was fresh but beautifully windless—ideal hiking conditions. 🚶‍♂️ Starting Point: Garfield Waterwheel The group began at the Garfield Waterwheel , ascending a narrow, rocky track that followed the water channel. Along the way, we passed: Several historic mine shafts A Puddling Works Wildflowers including Hardenbergia , Early Nancy , and Caladenia Orchids Bird sightings—Choughs and Yellow Tailed Black Cockatoos ☕ Morning Tea at Welsh Village After transitioning to a dirt track, we arrived at the Welsh Village for a well-earned morning tea break. 🏚️ Exploring the Village and Quarry Post-tea, we explored the remnants of the Welsh Village, including: The Nimrod Reef Mine Mullock heaps A steep ascent past a mine shaft leading to the slate quarry The quarry was particularly impressive—its scale and formation captur...

 U3A Hike No 373 Take the Test  ( Prepared by Lyn Hooper ) Q.1   No. of hikers  (if not sure count the heads in the group photo) 2    B. 9    C. 15    D. Neither A,B or C Q.2   Weather conditions (if not sure scroll down to the photos) Snowing    B. Torrential rain    C. Perfect for Hiking Q.3   Track conditions Varied and enjoyable    B. Just a hard uphill slog Q.4   Length of Hike 0-5 kms    B. 6-9 kms    C.10-15kms    D. Don't know but my feet hurt Q.5  Did Gordon on several occasions stop the group to explain the intricate and  interesting placement of the water channels that we walked on and criss-crossed.                A. Yes             B. No. Gordon would never do that Q.6   Flora seen on hike Hardenbergia violacea               B. Early Nancies                   ...