375. Buninyong Parks & Lanes 10.3km

October 05, 2025

U3A Hike No 375

Hike Report by Monica McCormack

🌿 Reconnecting with Buninyong

The most pleasant way to re-orient oneself after months away is to take a long walk through both familiar and less-familiar corners of one’s ‘home’ territory. For this blogger, that means Buninyong—just 20 minutes from Ballarat. It’s a gentle way to confirm that landmarks, gardens, laneways, and waterholes are still where they belong. Most gratifying of all is witnessing the abundant signs of spring in a well-watered, thriving environment.

❄️ A Brisk Beginning

Our walk began with a chill in the air—snow was clearly falling somewhere in the high country. Fifteen walkers, smiling or perhaps grimacing, gathered at the Buninyong tennis courts braving a bitter wind. Fortunately, we had several things in our favour: a cheerful group reunited after overseas travels, a rain-free morning, and solid walking paths both sealed and unsealed. It made for a pleasant, uncomplicated outing.

🌳 Into the Gardens

After a brief briefing, we set off down Fisken Street toward the lush Buninyong Botanical Gardens, rejuvenated by spring rains. We passed the iconic 1850s bluestone Brewery and The Gong—a small lake in front of it—nearly full. The usual orchestral chorus of Pobblebonks was absent, but the setting remained serene.

🌱 A Tree’s Remarkable Recovery

Andrew paused at a notable oak tree in the Gardens, recounting its dramatic rescue. Once ring-barked by a deranged anti-tree hugger, the tree was saved by a local arborist who grafted bark from other areas to heal the wound—much like a human skin graft. Today, the oak bears a neat circular scar and bursts with fresh spring growth. A testament to nature’s resilience when met with timely care.

🌸 Creekside Colour and Suburban Edges

Descending into the town centre, we reached De Soza Park. The graveled path led us west along Union Jack Creek, crossing bridges and passing homes adorned with red tulips, pink azaleas, and vibrant maples. Flowering wattles lined the way until we reached Lumeah Road, turned right, and gradually left suburbia behind.

🐴 Horses and Highways

Turning left into graveled Hitchcock Road, we entered undeveloped bushland. Colin and the rear-guard had a moment to greet two friendly horses before we met the A300—one of the busiest roads into Buninyong, vital for agricultural transport between the Western District and Geelong.

⛏️ A Nod to Gold Rush History

Walking single file along the A300, we turned right onto Hiscock Gully Road. A stone monument on the ridge commemorates Thomas Hiscock, a blacksmith who discovered gold here in 1851. This sparked the frenzy that led to Ballarat’s heyday. Buninyong, however, had already made its mark—settled in the 1830s by the Learmonth Brothers and often boasting higher house prices than its larger neighbour.

📸 Country Gestures and Fairy Trees

Further along, we paused at a dead tree trunk turned fairy tree, filled with miniature toys and creatures. A whimsical stop for future grandkid strolls. While posing in front of Mr. Hiscock’s information board, a passing Pristine Water Systems van driver offered to take our group photo—a classic country kindness.

🏁 Final Stretch and Expansion Signs

We turned right into Berg’s Lane, passing the Monza Park Speedway—mercifully quiet—and then veered left into Moss Avenue. The new housing developments here highlight Buninyong and Mount Helen’s ongoing expansion. From there, we returned to the town centre via Eddy Avenue and the Lumeah Road home run.

🥪 Lunch and Light Rain

After 10 kilometres of easy hiking, we settled in for lunch at the De Soza Park shelter. The timing was perfect—just as the first drops of rain began to fall.

Thanks to Andrew for leading such a gentle, enjoyable walk, and to Gordon for his ever-patient rear-guard support.