Category: Dookie Rail Trail

"Braving frosty weather we headed out on the Dookie Rail Trail"

25/7/2021

On July 7th, 14 walkers braved the frosty weather and headed out on the Dookie Rail Trail. Commencing at the CWA Gardens in the centre of town, we followed the well signposted trail in a loop around former settlements and rolling hills. It was hard to imagine that the quiet paddocks surrounding us had once been dotted with thriving villages, including Cashel, once thought to rival Benalla in potential.

A highlight of the walk was the visit to the beautiful, privately owned Chateau at the heart of the old wine growing district. All up, it was an enjoyable 9 kms and we were happy to sit down to our picnic lunch at Dookie!

Our thanks to Helen for her detailed organisation, and to Brian for an informative and interesting commentary on local history.

Glen and Julie

Check out previous post for more photos!

First photos from the Dookie mystery walk!

16/7/2021

"Wednesday's U3A Easy Walks tackled a 9km walk along the Dookie Rail Trail, detouring to explore the grounds of The stately Chateau and then returning via a gravel road passing the grand old Catholic Church. Lunch was enjoyed in the Dookie Park. Thanks Helen and Glenys for organising this outing."

From Bev Thornell's post on U3A's Facebook Page, July 11 2021. Thanks, Bev.

Easy Walks' mid July walk along the Dookie Rail Trail

16/7/2020

‘A day out of the box’ greeted 13 walkers who travelled to the township of Dookie on July 15th to walk the 4 km rail trail walk from the township towards Katandra. The beautiful sunny day highlighted the healthy crops, the pretty township and it’s historic church on the hill.

Two separate groups followed the trail with its explanatory sign boards.

The first group completed 3.5 kms of the trail, then returned via Saddleback Road which allowed closer viewing of St Mary’s Church on the hill behind the town.

Photographs: Andi Stevenson, Wendy Sturgess

The second group (or 'Gentle Amblers') completed a shorter stage of the trail, then returned back the way they had come.

Each group then had a leisurely lunch in the large picnic area in the centre of the town. This park features a tall clock with interesting history and one of Shepparton’s Mooving Art cows. Nearby is the Remembrance Day tree.

Dookie sits nicely between Mt Saddleback and Mt Major both of which provide more walking trails. Some people visited the nearby shop and the metal works business before everyone headed home after a very pleasant and enjoyable day.”

Wendy Sturgess

Photographs: Meg Dillon, Fujii Kyohei, Andi Stevenson, Wendy Sturgess, Marg Walshe

"It is wonderful to have so many people contributing to these walks by taking photos, offering to take small groups and assisting in so many ways ... a team effort." Marg Walshe

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!

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