A run of warm weather and a sultry, 35 degree day in Shepparton saw the cancellation of our walk along the Goulburn to the Botanic Gardens. We’ll try again in June!
Wednesday 3rd April: Jamieson autumn walk. The leaves seem to be drying and falling rather quickly this year, but we’ll hope there are a few left both for this walk, and for our May walk to Bright - both being towns known for blazing autumn colour. Situated at the confluence of the Goulburn and Jamieson rivers, the Island walk has been a popular destination in the past. We will have a picnic lunch by the river and then explore the town’s historic buildings, as well as watching the locals at their favourite fishing spots. Meet at the Seniors’ carpark, Fawckner Drive, to leave at 9.30am, with confirmation to Julie by text, email or phone message on 0407823031 or [email protected]. Remember to bring drinks and a picnic lunch, and car sharing is available for a small contribution. Wednesday 1st May: Cherry Walk, Bright Starting at Howitt Park, in the centre of Bright, we will head along this well known walk in an area once devastated by mining dredges. Now a pretty walk full of historical interest, we will complete the loop and return for a picnic lunch at the park-and maybe a coffee or ice cream from one of the many cafes. Confirmation to Julie as above, and we will leave at 9.30am. Julie McNeill Julie has sent out emails - however also putting a message here in case any one checks in to see what is happening this Wednesday. Julie has been observing predicted weather conditions carefully and has decided to cancel this month's walk. Fingers crossed for April!
Welcome to all our new walkers! Easywalks is a “walk and talk” group getting out and exploring places within about an hour of Benalla, with a couple of hours’ walking and some lunch. The weather isn’t always kind to us, so check the newsletter and the calendar for updates.
Wednesday March 6th: Victoria Lake and Shepparton Botanic Gardens Described in the last newsletter, this walk takes us along the Goulburn to the Botanic Gardens for a picnic lunch. Auspiced by the Australian Botanic Gardens at Cranbourne, the Gardens offer many shorter walks and views across the valley from Honeysuckle Rise, with a total walk of about 8km. Meet at the Seniors’ carpark, Fawckner Dve, to leave at 9.30am, with confirmation to Julie by text, email or phone message on 0407823031 or [email protected]. Remember to bring drinks and a picnic lunch. Car sharing is available for a small contribution. Wednesday 3rd April: Jamieson autumn walk For this walk we will head a bit beyond our range, to Jamieson, and hope to catch some autumn colour in this beautiful little town. Situated at the confluence of the Goulburn and Jamieson rivers, the Island Walk was a popular destination when we last visited in 2022. Returning along the river for a picnic lunch, there will be plenty of time to explore the historic buildings of the town, and watch the locals at their favourite fishing spots. Confirmation to Julie as above, and we will leave at 9.30am. For our May walk we will continue chasing autumn leaves, and head to Bright-details in next newsletter. Julie McNeill For our first 2024 walk on Wednesday March 6* we will start at Victoria Lake in Shepparton and head along the Goulburn River, crossing the suspension bridge and enjoying a picnic lunch in the Shepparton Botanic Gardens. The Gardens, auspiced by the Australian Botanic Gardens at Cranbourne, offer many shorter walks of interest and views across the valley from Honeysuckle Rise, and will provide a total walk of about 8kms, with an optional walk around the Victoria Lake Wetlands on returning.
