392. Nerrina-Invermay Circuit 10.8km

 U3A Hike No 392




  • 20 Hikers assembled for hike start at Deveson Lane in Nerrina – good turnout! 

  • Uphill walk north. 


  • Observed remains of swathes of old goldmining works which was an ongoing theme for most of the walk.

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  • Stopped at Ballarat North Water Pump Station. Observed water supply valves on the nearby pipeline to Ballarat. Speculated on the effect for Ballarat if we closed one of those valves! 


  • Continued north past scattered bush and plantations to Alkera Road Invermay. Admired several grand houses and avoided vehicles emerging from them to do the school run.  


  • Followed Alkera Rd northwards up more hills. Hills can mean views and that is what we got towards Ballarat if we looked back over our right shoulder. 


  • Right turn into Glen Park Rd rewarded us with more hills and bushland. 


  • After crossing White Swan Rd at Five Ways, we soon joined the Goldfields Track and made our way south to Nuggetty Dam 


  • Heard the tragic story of a young man ending his life there. Then to compound the sad tale heard of his father’s ongoing grieving vigil for years next to the dam until he ended his own life. Saw the memorials he displayed in his son’s memory.

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  • Morning tea taken next to Nuggetty Dam. 


  • After morning tea, we headed south along the Goldfields (Eureka) Track. 


  • I would be risking my imminent good health if I didn’t mention a Hyacinth Orchid was observed along here. 


  • New member to our group Rob Taylor spoke about his upcoming U3A course on Topographical Maps and Bush Navigation. This will have a strong connection to his passion for Rogaining and Orienteering. 


  • Right turn west into Glenisla Rd took us back to Nerrina 


  • Admired historic 1878 Little Bendigo Primary School (no.374) 


  • Also admired what was the St James Church of England with its thought provoking – negative emotion provoking for some people – Star of David window. 


  • Back to the cars for lunch, beverages and good company. 

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  • Thank you for an excellent walk, Andrew!  


  Photos by Andrew Parker





















LINKS

INTERACTIVE MAP

GOOGLE MAPS START/FINISH

HISTORY NOTES

YOUTUBE VIDEO OF AN EARLIER HIKE IN THE AREA

DOWNLOAD A GPX FILE






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