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 beautifully in the group photo.

💧 Expedition Pass Reservoir

From the quarry, we continued to the Expedition Pass Reservoir, historically linked to the Garfield Waterwheel via a water channel. At the reservoir:

  • We crossed the spillway

  • Found a quiet, scenic spot on the west bank

  • Some hikers enjoyed an early lunch

  • Anecdotes resurfaced about past “skinny dipper” sightings at this location

🌸 A Delicate Discovery

While backtracking to rejoin the main track, the group was halted by a call from the rear: “Spider! Spider!” Lyn had spotted a Spider Orchid—remarkably delicate and just half a metre off the trail. Her keen eye was much admired.

🧺 Lunch and Reflections

We rejoined the loop track and returned to the Garfield Waterwheel for lunch. The hike offered:

  • Mild overcast conditions

  • Rugged, hilly terrain

  • Rich historical context with visible gold and slate mining features

🙏 Thanks to Our Leader

A heartfelt thank-you to Gordon for leading this excellent hike through a fascinating and scenic part of our heritage.

Photos by Andrew Parker

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