We will meet at the Seniors’ carpark, Fawckner Drive, to leave at 9.30am, with confirmation to Julie by text, email or phone message on 0407823031 or [email protected]. Remember to bring drinks,and a picnic lunch. Car sharing is usually available for a small contribution. Future walks: the calendar is taking shape, and members are asked to keep an eye both on the newsletter and the U3A homepage for news and updates. We will be heading to Bright in May for the glorious autumn colours, and Bev will lead us on the popular Cherry Walk, so get those cameras ready! Julie McNeill *Please note - Timetables printed in December had a February date included, however Easywalks commence in March to avoid likely hot conditions in February. We had a great turn out at the Tatong Tavern on December 6, with fine warm weather for our last meeting of the year, with a plan to follow an enjoyable lunch with a stroll around Tatong. The weather had other plans for us, and by the end of lunch we decided it was a bit too warm for walking. Andi’s maps and research will be put to good use later in the year, when we will perhaps walk before we have lunch! Photographs: Bev Thornell Julie McNeill Sometimes things work out for the best! Some problems with the Killawarra track saw a last-minute switch to the previously cancelled Friends’ Track walk. The result was a memorable day in lovely sunshine, a great end to our walking year. Sixteen walkers, including two guests, travelled to the Wenhams’ Camp site and we set off for the lookout. There were still plenty of wildflowers to be seen, We somehow took the long way round, we were treated to some spectacular grass trees growing on the rock faces around us. Consultation and map studying with the more experienced bushwalkers in the group got us back onto the main track, and Kwat Kwat’s view over the valleys in the sunshine made for a welcome rest break. The group split for the return walk to Wenham’s, the more energetic group completing the Friends’ loop and the rest of us taking the main track. A pleasant lunch in the shade, with afternoon tea at the Hub Cafe on the way home, finished an interesting and enjoyable day. December: Christmas Lunch Wednesday 6th December Our final meeting will be a lunch at the Tatong Tavern on Wednesday 6th December at 12.30. As numbers need to be confirmed in the week prior, please contact Julie on 0407 823 031 if you are a late booking. After lunch, Andi will take us on a stroll around Tatong to stretch our legs and see the sights of this lovely village. Easywalks in 2024 Easywalks will return for our first walk in 2024 on Wednesday 6th March. Please keep an eye on the newsletter and website for details--we will look forward to another year of interesting places, tracks and experiences! Julie McNeill Photographs: Bev Thornell
October Report: Warby Ovens National Park: Friends’ Track and Wildflowers
Another anxious day studying the rain radar, but we had had a day’s heavy rain and it continued…and continued, with the walk’s inevitable cancellation. Perhaps we will try a different month in 2024! This is a well signposted walk from Wenham’s Camp, with maps available from our new Tourist Information Centre, and highly recommended if you are looking for a day out with friends and family. We’ll try again next year. Wednesday 1st November: Killawarra Wildflower Walk Our last walk for the year will be an exploration of this gentle walk through the forest, starting from Killawarra Forest Camp. Walking a total of about 5km through Box Ironbark forest, we will look forward to a picnic lunch and some bird and wildflower spotting. Meet at the Seniors’ carpark at 9.30am, with confirmation to Julie by text, email or phone message on 0407823031 or [email protected]. Remember drinks and a picnic lunch. Car sharing is usually available for a small contribution. Wednesday 6th December: Christmas Lunch at the Tatong Tavern While there is no planned walk for the day, we may do some strolling around Tatong after lunch at the Tatong Tavern at 12.30. Confirmation for lunch needs to be provided to Julie by Monday 27th November and partners are welcome. Car sharing is available-please check when confirming, and otherwise meet at the Tavern. Julie McNeill Twelve walkers set off in mild conditions for the day out at Numurkah, stopping for a break at the beautifully maintained park on entering the town, and then driving on to the Wetlands. A hidden gem on the edge of housing estates, the forest is fed by flows from the Muckatah catchment, and our birdwatchers were kept busy counting. Returning to Numurkah Park for lunch, we followed up with a stroll through the parklands, then an inspection of the newly painted Katamatite silo on the way home, with a total walk of approx 7.5km (thanks, Andi!) Photo: Bev Thornell (more photos in post below) Wednesday 4th October: Warby Ovens National Park: Friends’ Track and Wildflowers
