399. Basalt Ridge Walk 6.7km

 U3A Hike No 399





Hike Report by Leona Ryan

I do love a walk with lots of Who Knew? moments, is full of discovery, and enriches our understanding of Ballarat's unique history. The Basalt Ridge walk, expertly led by Anne Ottrey, achieved all of the above, in addition to being a beautiful walk. 

On this crisp softly lit autumn morning, 21 hikers gathered at White Flat Oval where Anne, armed with folders of photos, maps and information, gave us an overview - Walk the edge of the Basalt escarpment to Redan Wetlands, return via the Yarrowee trail.

Note. There is a lot of history in this report, but I couldn't resist; I've absorbed Anne's passion for the area.


Let's start by going back 3 to 4 million years. This Basalt escarpment, which we were staring up at, actually marks the edge of 4 separate lava flows. The basalt blocked the flow of the Yarrowee River. 


This all had an impact on both settlement and mining in Ballarat. The natural path of the river was diverted and in 1860 a bluestone channel was built to carry away mining sludge. Who knew? Can you imagine all that porridgey, smelly sludge flowing past?


The 1st part of our walk traversed city streets, then up a flight of steps, and suddenly we were among the remains of an old terraced Botanic Garden. The 3rd Ballarat Botanic garden we now know about. This one was inspired by Baron Von Mueller, who was, amongst many other things, was the examiner of botany at Ballarat School of Mines. He's beginning to rival "I've been everywhere, man " Major Mitchell. These gardens contained medicinal plants used by students in their botanical and pharmacy studies. Another Who Knew? Moment.


Continuing now, we meandered up Armstrong St South, a hidden little niche with lovely outlooks for residents. From our lofty position atop the ridge, we were also enjoying views across the Yarrowee Valley. Upon reaching Hill St we viewed the Sunnyside Mill (1872). Yes, we know the historic buildings and red brick chimney, but who knew about the Chinese market gardens that surrounded it, or that the mill produced flannels, tweed fabrics, shawls, blankets and then military clothing materials, using steam driven looms and employing around 400 people.


Onwards we tramped, through some of Ballarat's lesser-known lanes and streets, up a grassy slope, passing behind Barry James smash repairs, where it transpired were 2 recently written off cars belonging to members of our group. As we moved along, Anne told us about the numerous mines that operated in the area. More than you'd think, 8 between Latrobe and Darling St, another 5 in the next block. 


We stopped opposite the historic house of mine manager Robert Sargent, and perused newspaper clippings of a grand, over the top interior renovation, carried out in anticipation of an upcoming royal visit.


In stark contrast to this, on the edge of Yarrowee Parade stands (just, mind you) the ramshackle remains of a miner's cottage. Following Anne's lead, we scrambled around the back to a secret path, which Anne's children had explored. We passed by a huge bunya pine, scrambled under a prickly holly, down some steps and an overgrown slope, and after a short walk uphill arrived back onto Yarrowee Parade. 


We stopped at an historic marker for the North Band and Hope mine before making our way back onto the escarpment where we viewed the site of the large 'Star of the East' quartz mine.


A welcome morning tea was enjoyed under the dappled shade in Yuille's Station Park. A lovely spot tucked away and a new discovery for some of our group. From here we headed downhill onto the Yarrowee trail, for a 1.5 kilometre (approx.) walk beside the river. We paused at a seat and plaque to honour Jack Adams, whose vision was to establish this now well used path. We arrived back at White Flat oval where some sat to enjoy an early lunch. 


Many thanks to Anne Ottrey for leading such an interesting walk, and for her knowledge, passion and preparation.  


Photos by Andrew Parker
































LINKS



HISTORICAL NOTES (COMING SOON)


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