374. Garfield Wheel-Welsh Village 9.3km Castlemaine Diggings Historical Park

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 captured bea...