Blog Archives

September - Kinnairds' Wetlands, Numurkah

24/9/2023

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 juliemcneill55@gmail.com. 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 - Bev's FB post - 'Kinnaird's Wetlands'

10/9/2023

"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

Coming up - 'Wetlands & Wildflowers'

1/9/2023

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 juliemcneill55@gmail.com. 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

About Easywalks

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.

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.

Meeting times

1st 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 details

Julie McNeill
0407 823 031

Thank you,Glen

Thank you Glen Chessells for co-convening Easy Walks for the past two years!