Blog Archives

Mt Buffalo's Underground River in November; Coming up on December 8 - Mt Buffalo's Mackey's Lookout

29/11/2021

November 10, 2021 - Mt Buffalo Underground River.

Ten walkers set off from Lake Catani in threatening weather conditions. The track was rocky and slowly descended until the underground river outlet was reached. Here the group took a break before climbing a long steep section of the path. Reaching the top provided some good views and photo opportunities.

We stopped for lunch at the Chalet car park as well as checking out the Chalet and viewing points. Then headed back to Lake Catani, crossing the creek at the dam wall to walk around the lake and returning to the cars for afternoon tea.

Weather conditions turned out to be ideal. Nice to see new member Margie come on her first walk.

John Boehm

(More photos in previous post)

Next Midweek Walk - Wednesday 8th December - Mt Buffalo - Mackey's Lookout & Return

Departing from Mackey's Lookout we will walk along the Big Walk Track up to the Gorge and Chalet. The 5km track will take us past many short off-shoot tracks leading to Marriott's Lookout, Crystal Brook Falls, Pulpit Rock, and Wilkinson's Lookout. Return the same way. Total distance 11-12 km.

Be prepared for a relatively long but superb day.
Rating M- 4- 3
Contact: Wendy Baker 0429780179

John Boehm

Mt Buffalo - "we made it on the last day before the big wet"

12/11/2021

What luck..our mid-week bushwalking outing was held on the last fine day before the big wet.

The Underground River Walk up on Mt. Buffalo is a pleasant 4.5 circuit from Lake Catani picnic area, past swampy bits, roughly hewn rock steps, several scenic viewpoints, and then down to the Underground River and its cave entrance. A fetid smell (origin unknown) dissuaded us from lingering there, so we tackled the roughly hewn rock steps leading up to the Chalet picnic area, sharing this with city day trippers.

John gave us a bit of extra time to check the panoramic views from the Lookouts. The new one even has a small glass-bottomed square panel. No hang gliders were operating that day. The return 1.5km walk, via the Gorge/Lake Catani track, was interesting, with huge granite boulders bordering the track.

We trooped across the bridge and skirted Lake Catani, stopping to photograph wildflowers, especially some lovely swathes of Violet Hovea. Afternoon tea spread out under Lake Catani shelter was much appreciated by us and also by a newly arrived Parks Victoria Summer staff member, who was on cleaning duty.

This story does not have a happy ending however, due to Robyn's pesky VW reminding her that it has a self-locking mechanism, meaning keys can be locked in a backpack in the boot (a helpful feature). Oh dear. RACV couldn't offer any assistance, so Les came to the rescue, driving all the way out from Benalla with the spare key. Lesson learned.

Bev Thornell
(Source: U3A Benalla and District Facebook Page)

Go to Easy Walks

Benalla Bushwalking Group's 'Mid Week Walks'

Walks organised by the Benalla Bushwalking Club Inc. held on the second Wednesday of each month, weather permitting. These walks are suitable for the retired person of reasonable fitness. U3A members wishing to go on these walks need to join the Benalla Bushwalking Club for insurance purposes. Membership fees at present are $45 per person or $40 incl. $5 discount if paid before March 31. We pool cars and share transport costs.

Meeting times

The group meets on the 2nd Wednesday at 9.30 am or thereabouts at the Barkly Street carpark - old tennis courts behind Aldi. Information on meeting times for specific walks will be included in newsletters and on the calendar on the website.

Convenor & Contact Details

John Boehm 0428 254 801

Links

Benalla Bushwalking Club Website

Benalla Bushwalking Club on Facebook