​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!

 
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, comfortable shoes and long pants are recommended. 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, Fawckner Dve, at 9 am. Please confirm with Julie by text, email or phone message on 0407823031 or juliemcneill55@gmail.com.
 
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 juliemcneill55@gmail.com.
 
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 juliemcneill55@gmail.com.

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
 

​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

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! 

​September report: Mt Pilot and Woolshed Falls
 
Once again, we kept a keen watch on the weather forecast and were rewarded with a pleasant walk up the Old Coach Road to the Mt Pilot lookout.The gravel road was mostly dry and the eleven walkers enjoyed not only the amazing views and wildflowers, but an unusual sighting of some gang gang cockatoos.  Our photographers - Bev, Andi and James - were kept busy!

Bev ....

Andi....

James ...

A picnic lunch at Woolshed Falls was followed by exploration of the trails around the Falls area, backgrounded by the sound of rushing water.  We managed 8-9 km for the day, before the rain set in again that night.
 
Wednesday 5th October: Warby-Ovens National Park, Friends Track.
 
One for the wildflower enthusiasts, we will leave the Seniors carpark, Fawckner Dve, Benalla at 9.30am for 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 Wenham’s Camp.

Please confirm with Glen on 0431201077 or gchess@hotmail.com by Monday 3rd October.

Folding chairs, walking poles and cameras are all recommended for this much anticipated walk.

Car sharing for all walks is usually available for a small contribution.
 
Wednesday 2nd November
 
For what is likely to be our last walk of the year (unless we get carried away at our Christmas lunch), we will explore some of the trails at Winton Wetlands, with a BYO picnic lunch at Green’s Hill. This will be a total of about 8km, finishing with the sculpture walk, afternoon tea at the cafe and discussion of our walks for 2023.

​Julie McNeill

​'The U3A Easy Walk today, in the Chiltern-Mt Pilot National Park, once again struck it lucky with the weather. A trudge up the access road led to the Mt Pilot Summit Picnic Area and the short track up to Mt Pilot, with its amazing 360° views across the now green countryside to the Mountains. Huge Granite slabs and boulders held little pools of water and sheltered clumps of flowering Wattles and native grasses and colourful groundcovers: Natures Rock Garden.

The weather gods smiled on us again, as nine walkers set off along the Goulburn River from Victoria Lake. With heavy rain the previous night, and hail the night after, we enjoyed the fine weather and the fast flowing rivers. The Gardens provided plenty of interest, with the views from Honeysuckle Rise, extensive wetlands, and some early spring flowers coming out. With our picnic lunch serenaded by a friendly magpie, it was a pleasant 8km of walking before the rain set in again.

Fourteen walkers set off in lovely-and unusual-sunshine for this walk along the riverside at Murchison. Winding along the Goulburn, we finished at the Meteorite Park before returning to explore the bridge and to view the outside of historic Thornbridge. A very satisfying lunch on the balcony of the bakery followed, and we then walked to the cemetery to study the beautiful stone ossuary dedicated to Italian prisoners of war.
 
Over a distance of about 9km, we discovered there is a lot more to Murchison and its history than is apparent from the usual quick drive over the bridge. Thanks to Glen for organising, and to Andi for photos, as always!

Julie McNeill

​June Report: Victoria Lake to Shepparton Botanic Gardens:
 
Sadly, the weather defeated us for this walk, with forecasts of hail and strong winds causing us to cancel. The walk has been rescheduled to August, details below.
 
Wednesday 6th July: Murchison
 
This walk will begin with a drive to Murchison and an exploration of Riverbank Gardens and Boardwalk. We will then follow the trail along the Goulburn River before taking another track leading to the water’s edge, and return the same way, resulting in a walk of 4Lunch will be at the Murchison Bakery.For those wishing to continue walking a further 2km, we will meander to the historic cemetery to visit the Italian Ossario, noted for its historic and aesthetic significance.
​
We will meet at the Seniors’ carpark, Fawckner Dve, at 9.30, to leave at 9.45. Please confirm with Glen by Monday 4th July on 0431201077 or gchess@hotmail.com. Remember to bring snacks, a drink and comfortable shoes.
 
Car sharing for all walks is usually available, for a small contribution.
 
Wednesday 3rd August: Victoria Lake to Shepparton Botanic Gardens
 
This rescheduled walk will take us along the Goulburn River at Shepparton, starting at Victoria Lake, crossing the new suspension bridge, and enjoying a picnic lunch in the Shepparton Botanic Gardens. Approx 8km return, the walk is alongside the Goulburn and Broken rivers with plenty of shorter walks to explore in the Gardens including the beautiful Honeysuckle Rise lookout.
 
