We began with a short section of trail still ‘under construction’ as we began our walk along the historic tramline where timber was hauled through the forests of Mt. Samaria 100 years ago. After a short walk through brush, we came out onto a good track through a lightly forested area. Taking a brief break at a junction with a wide track, we had beautiful views of this track winding through and then getting lost among tall, straight, white and grey barked eucalypts as it winded away from us. The scene was a reminder of a classic Australian landscape painting.
Walking back into the forest, our view of tall, straight trees shifted to a view of fields of waist high ferns catching the sunlight on very green leaves. We walked through these and a lightly forested area past many traces of the timber railway tracks used when timber was being taken from this area. Parts of an old wooden bridge alongside the track were also visible. This part of the track led us to our lunch spot at the Braking Station where we came across derelict parts of the machinery that had been used to transport timber from the kilns. The concrete forms that were part of the Braking Station provided us with benches with views for lunch.
Leaving the Braking Station, we walked up towards Mt. Samaria, but diverted from the track to the top to a flat rock area providing breathtaking views towards Lake Nillahcootie and the Strathbogie Ranges. Following our break for this view, we walked down the steep track back to the picnic area of the kilns where we all enjoyed a cuppa and the views of ferns backed by tall, straight eucalypts, a summary of the beautiful area we’d been walking through. Patricia
Easy and Mid-week walk - Wednesday May 11
Bright and Wandiligong.
Please note we are combining this walk with the mid-week walkers, as it is not a strenuous walk. I hope this does not prevent anyone from walking the second Wednesday.
This year we make our annual autumn foliage trip to Bright and Wandiligong. As a slight change, we will start by climbing to Huggin's Lookout, for an overview of the township. Then to Wandiligong for lunch and the traditional 'Wandi wander'.
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Ring Vaughan Cowan 5762 1980 and meet at the Centre at 8.45am for 9.00am departure.
Midweek walk - Wednesday 8 June
Sue Pendergast will be leading the walk on the South Blue Range near Mansfield. We walk along the conglomerate ridge with great views of the Alps to the East and Lake Eildon to the west.
Ring Sue on 5768 2403 or 0428 401 690 for details.