At the risk of jinxing this several-times delayed walk, we will anticipate fine weather and set off from Wenhams’ Camp, taking the Friends’ Track with a diversion to Kwat Kwat lookout with views over the Ovens Valley to the Alps. Lunch will be a BYO picnic at Wenhams’ Camp, and there will be a supply of wildflower brochures to help us identify our finds. Meet at the Seniors’ carpark at 9.30am, with confirmation to Julie by text, email or phone message on 0407823031 or [email protected]. Remember drinks and a picnic lunch. Car sharing is usually available for a small contribution. Wednesday 1st November: Killawarra Wildflower Walk For our final walk of the year, we will explore this gentle walk through the forest, starting from Killawarra Forest Camp.Walking a total of about 5km through Box Ironbark forest, we will look forward to a picnic lunch and some bird and wildflower spotting. Meeting details as above, at Seniors’ carpark. Wednesday 6th December: Christmas lunch While there is no planned walk for this day, we may do some strolling around Tatong either before or after our lunch at the Tatong Tavern at 12.30.Further details later. Confirmation for lunch to be provided to Julie as above by Mon 27th November--partners welcome. Julie McNeill "September U3A Easy Walk: 6kms around Kinnairds Wetlands on the outskirts of Numurkah. The very informative brochure maps the intersecting gravel paths that lead walkers or bike riders through this picturesque Red Gum Woodland and Wetland. Both natural and constructed wetland, it is part of the Muckatah Catchment, designed to act as a filtration system on Broken Creek. As well as Reptiles (not encountered), the wetland is home to some 145 species of Birds. We did spot many Ibis, Herons, Egrets, Spoonbills, Moorhens and Chuffs and although we visited two Bird Hides, the Birds were not easy to photograph up close! After lunch at the lovely Numurkah Park, we followed the Parkland Circuit Track, past the Caravan Park, under the road bridge, over the little bridge spanning Broken Creek and back to the cars. The well-maintained Numurkah Parklands are a credit to the town. Seats and points of interest are spaced along the Creek banks. A big thank you to Julie and to our drivers! On the way home, some of us took the opportunity to photograph the Wedge-Tailed Eagle statue, made from scrap metal, and then the Katamatite Silo Art, which looked striking in the afternoon sun, as did the bright yellow canola crops."
Bev Thornell, FB post, September 7 2023 Wednesday 6th September: Kinnairds’ Wetlands, Numurkah
With over 145 bird species recorded, this walk on the outskirts of Numurkah will take in several short trails through the mostly red gum forest which is fed by flows from the Muckatah catchment. Stopping initially in Numurkah, we will then drive on to the Wetlands, returning to Numurkah Park for a BYO picnic or takeaway lunch. Meet at the Seniors’ carpark at 9.30am, with confirmation to Julie by text, email or phone message on 0407823031 or [email protected]. Remember drinks and a picnic lunch. Car sharing is usually available for a small contribution. Wednesday 4th October: Warby Ovens National Park: Friends Track and Wildflowers This much anticipated walk has been delayed both by bad weather and covid over the past three years, so we will cross fingers for some sunshine. One for the wildflower enthusiasts, we will leave Benalla at 9.30 for Wenhams’ Camp, taking the Friends’ Track with a diversion to Kwat Kwat lookout with views over the Ovens Valley to the alps.The track passes a stand of iconic grass trees, through forested granite hills and spring wildflowers. Lunch will be a BYO picnic at Wenhams’ Camp, meeting details as above at the Seniors’ carpark. Julie McNeill The rain cleared, the sun shone, and twelve enthusiastic walkers met for a hike along the dam wall at the Wetlands. Along a stretch of about 6km return, we noted the brimming Mokoan ponds on one side, and lush crops on the other. Our photographers were busy and we met some birdwatchers doing a count of all the bird life attracted to this beautiful area. Moving on to Greens Hill, we had a picnic lunch and a shorter walk before adjourning to the Hub cafe for coffee, finishing off an interesting day. Photographs - Andi Stevenson Julie McNeill
