U3A Ballarat Hikers

 U3A Hike No 383 🏞️ Mt Donna Buang Hike Report by Leona Ryan Date: 13th November 2025 Distance: Approx. 9 kms Leader: Gordon Talbot 🚗 Journey to the Starting Point What a pleasant surprise it was to see clumps and patches of snow remaining along the road as we wound our way, in five cars, up to Mt Donna Buang. Once cars were parked at the starting point and the car shuffle organised, we alighted, suitably attired, into crisp, sunny conditions. 🗼 Tower Views & Guidelines A short uphill incline loosened up the leg muscles and brought us to a very sturdy looking tower. From its 21‑metre top we absorbed panoramic views of the Yarra Valley and surrounding tree‑covered ranges. Gordon then gathered us together to deliver some guidelines, including how to negotiate variable tracks with hidden obstacles, and assuring us that no snake in its right mind would brave these conditions. And neither, we hoped, would any of those pesky, voracious leeches. ❄️ Snowy Descent Off we went, sli...

 U3A Hike No 382 Hike Report by Geoff Howard 🚗 Meeting & Departure Our group of 19 walkers met again at Ottrey’s car park in Warburton to head to the Ada Tree Picnic Area. We left some cars there before travelling on to Starlings Gap, where our walk commenced. Unlike yesterday, there was no sign of rain and, although it was a cool 7° at the start, we soon warmed up as we walked. 🛤️ Tramway Route & Timber History The walk followed an old tramway route once used to carry sawn logs from the many sawmills in the area, including one at Starlings Gap, into Warburton or Powelltown. These mills operated from the early 1900s until the last, the New Federal Mill, closed in 1949. The tramway provided an excellent path with a gentle gradient for most of the way. Occasionally, where trestle bridges had disappeared, we had to descend into gullies and climb out again, but the track remained of good standard overall. 🌳 Forest Scenery The forest was a constant source of inspiration. Towe...