We will leave the Seniors’ carpark at 9.30 am. Please confirm with Glen by Monday 1st August, and BYO picnic lunch.

​Julie McNeill

Wednesday 1st June:  Victoria Lake to Shepparton Botanic Gardens.
 
We have previously explored the amazing Botanic Gardens, but on this walk, with the new suspension bridge, we walk from Victoria Lake to the Gardens and return,a total of approx 8km. BYO picnic lunch--we will stop at the Gardens after walking along the Goulburn and Broken rivers, with plenty of shorter walks to explore in the gardens including the beautiful Honeysuckle Rise lookout.

We will leave the Seniors’ carpark, Fawkner Dve, by 9am. Please confirm with Glen by Monday 30th May on 0431201077, or gchess@hotmail.com. Remember to bring lunch, snacks, a drink and comfortable shoes.

Car sharing for all walks is usually available, with a small contribution.
 
Wednesday 6th July: Murchison
 
This walk will begin with a drive to Murchison and an exploration of Riverbank Gardens and Boardwalk. We will then follow the trail along the Goulburn River before taking another track that will lead us to the water’s edge.  We will return the same way, which will result in a walk of 4km.  Lunch will be at the Murchison bakery. For those wishing to continue walking a further 2km we will meander to the historic cemetery to visit the Italian Ossario, noted for its historic and aesthetic significance.

Meet in the carpark at 9.30 to leave at 9.45am. Please confirm with Glen as above.


Julie McNeill

After a lovely drive through rolling hills and blue skies, we arrived in the lovely little town of Jamieson.  Our first walk was the Island Walk, where. at the foot of the island, the Jamieson and Goulburn rivers come together before flowing into Lake Eildon.  Once owned by Jamieson’s first doctor, the island later became overgrown with blackberries, but the local community cleared it and planted many native trees.

After lunch in the picnic ground, we began the River Walk, following the Jamieson river through a caravan park and past swimming holes, picnic spots and lovely large autumn toned trees. Crossing Brewery Bridge, so called for the Goulburn Brewery - 1864 - which was located nearby, we walked through the town with its historic buildings and information boards.

Thanks to Wende Sturgess for leading this beautiful walk and for her detailed planning.

Glen Chessells

April - Cremona Bridge
 
With the threatened rain holding off, seventeen walkers set out from the former Cathkin Railway Station for the much anticipated Cremona Bridge. This is an early design of Sir John Monash, and there was much discussion of the history and construction-thank you, Andi, for providing us with newspaper articles and other documents from Trove!

Enjoying morning tea and a lovely view over the Goulburn at the bridge, we then returned to Yarck for lunch. The vanilla slices of the Giddy Goat cafe were especially popular.

All up, a pleasant walk of approx 6 kms, which some of us extended after lunch by a walk to the old Yarck goods siding. Thanks to Andi and to Bev for photos (see previous post), and to Andi for some excellent research!
 
Wednesday May 4th:  Jamieson
 
For this walk, Wende will be sharing her knowledge of the Jamieson and Goulburn river environs.  Walking approx 8km total,lunch will be byo picnic, although the general store may have some takeaway.

We will be ready to leave the Seniors’ carpark, Fawckner Dve, by 9am. Please confirm with Glenys by Monday 2nd May on 0431 or gchess@hotmail.com.   Remember to bring lunch if needed,snacks, a drink and comfortable shoes.
 
Wednesday 1st June: Victoria Lake to Shepparton Botanic Gardens

We have previously explored the amazing Botanic Gardens, but on this walk, with the opening of the suspension bridge, we can walk from Victoria Lake to the gardens.  A total of approx 8kms, we will again leave the Seniors’ carpark at 9am.  Please confirm with Glen by May 30th.

Car sharing for all walks is usually available, with a small contribution.


Julie McNeill

Wednesday April 6th: Cremona Bridge and Yarck
 
We meet at 9am at the Seniors’ carpark, Fawckner  Dve ,for this walk, which has the Sir John Monash designed bridge as its destination, and an interesting local history. With a rest stop at Yarck, we go on to Cathkin station, walking from there to the bridge for morning tea,where Andi has arranged access to a picnic area on the Goulburn.

Lunch will be at Yarck Recreation Reserve, with both the Giddy Goat cafe and the bakery close by, or byo picnic. Total distance for the morning will be approx 6.5km with additional walks after lunch from the Reserve.

Please confirm with Glen by April 4th on 04311201077 or gchess@hotmail.com. Remember to bring lunch if needed, snacks, a drink and comfortable shoes.
 
