413. Doctors Gully - Grand Designs - Hepburn Regional Park 7.8km

 U3A Hike No 413


Hike Report By Chris

Fourteen walkers gathered at Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve on a still but chilly morning. We were joined by Kelly, Barbara’s daughter from California.

The frost even made the asphalt in the carpark and an early wooden bridge crossing slippery.
The trail to the west of Hepburn took us along the forested and scenic Doctors Gully, generally along a broad, level terraced track. We did climb one short scrabbly hill and there were a few ups and downs to keep it interesting.
The recent rains left a few muddy patches and ice encrusted puddles. Lots of fungi were evident. We disturbed occasional grey kangaroos along our quiet track.

An embankment near Westward St was a pleasant place for the morning tea stop, prior to a return via another gully towards Spring Creek.
Here we saw some stylish modern homes with elaborate retaining walls and clever garden sculptures. We stopped at the peaceful waters of the old Hepburn swimming hole which had a good flow of water spilling over its embankment.

Amazing to find such a seemingly isolated walk trail so close to the main Hepburn road.
The track then took us back to the reserve where we lunched by Locarno springs.

Many thanks to Gordon for his planning, guidance and navigation and also to Mark, our whip.

Photos by Mark

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