​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.

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

​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 juliemcneill55@gmail.com. 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!)

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

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

​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.

Julie McNeill

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 juliemcneill55@gmail.com.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

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

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 juliemcneill55@gmail.com.
​
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 

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 juliemcneill55@gmail.com.

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!

 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 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