July Report: Eldorado Loop Again we studied the rain radar intently, with 13 walkers setting off from tiny Gunhouse Park in the centre of Eldorado. The track to the Eldorado dredge winds through town and then moves onto parklands, and the dredge itself, as always, was a spectacular sight surrounded by high flowing creeks.Our photographers were busy, and the sun even came out for a while! Walking back to the park for a picnic lunch, we then walked down to the old heritage bridge across Reid’s Creek, and its more reliable replacement.Watching-and listening-to the flooding creek under the causeway finished a very pleasant and interesting day. Photographs - Andi Stevenson, Bev Thornell, Rene Martens Wednesday 2nd August:Winton Wetlands
Previously delayed by rain, this walk will take us out along the dam wall to see the Mokoan Ponds,and then a walk at Green’s Hill accompanied by a BYO picnic lunch. After a total of about 8km, we will reward ourselves with afternoon tea at the Hub cafe. Meet at the Seniors’ carpark at 9.30am with confirmation to Julie by text, email or phone message on 0407823031 or [email protected].Remember drinks and a picnic lunch.Car sharing is usually available for a small contribution. Wednesday 6th September : Kinnairds’ Wetlands, Numurkah With over 145 bird species recorded, this walk located on the outskirts of Numurkah will take in several short trails through the mostly red gum forest fed by flows from the Muckatah catchment. Stopping initially in Numurkah, we will then drive on to the Wetlands, returning to Numurkah Park for a BYO picnic or takeaway lunch. Meet at the Seniors’ carpark at 9.30am, with confirmation to Julie as above. While the weather forecast always adds some uncertainty, our final two walks for the year will see us out looking for wildflowers, firstly on the Friends’ Track in October, and the Killawarra Forest Walk in November. We will hope for fine weather! Julie McNeill "Full marks to Julie McNeill, for organising such an interesting and enjoyable July Easy Walk in the quaint village of Eldorado on July 5th. On a now rare fine day, 13 walkers completed a 5km circuit of the town's outskirts, past an intriguing mix of historic cottages from the Gold Mining era, and newer palatial homes, sign of the renaissance of Eldorado. Into Centennial Park, the track led us through bushland, eventually reaching the huge imposing Dredge, the surrounding signeage reminding us of its importance in the production of gold. Returning to the intriguingly named Gunhouse Park, we enjoyed lunch, with an option of buying take-away from Victoria's smallest Pub, the McEvoy Tavern, which also acts as bank/newsagency/ cafe/Post Office...the Community Hub obviously. After lunch, a short 3km return walk, following the Creek, led us to the twin Swing Bridges: the old one (no access!) and the new one, spanning the now flood-swollen Creek. Eldorado provided a plethora of photographic opportunities for us: several historic Churches, the local Primary School (now the Museum), former Police Station, cute cottages to rent, and a bonus on the way home, an imaginative roadside letter box at RMB 1164. There is still a lot to discover in and around Eldorado...on another walk?" Bev Thornell on FB
Photos - see slide show in post above this one. June report: Winton Wetlands
Sadly, an ominous rain radar and warnings of floods and severe weather saw a late cancellation of this walk. Thank you to everyone for checking their phones--we will reschedule in August. Wednesday July 5th: Eldorado Loop This walk of approx 8 kms will take us around the historic village of Eldorado, known for its gold mining past, including the huge Eldorado dredge. We will follow walking trails surrounding the town, which is well signposted with information about its interesting past. Lunch will be a picnic in the intriguingly named Gunhouse Park, either BYO or something hot from the general store opposite. Adjacent to the store is Victoria’s smallest pub, the McEvoy Tavern, which may also attract our interest. Meet at the Seniors’ carpark at 9.30am with confirmation to Julie by text, email or phone message on 0407823031 or juliemcneill55@gmail.com. Remember drinks and a picnic lunch if needed. Car sharing is usually available for a small contribution. Wednesday August 2nd: Winton Wetlands This will be a rescheduling of the June walk, hopefully in sunnier weather, taking in a 6km return walk out along the dam wall to see the Mokoan ponds, and a shorter walk of 2km at Green’s Hill accompanied by a BYO picnic lunch. We will follow up with afternoon tea at the Hub cafe. Meet at the Seniors’ carpark at 9.30am, with confirmation to Julie as above. Our walks can be impacted by weather, so keep an eye on the newsletter/webpage and emails/texts for any changes. Julie McNeill The great Billy Connolly has said that there is no such thing as bad weather, just the wrong clothing, and a group of intrepid walkers certainly put that to the test as we dodged intermittent showers in our search for some autumn colour. Our first attempt sent us rushing back to Beechworth Bakery to thaw out, but we had more success after that, with a long walk along the Rail Trail from Albert Rd, and after a chilly lunch at the Lake picnic area, a walk through the Chinese Gardens and the sculpture trail.The autumn leaves against the grey clouds were stunning, and a walk through the historic cemetery finished a pleasant day, with a total of 8.5km walked. Photograph - Bev Thornell. (For more photos, see previous post and FB). Wednesday June 7th: Winton Wetlands
