416. Werribee River - Werribee Mansion 10.4km

 U3A Hike No 416




Hike Report and Photos By Alan E.

Ten enthusiastic hikers arrived at Chirnside Park in Werribee approximately at 9.30am. Leaving our cars behind, we set off following the Werribee river downstream.  


After about 2k we arrived at the Federation Trail. This is a shared path for cyclists and walkers that is almost 28k long. It follows Melbourne's historic outfall sewer. The sewer goes over the Werribee river on a red brick, five arched bridge. 

We crossed over the river and went under the Princes Freeway, from here we left the river behind, following the fence line of Werribee zoo.  

We stopped in the Werribee river park for morning tea with great views across the river towards the golf club. During our break we had the privilege to view a pelican flying over and a hawk disappearing into a tree. There was a lot of noise coming from the tree as the hawk entered it; we assumed it was feeding its young. 

We continued on, and followed the Werribee river again, which gave us some lovely scenic views both up and down the river.  

We then headed towards a section of fencing; where Mark had said we may be lucky enough to see a rhino or ostrich. In fact, we actually saw four giraffes, ostriches, and zebras. (part of the Werribee Open Range Zoo) 

We carried on towards Werribee Mansion. 

Further along we passed an old bluestone ford river crossing built in the 1830's. This was the first official river crossing connecting Geelong and Melbourne.  

Nearing the Mansion, we arrived at another viewing point of the zoo. And yes, there were the two rhino Mark had hoped we would see.  

Lunch was then enjoyed in the grounds of the Mansion where Teena was treated to a cheesecake and a blondie rocky road for her birthday. 

After catching a bus back from the Mansion, we had a short walk back to the cars. It was a very different hike and enjoyed by all of us.  

A big thank you to Mark for leading this unusual hike and Gordon for keeping us all together and safely back to our cars. 

We all wish Mark the very best for his upcoming operation and a speedy recovery, so he is back with us soon. 




















LINKS

INTERACTIVE MAP (click the pins for information)

GPX FILE 

ANOTHER 'MELBOURNE HIKE' 2019 (Lots of great photos!)

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