422. Breakneck Gorge & Blowhole, Hepburn Regional Park, 10.2km

U3A Hike No 422.



Hike Report by Maureen

Under a beautiful blue sky, shining sun and listening to the dulcet tones of Currawongs, an intrepid group of 18 headed of from Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve to walk 11km of mainly Goldfields-Dry Diggings Track. 

We walked through residential streets of Hepburn Springs noting small wooden cottages and larger modern homes on our way to start of track.

Gordon was accurate with his reference to a goat track, winding through beautiful box iron bark forest and stunning sandstone rock formations. Wildflowers were blooming including the Purple Coral Pea and Early Nancy. There was even the discovery of a Green Hood Orchid.

Morning tea was at The Blow Hole where Jane shared delicious homemade date, chocolate and ginger biscuits.(recipe in the links below) 1850s gold miners made The Blow Hole by blasting solid rock to divert Sailors Creek with the purpose to drain the natural bend in creek so they could mine the riverbed for gold. Some of the walker's spoke of walking through the Blow Hole previously when dry. There was plenty of water rushing through on Thursday!

We then walked onto Breakneck Gorge. Legend has it that the gorge gained its name from a horse and rider who fell to their deaths. 

As well as enjoying the sounds of bush, it was interesting to walk along both Sailors and Springs Creek particularly after all the rain we have had.

It was decided to shorten the walk at Golden Springs where there was spring water available to drink. We then headed back to Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve for lunch.

Thanks Gordon for leading this walk. 


Photos by Marianne







Photos by Geoff










LINKS






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