This will be a walk of approx 6km return out along the dam wall to see the Mokoan ponds at their best, followed by a BYO picnic lunch and a shorter 2km walk at Green’s Hill. We will then adjourn to the Hub cafe for some warming afternoon tea! Meet at the Seniors’ carpark at 9.30am, with prior confirmation to Julie by text, email or phone message on 0407823031 or [email protected]. Remember drinks and a picnic lunch. Car sharing is usually available for a small contribution. Wednesday 5th July: Eldorado Loop This walk of approx 8kms will take us around the historic village of Eldorado, known for its gold mining past,including the huge Eldorado dredge. We will follow walking trails surrounding the town, which is well signposted with information about its interesting past. Lunch will be a picnic in the intriguingly named Gunhouse Park,either BYO or something hot from the general store opposite. Adjacent to the store is Victoria’s smallest pub, the McEvoy Tavern, which may also attract our interest. Meet at the Seniors’ carpark at 9.30 am, with confirmation to Julie as above. Our walks can be impacted by weather, so keep an eye on the newsletter/webpage and emails for any changes Julie McNeill "We arrived at Lake Sambell Park just before a storm hit..but, undeterred, Julie (our Boss) told us to toughen up and face the elements. We did...for 5 minutes, then scurried back to the shelter to wait out the worst of it. However, a wise decision was then made for our now slightly bedraggled group to head to town for a warm cafe to dry our feet over coffee.
Julie then led our car convoy to the Rail Trail Station, to strike out on the Rail Trail for an hour, just as the rainclouds cleared. It was a scenic path, past bushland, paddocks of cattle and then the back view of Pennyweight Winery's Autumnal vines. The weather closed in again just before lunch (back at the picnic tables), but cleared up in time for a walk past the Sambell Sculptures (group photo) and down to the Chinese Gardens. As an added treat, we had enough time in the afternoon to explore the Chinese Cemetery on the outskirts of Beechworth. The large Chinese Burning Towers are an imposing feature, but the whole Gardens are well maintained. There are several huge Heritage Trees and burial plots to walk around: segregated into Chinese, Catholic, Jewish, Methodist and Anglican sections, with headstones that are very interesting to read. Thank you Julie, for spurring us on when our resolve faltered. We all agreed it was worth braving the Wintry weather (8° top) for an enjoyable day's walking. #Thanks to Jan K for contributing the last lot of photos after my phone ran out of battery." Bev Thornell, Report shared by Bev Thornell on Facebook on 4 May 2023 A late need to change plans saw us return to this interesting and popular walk. Twenty one walkers set off in brilliant sunshine from Myrtleford’s Apex Park, walking along the Ovens river and collecting many photos of surprisingly hidden mosaics along the way. Crossing the Barwidgee Creek, we continued along the Rail Trail towards Gapsted before returning through Rotary Park and back to Apex Park for an enjoyable picnic lunch beside the river. Completing 7.5km altogether,it was great to enjoy some autumn sun as the leaves begin to turn. Photos - Bev Thornell Wednesday May 3rd: Lake Sambell, Beechworth
Again, we will be chasing some autumn colour as we enjoy a walk of approx 7km around Lake Sambell and along the Rail Trail. Starting at the Lake Sambell picnic area, the walk will include the Chinese Gardens and the sculpture trail as well as avenues of autumn toned trees.After a picnic lunch at Lake Sambell, we will take a short drive to the historic Chinese Burning Towers and graves at Beechworth cemetery, for a gentle walk through the town’s past. Meet at the Seniors’ carpark at 9am, with prior confirmation to Julie by text, email or phone message on 0407823031 or [email protected]. Remember a hat, drinks and a picnic lunch. Car sharing is usually available for a small contribution. Wednesday June 7th: Winton Wetlands With the Wetlands currently brimming with water, we will be taking a walk of about 6km return along