Thank you to Andi for measuring our 8km walk, and for suggesting a route, and to Bev for the yo-yos!

Wednesday 4th September: Murray River Walk, Corowa
 
Meeting in Corowa at Bangerang Park, we will head onto the Willows Reserve trail along the Murray at Wahgunyah, returning to the park for a picnic lunch and some more exploration of the walking trails further along the river.
 
Meet at the Seniors’ carpark, Fawckner Drive to leave at 9.30am with confirmation to Julie by text, email or phone message on 0407823031 or [email protected]. Car sharing is usually available for a small contribution.
 
Wednesday 2nd October: Reef Hills Wildflowers
 
We will go local for this month’s walk, and ramble through the many trails at Reef Hills looking for wildflowers. BYO picnic lunch, and we will leave the Seniors’ carpark at 9.30am as usual, confirmation to Julie as above.
 
And finally, thank you to Bev Thornell for volunteering as convenor for 2025.  We will look forward to some new and interesting walks!
​
 
Julie McNeill

​August:  July report: Violet Town history walk
​
A freezing morning turned into a beautiful sunny day as 13 walkers converged on Violet Town, ready for another of Bev’s interesting history challenges. Armed with pens and our list of questions, we explored several streets and the well laid out Southern Cross memorial, and enjoyed some lively discussion over brunch as we checked through answers. A leisurely walk along Honeysuckle Creek rounded off a very enjoyable day.

Wednesday 7th August: Dookie Rail Trail

This pleasant and accessible walk will see us start from the centre of town, and explore the many trails offering views over local hills and farmland.Returning to the pretty CWA Gardens for a picnic lunch, a stroll along the Main Street will finish our day.
Meet at Seniors’ carpark, Fawckner Dve to leave at 9.30am with confirmation to Julie by text, email or phone message on 0407823031 or [email protected]. Car sharing is usually available for a small contribution.

Wednesday 4th September: Murray River walk, Corowa
​
Meeting in Corowa at Bangerang Park, we will head onto the Willows Reserve trail along the Murray at Wahgunyah, returning to the park for a picnic lunch and some more exploration of the well laid out walking trails further along the river.

We will leave the Seniors’ carpark at 9.30am as usual, confirmation to Julie as above.

Are you our new convenor?

Our friendly and active group will be looking for a new convenor for 2025. If you think this might be you, let me know!

Julie McNeill

Wednesday 3rd July: Violet Town history walk
 
Bev has set us another challenge on this walk, with a list of answers to find as we explore Violet Town and get to know some local history.  Answers will be shared at a late morning tea at the Produce Store, with a short walk along Honeysuckle Creek afterwards for those interested. BYO picnic lunch, or stock up at the Produce Store.
 
Meet at Seniors’ carpark, Fawckner Drive, to leave at 9.30am with confirmation to Julie by text, email or phone message on 0407823031 or [email protected]. Car sharing is usually available for a small contribution.
 
Wednesday 7th August: Dookie Rail Trail
 
It’s been a while since we’ve done this pleasant walk through the lovely landscape around Dookie. Starting from the centre of town, we will explore the easily accessible rail trail that leads off to views over local hills and farmland. A return to the pretty CWA Gardens for a BYO picnic lunch and a walk along the Main Street will round off our day.

We will leave Seniors’ carpark at 9.30am as usual, confirmation to Julie as above.


​Julie McNeill

Julie McNeill

May Report: Winton Wetlands
 
In a high stakes competition to find the answers, nine walkers paired off at Winton Wetlands to complete Bev’s challenge. The list of twenty questions saw us searching around the Hub and Woodland Walk for answers, while enjoying a good hour and a half walk in pleasant sunshine. With an enjoyable lunch at the Hub cafe, and winners announced, everyone agreed it was a fun variation to our usual walk-thank you, Bev!

Wednesday 5th June: Goulburn River and Shepparton Botanic Gardens
 
Starting at Victoria Lake in Shepparton, we will head along the Goulburn, crossing the suspension bridge and enjoying a picnic lunch in the Shepparton Botanic Gardens. Auspiced by the Australian Botanic Gardens at Cranbourne,and managed by an enthusiastic volunteer group, the gardens offer many short walks of interest and views across the valley from Honeysuckle Rise.

Meet at Seniors’ carpark Fawckner Dve, to leave at 9.30am, with confirmation to Julie by text, email or phone message on 0407823031 or [email protected]. Remember to bring drinks and a picnic lunch. Car sharing is available for a small contribution.
 
Wednesday 3rd July: Violet Town history walk
 
Following the success of our Wetlands challenge, Bev will be testing us with thirty questions on a walk around Violet Town.This is a great way both to test our orienteering skills and also to really notice the landscape and history of our walk.Answers will be shared at morning tea at the Produce Store, followed by a short walk along Honeysuckle Creek and a picnic lunch.

