384. Blackwood Heritage River Walk 9.1km

 U3A Hike No 384


map

Hike Report by Don Moss

🌤 Setting Out

On a mostly fine but cool morning, 14 happy hikers set off from The Garden of St Earth at Blackwood. We followed the Lerderderg track on the south side of the river, eventually looping back along its course. The Lerderderg River has carved a rugged 300m gorge through sandstone and slate as it flows southwards through the state park.

🪨 Historical Landscape

The track was gently undulating, formed from old water races. Evidence of 19th-century mining was apparent along the way, reminding us that gold was first discovered in Blackwood in 1854.

🌿 Flora and Vegetation

Although narrow and requiring single-file walking, conversation flowed easily. The walk was delightful, with great diversity in vegetation. Tree ferns mingled with eucalypts such as stringybark, box, messmate, and ironbark. Wildflowers were prolific, with hikers identifying orchids, billy-buttons, heath, grevilleas, and many other native plants.

🐾 Wildlife and Habitat

The park also contains numerous habitat trees with hollows and crevices that provide shelter for native species. While we didn’t spot any inhabitants, Colin humorously suggested that a scatologist would be useful in identifying the scat along the path.

☕ Morning Tea by the River

A welcome morning tea was enjoyed by the banks of the Lerderderg River. The return path led us through rainforest, accompanied by the soothing sounds of running water and birdsong.

🙏 Appreciation

We were all deeply appreciative of spending time in such a beautiful natural space. Thanks to Gordon and Andrew for organizing another memorable hike.

Photos by Andrew Parker
















LINKS

INTERACTIVE MAP

GOOGLE MAPS START/FINISH

DOWNLOAD GPX FILE

BLACKWOOD HISTORICAL NOTES

A LONGER VERSION OF THIS HIKE IN 2021


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