the dam wall to see the Mokoan ponds at their best.This will be followed by a picnic lunch and a shorter 2km walk around Green’s Hill before adjourning to the Hub cafe for afternoon tea. Meet in the Seniors’ carpark at 9.30am, with confirmation to Julie as above.Our walks can be impacted by weather, so keep an eye on the newsletter/webpage and emails in case of changes. Julie McNeill Our first walk for 2023 saw twenty one enthusiastic walkers meet at Bangerang Park in Corowa and set off onto the Willows Reserve trail along the Murray. Crossing the bridge into Wahgunyah there were several signs outlining the rich history of the two towns, and despite signs of last year’s floods both the track and the river were in beautiful condition. Our 6.3km walk (thank you, Andi!) gave us an appetite for lunch and a cool drink which we had at Rutherglen’s Lake Anders. A capsizing picnic table and a walk around the Lake sculptures completed our day, which our group rounded off with some excellent and refreshing gelati. Thanks to Glen for meticulous planning and maps for this walk! A selection of photographs taken by Bev Thornell and Andi Stevenson - you can find more of their photos and Rene Marten's shared post on our FB page - click on FB on top menu! Wednesday April 5th: Myrtleford Mosaic Trail and Rail Trail
This date was originally scheduled for a walk at Merrijig, however after completing a quick recce for the intended Plain Creek loop walk today (Thursday 30 March), I have decided it is not safe enough for our large group after recent rain, and with more forecast for Wednesday. The track is beautiful, but single file, quite muddy and covered with slippery bark and leaves-better delayed for dry weather! Instead, we will return to the Myrtleford Mosaic Trail, this time starting at Apex Park, walking along the Ovens and crossing Barwidgee Creek to the Rail Trail. While Gapsted Winery might be a bit too far along the trail, we should see some lovely autumn colours, returning for a picnic lunch at Apex Park and completing about 7km in total. We will leave the Seniors’ carpark, Fawckner Dve, at 9 am. Please confirm with Julie by text, email or phone message on 0407823031 or [email protected]. Remember a hat, drinks and a picnic lunch. Car sharing is usually available for a small contribution. Wednesday May 3rd: Lake Sambell, Beechworth This is a lovely town walk of about 6km, taking in Beechworth’s autumn colours. Starting at the Lake Sambell picnic area, we will walk towards the Chinese Gardens and along the sculpture trail under avenues of autumn toned trees. Walking part of the Lake to Lake trail, we will then return around Lake Sambell for a picnic lunch. After lunch a short drive takes us to the historic Chinese Burning Towers and graves at the Beechworth cemetery, with a gentle walk through the town’s past. Meet in the Seniors’ carpark at 9am, with confirmation to Julie as above. As always, our walks can be impacted by weather extremes, so keep an eye on the newsletter/webpage and emails in case of changes! Julie McNeill Wednesday March 1st: Corowa/Wahgunyah and Rutherglen
The details of this walk of about 7km total were outlined in the February newsletter and can also be found by scrolling down to the next post. We will leave the Seniors’ carpark at 9.15am. Wednesday April 5th: Plain Creek Loop, Merrijig Plain Creek is a tributary of the Delatite River, and in this walk of approx 8km we will go along its length until we reach the waterfall, turning and then making our way back in a loop to Carter’s Day Visitor area for a picnic lunch. Walking poles and comfortable shoes are recommended, although at present the track should be dry. Traversing an old logging area which is now State Forest, it is a gully track lined with ferns, some metal bridges to cross, and evidence of the area’s timber cutting history. We will leave the Seniors’ carpark, Fawkner Drive, at 9am. Please confirm with Julie by text, email or phone message on 0407823031 or [email protected]. Remember a hat, drinks and a picnic lunch. Car sharing is usually available for a small contribution. Our May walk will feature autumn leaves, either at Bright or Beechworth-watch this space for further details! As always, our walks can be impacted by weather extremes, so keep an eye on the newsletter and on emails in case of changes. Julie McNeill Welcome to everyone for our 2023 walking year! Despite the best efforts of heat, flood, storms and covid, we have over 40 people enrolled and a calendar of interesting and enjoyable walks.While Glen has retired from the shared convenor role, she has been busy organising our first walk for 2023. It’s a lovely walk for those of us returning, and an easy introduction for our new members.