We leave Seniors’ carpark at 9.30am as usual, confirmation to Julie as above.


Julie McNeill


​

​April report: Jamieson
 
With fine weather and the promise of some pleasant exploring, fourteen walkers assembled at Jamieson and set off along the river walk. While the autumn colours were not quite as blazing as expected, there were enough for our photographers to capture the day, and for the group to enjoy just under 5kms of rambling around this historic town-followed by a welcome coffee.

A run of warm weather and a sultry, 35 degree day in Shepparton saw the cancellation of our walk along the Goulburn  to the Botanic Gardens. We’ll try again in June!
 
Wednesday 3rd April: Jamieson autumn walk.
 
The leaves seem to be drying and falling rather quickly this year, but we’ll hope there are a few left both for this walk, and for our May walk to Bright - both being towns known for blazing autumn colour.  Situated at the confluence of the Goulburn and Jamieson rivers, the Island walk has been a popular destination in the past.  We will have a picnic lunch by the river and then explore the town’s historic buildings, as well as watching the locals at their favourite fishing spots.

Meet at the Seniors’ carpark, Fawckner Drive, to leave at 9.30am, with confirmation to Julie by text, email or phone message on 0407823031 or [email protected].  Remember to bring drinks and a picnic lunch, and car sharing is available for a small contribution.
 
Wednesday 1st May: Cherry Walk, Bright
 
Starting at Howitt Park, in the centre of Bright, we will head along this well known walk in an area once devastated by mining dredges. Now a pretty walk full of historical interest, we will complete the loop and return for a picnic lunch at the park-and maybe a coffee or ice cream from one of the many cafes.

Confirmation to Julie as above, and we will leave at 9.30am.


Julie McNeill

Julie has sent out emails - however also putting a message here in case any one checks in to see what is happening this Wednesday.  Julie has been observing predicted weather conditions carefully and has decided to cancel this month's walk.  Fingers crossed for April!

Welcome to all our new walkers!  Easywalks is a “walk and talk” group getting out and exploring places within about an hour of Benalla, with a couple of hours’ walking and some lunch. The weather isn’t always kind to us, so check the newsletter and the calendar for updates.
 
Wednesday March 6th: Victoria Lake and Shepparton Botanic Gardens
 
Described in the last newsletter, this walk takes us along the Goulburn to the Botanic Gardens for a picnic lunch.  Auspiced by the Australian Botanic Gardens at Cranbourne, the Gardens offer many shorter walks and views across the valley from Honeysuckle Rise, with a total walk of about 8km.

Meet at the Seniors’ carpark, Fawckner Dve, to leave at 9.30am, with confirmation to Julie by text, email or phone message on 0407823031 or [email protected]. Remember to bring drinks and a picnic lunch. Car sharing is available for a small contribution.
 
Wednesday 3rd April: Jamieson autumn walk
 
For this walk we will head a bit beyond our range, to Jamieson, and hope to catch some autumn colour in this beautiful little town.  Situated at the confluence of the Goulburn and Jamieson rivers, the Island Walk was a popular destination when we last visited in 2022.

Returning along the river for a picnic lunch, there will be plenty of time to explore the historic buildings of the town, and watch the locals at their favourite fishing spots.

​Confirmation to Julie as above, and we will leave at 9.30am.
 
For our May walk we will continue chasing autumn leaves, and head to Bright-details in next newsletter.


Julie McNeill

For our first 2024 walk on Wednesday March 6* we will start at Victoria Lake in Shepparton and head along the Goulburn River, crossing the suspension bridge and enjoying a picnic lunch in the Shepparton Botanic Gardens. The Gardens, auspiced by the Australian Botanic Gardens at Cranbourne, offer many shorter walks of interest and views across the valley from Honeysuckle Rise, and will provide a total walk of about 8kms, with an optional walk around the Victoria Lake Wetlands on returning.
 
We will meet at the Seniors’ carpark, Fawckner Drive, to leave at 9.30am, with confirmation to Julie by text, email or phone message on 0407823031 or [email protected]. Remember to bring drinks,and a picnic lunch. Car sharing is usually available for a small contribution.
 
Future walks: the calendar is taking shape, and members are asked to keep an eye both on the newsletter and the U3A homepage for news and updates. We will be heading to Bright in May for the glorious autumn colours, and Bev will lead us on the popular Cherry Walk, so get those cameras ready!

Julie McNeill

*Please note - Timetables printed in December had a February date included, however Easywalks commence in March to avoid likely hot conditions in February.

​Julie McNeill

​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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected]. 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 [email protected].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 [email protected].
​
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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].
 
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 [email protected].
 
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