Wednesday May 4th Jamieson
 
Wende will be leading this walk exploring the Jamieson and Goulburn river environs at Jamieson. Walking approx 8kms, lunch will be byo picnic, although the general store may have some takeaway. We will again be ready to leave the Seniors’ carpark by 9am. Please confirm with Glen as above by May 2nd.
 
Car sharing is usually available for all walks, with a small contribution. 


​Julie McNeill

​Wednesday 2 March:  Seven Creeks Walk and Euroa Arboretum
 
Our first walk for the year will see us led by Bev along the lovely Seven Creeks track, as described in February’s newsletter. With a picnic lunch in the gardens after the 7.5km route, we will then go on to a gentle stroll through the Euroa Arboretum for those interested.
​
We meet for the day at the Seniors’ carpark, Fawkner Drive, at 9am. Please confirm with Glenys Chessells on 0431 201 077 or gchess@hotmail.com.
 
Remember to bring a picnic lunch, snacks, a drink and comfortable shoes.
 
Wednesday 6 April:  Cremona Bridge and Yarck
 
April sees us travelling a bit further from home with a walk to the historic Cremona Bridge, led by Andi. This much anticipated walk was lost to Covid lockdown last year, the bridge having an interesting local history. We will meet at 9am at the Seniors’ carpark for the drive of just over an hour. With a rest stop at Yarck, we go on to Cathkin Station, walking on from there to the bridge (pictured below) for morning tea.

​Lunch will be at Yarck Recreation Reserve, byo picnic and takeaway from the Giddy Goat available, with a further walk from the Reserve afterwards. Total distance will be approximately 6.5km.
 
Please confirm as above with Glen, by April 4th.
 
If new members are unsure of their abilities for these walks, please check with convenors Glen Chessells or Julie McNeill 0407823031.
 
Car sharing is usually available with a small contribution to costs. Members are asked to confirm with Glen beforehand if they need transport or can provide it.
 
Julie McNeill

A big welcome to all our new and returning walkers, as we look forward to a year hopefully more settled than 2021. Thanks to Bev for our first walk of the year, which will see us exploring all that Euroa has to offer.
.
Wednesday March 2nd: Seven Creeks Walk and Euroa Arboretum

Our morning walk of approx 7.5km will take us along the lovely Seven Creeks track, a mostly flat bush track encompassing the Seven Creeks floodplain and woodlands, with a short detour to the Balmattum Hill rotunda and views across the valley. The walk will start from the Seven Creeks park, where we will return for a picnic lunch.

This will be followed by a walk through the Euroa Arboretum, for those interested. This is a revegetated park of woodland and wetland environments, with a variety of walking tracks and picnic areas.

We will meet for the day at the Seniors’ carpark, Fawkner Drive, at 9am. Please confirm with Glen Chessells on 0431201077 or gchess@hotmail.com.

Remember to bring a hat, drink, and picnic lunch. Walking poles and suitable shoes are recommended.

If new members are unsure of their abilities for these walks, please check with convenors Glen Chessells or Julie McNeill 0407823031.

Car sharing is usually available, with a small contribution to costs. Members are asked to confirm with Glen beforehand if they need transport, or can provide it.
​
Julie McNeill

A pleasant lunch was enjoyed by all at the Mokoan Cafe, as we celebrated a mixed year-as always, some great walks and much convivial conversation, accompanied for 2021 by the constantly changing requirements of lockdown.
 
It felt great to have made it. At the end of lunch, we began planning our 2022 walks. Happily, members are stepping up to share and lead their favourite walks, so the calendar is looking promising!
 
We will recommence on the first Wednesday in March, with an as-yet mystery walk led by Bev, details to follow in February newsletter.
 
New members are always welcome--Easywalks are aimed at maintaining fitness by providing the opportunity for walks of approximately 7km, usually on defined tracks. We meet on the first Wednesday each month, and car-pooling is usually available. Convenors Glen Chessells 0431201077 and Julie McNeill 0407823031 can be contacted for further information.

​Julie McNeill

​​Well, we made it! In between lockdowns some varied and interesting walks, with many more planned for 2022. Our thanks to the walkers,and to the planners who shared their favourite walks with us all, and to the photographers who captured the highlights.

There will be no walk in December, with the group instead meeting to enjoy an end of year lunch and plan our 2022 calendar. Walks will recommence in March 2022.

New members are always welcome-Easywalks are aimed at maintaining fitness by providing the opportunity for walks of approx 7km. Tracks are usually easier and more defined than regular bushwalking but participants should be comfortable with a walk of this length-a test walk around the Lake is recommended!

Walks take place on the first Wednesday of each month,and car pooling is usually available. Convenors Glen Chessells 0431201077 or Julie McNeill 0407823031 can be contacted for further information.

Julie McNeill