Wednesday March 1st: Corowa/Wahgunyah and Rutherglen Meeting in Corowa at Bangerang Park, we will head onto the Willows Reserve trail along the Murray at Wahgunyah. Leaving the river, we go through bush land enjoying the flora and listening for one of the forty seven species of birds. After a short drive to Rutherglen we will enjoy a picnic lunch at the Lake King Wetlands, and then walk around the lake where there are some interesting installations and sculptures. About 7km in total, the walk will provide a gentle test of our fitness after the Christmas break. We meet for the day at 9am at the Seniors’ carpark, Fawkner Dve, leaving at 9.15am. Please confirm with Julie by text, email or phone message on 0407823031 or [email protected]. Remember a hat, drinks, a picnic lunch and comfortable shoes. Walking poles can be useful.Car sharing is usually available for a small contribution. At this stage the calendar includes the Plain Creek loop at Merrijig for April, and a trip to the autumn leaves at Bright in May, with the Cherry Walk. As alway, our walks can be impacted by weather extremes and novel viruses, so keep an eye on the newsletter and emails for any changes. Julie McNeill Easywalks is a group for those who have enjoyed bushwalking in the past and for anyone interested in exploring the amazing tracks, trails and lookouts within about an hour s drive of Benalla.
Meeting monthly, the day will include a walk of about 8km, a picnic or cafe lunch and very often include sites of historical or botanical interest. In the past twelve months trips have included an Italian ossuary, one of Sir John Monash s earliest bridges, and some great wildflower photography on the rocky ledges of Mt Pilot. Participants should be able to walk at a reasonable pace on well defined tracks, without a lot of climbing. Sturdy shoes are essential! You will also need to carry a small daypack with lunch, drinks etc as needed. Car sharing is usually available with a small cost. Meeting times are usually at 9.30am, with the convenor notified of attendance three days prior. While Covid and adverse weather have tested us to our limits, we have managed many memorable walks-and lots of talking! Convenor Julie McNeill 0407 823 031 1st Wed from March Meet at Seniors Carpark U3A Easy Walks group celebrated a successful year with a Christmas break up at the historic Tatong Tavern, organised by our 2022 convenors, Julie and Glen. The iconic Hotel is under new management, owners Stuart and Melisse, together with Maggie, chef/barista, and French backpackers Martin and Cecile, providing first class hospitality. We all enjoyed a lovely meal, matched with local wines. During the after lunch speeches, to thank Julie and Glen for a successful year, Glen announced she was retiring, Julie taking sole control. A brief stroll around the Hotel Gardens and a peek at the nearby Sawdust Burner completed an enjoyable way to end the year.
Bev Thornell November report: Winton Wetlands Despite an encouraging recce some days prior, the ongoing flooding and road closures meant that this walk had to be cancelled. This is only done after much thought and study of the rain radar, but we will return it to the calendar for 2023, and hope that the weather is kinder. The views across the flooded wetlands, and the amount of wildlife, have been amazing, and hopefully people have been able to enjoy them as the roads open up. Wednesday 7th December: Christmas lunch
We will be leaving the Seniors’ carpark at 12 noon, for a 12.30 lunch at the Tatong Tavern, where we can reminisce about our year of walking, and plan for 2023. Car sharing is available, and any latecomers who have not notified Glenys are asked to ring the Tavern direct. Wednesday 1st March 2023: Corowa Despite stepping back as convenor, Glen has offered to start our new year of walking with a trip to Corowa. This historic town, known for its role in the Federation conferences, has some beautiful trails along the Murray River, shared with its sister town of Wahgunyah.Further details will be available in the February newsletter. And finally, both the ‘Victoria Walks’ Facebook page, and the Mallacoota based ‘Footmobiles’ are recommended for anyone looking for walking inspiration over the summer. Like us, the Footmobiles meet regularly to explore their region, with the added bonus of beautiful beaches! Julie McNeill October Walk: Reef Hills The best made plans…..as we all watched the weather reports to see if our much anticipated Friends Track Walk would go ahead, it became apparent that once again the rain and uncertain forecast had the better of us. Deciding that a walk through the Reef Hills would be a safer option, ten of us set out and enjoyed a morning of wildflower spotting before the rain set in again. Our photographers were busy, some beautiful flowers were identified, and we even managed a picnic lunch! Photographs - Bev and James Here’s hoping we will finally make it onto the Friends’ Track in 2023.
Wednesday 2nd November: Winton Wetlands This is planned to be an exploration of some of the Wetlands trails, with a BYO picnic lunch at Green’s Hill. Totalling about 8km, we can only hope that the weather gods are kind to us on the day, as the trails are currently...wet. Bev will guide us along the walk, including the sculpture trail, and there will no doubt be plenty to interest the photographers and the birdwatchers. The day will finish with afternoon tea at the cafe, and a discussion of walks for 2023. We will leave the Seniors’ carpark, Fawckner Dve, at 9.30am. Please confirm with Glen on 0431201077 or gchess@hotmail.com by Monday 31 October. BYO picnic lunch, drink, hat and comfortable shoes. Car sharing is usually available for all walks for a small contribution. Wednesday 7th December Time for us to celebrate the completion of another year of walking, with a lunch at the Tatong Tavern. While there is no walk planned, it will be good to reminisce about our triumphs over both covid and the weather, and the many enjoyable walks we have had. Leaving the Seniors’ carpark at 12 noon, it would be appreciated if people could advise numbers to Glen by 23rd November. Partners are welcome. Julie McNeill |
About EasywalksEasywalks is a group for those who have enjoyed bushwalking in the past and for anyone interested in exploring the amazing tracks, trails and lookouts within about an hour's drive of Benalla.
Meeting monthly, the day will include a walk of about 8km, a picnic or cafe lunch and very often include sites of historical or botanical interest. In recent times trips have included an Italian ossuary, one of Sir John Monash's earliest bridges, and some great wildflower photography on the rocky ledges of Mt Pilot. Participants should be able to walk at a reasonable pace on well defined tracks, without a lot of climbing. Sturdy shoes are essential! You will also need to carry a small daypack with lunch, drinks etc as needed. While Covid and adverse weather have tested us to our limits, we have managed many memorable walks - and lots of talking! Meeting times1st Wednesday of the month from March.
Meeting times are usually at 9.30am, with the convenor notified of attendance three days prior. We leave from the carpark behind the Seniors Complex (U3A), Fawckner Drive, Benalla. Car sharing is usually available with a small cost. Please note - Meeting times depend on the season and weather conditions or as determined by the walk leader. Check the U3A Newsletter and confirm any details with the walk leader. Convenor and contact detailsJulie McNeill
0407 823 031 Thank you,GlenThank you Glen Chessells for co-convening Easy Walks during 2021-2022!
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