Beautiful Yarra Brae in early spring

On Wednesday September 29, 2010, I visited the remote Yarra Brae Section of the Warrandyte State Park, 20 km east of the Melbourne CBD. I completed a 6 km return hike along the gated Market Garden and Lucerne Paddock Tracks, both being fire management tracks, starting and finishing at the Clifford Activity Centre, reached from Clifford Drive, off Jumping Creek Rd.

The State government purchased the Stane Brae and Yarra Brae river frontages in 1982 and both parcels of land were incorporated into the park in 1987.

This is one of the best long walks in the Park, following the ridge top, with excellent views easterly over the Yarra Gorge towards the Yarra Ranges, to the Dandsenong Ranges, and the Mt Lofty section of the Park.

Market Garden Track starts at the Clifford Activity Centre. Just north of signed Scout Track is a short side-track leading up to a large cleared summit space on a hilltop - there are good views from here to the Kinglake Ranges and hills around Kangaroo Ground, and across neighbouring farms, grazing properties, and equestrian centres.

Market Garden Track then descends to a large clearing next to the Yarra River, believed to be the site of an early farm. This is a Water Point for fire management purposes. Immediately opposite this point is the small municipality "Bend of Islands", an Environmental Living Zone.

This is the place where the concrete retaining wall was to be built across the Yarra, as part of the huge Yarra Brae Reservoir Project, announced in 1973. This was subsequently abandoned, due to community protests.

From this spot, a gate marks the start of unsigned Lucerne Paddock Track, which follows the river, until another large cleared area is reached. This is another Water Point for fire protection purposes. It is assumed that this was the original Lucerne Paddock.

Here there are the remains of an old building, now only concrete foundations and a crumbling concrete tank and roof tiles.

From there, it was a 3 km trudge back to the start, mindful that there is an increase in altitude fromn 50 m to 130 m!

The Track is also known as the "Bridle Track" and is popular with with horseriders.

HISTORICAL NOTES

This area was originally known as the Yarra Brae Farm, a huge pastoral holding of about 400 hectares, which is dated to the early 1920s. Most of this was bushland/forest, with about 8 km frontage to the Yarra River.

Large sections of this land were cleared in the 1920s and 1930s for timber, and the area was then opened up for agricultural purposes, mainly orchards and grazing.

In 1940, the property was auctioned, which by that time comprised about 250 Ha of grassland, and 150 ha of timber.

Now, the Yarra Brae Riding Centre occupies about 100 ha of the former Farmsite. The perimeter of the Centre adjoins Market Garden Track and Lucerne Paddock Track, now within the State Park.

See all of the Photos of my visit.

Bittern Coastal Wetlands Trail

Hastings is a town about 60 km south of Melbourne, situated on an inlet on Westernport, a major port and important environmental area. Hastings has multiple marinas and is home to many recreational boating activities.

I visited Hastings on Tuesday September 28, 2010, exploring the historical jetty, the boat harbour, and the Bittern Coastal Wetlands Boardwalk.

Many pelicans congregrate near the jetty, waiting for scraps of fish given to them from local fishermen, and the nearby Fresh Fish Shop!

Hastings is the starting point for the 26 km Westernport Walking/Cycling Trail which extends to Balnarring.

There were excellent views over the mangroves across the Hastings Bight towards Long Island and Long Point.

My hike was about 6 km total - there are several intepretative signs along the Boardwalk, describing various features of the Wetlands and their inhabitants!

See all of the Photos of my visit!

Woodland Hike, Somers Coast

The Woodland Hiking Track, Somers Coastal Reserve, is reached from the car park at the end of Balnarring Beach Rd, about 70 km south of Melbourne.

I visited this scenic area on Sunday September 26, 2010, following the Merricks Creek Track from the car park, then on to Tulum Beach.

About 1 km along the beach an unsigned foot-track goes on a boardwalk, then crosses the wide Merricka Creek over a bridge.

Immediately past the bridge is the start of signed Woodland Walk, which goes through the lush coastal reserve, part of the Coolart Wetlands, then passes the Somers School Activity Centre.

A style is crossed at a fence-line.

The Track then reaches the large suspension bridge over Merricks Creek, then comes out on to Tulum Beach.

Somers Beach is to the east - the return is along Tulum Beach back to the car park.

There are many interesting Tracks in the Coolart Wetlands, well worth investigating!

My hike was about 6 km total.

Good views across Westernport Bay to Phillip Island, Seal Rocks, and the Nobbies, and westerly to Cape Schanck.

See all of the Photos of my visit!

Currawong Bush Park in early Spring

The Currawong Bush Park is a 60 hectare area of preserved bushland, 25 km east of Melbourne, in the outer east suburb of Warrandyte.

It is reaached from Reynold's Rd, near the end of Springvale Rd.

It is adjacent to the Mullum Mullum Creek, and a large section of the park was originally a cattle farm until the 1960s.

Prior to Western settlement in the 1830s, the area was inhabited by the Wurrundunji Aboriginal peoples.

It includes Aboriginal artefacts, a nice Lagoon, an old Stockyard, and walking tracks.

The pictures were taken on September 24, 2010, on a 3 km circuit around the Park, which included the scenic Killjoy Track.

My route included the steep and rough Track under the HV Transmission Lines - many walkers are not aware of this gated track, and there are good views from the summit.

Many colorful birds were seen. A large Eastern Grey Kangaroo was in the bush next to the Creek!

The major threats to the park's ecology are introduced species of flora and fauna such as foxes, rabbits, dogs and cats. It is a popular destination for school and community groups and bush walkers. It once housed a group of kangaroos in its wildlife enclosure, however due to funding cuts, the park can no longer be managed full time by a park ranger and the enclosure was closed.

An archaeological survey of aboriginal sites within City of Manningham by Ellender in 1991, discovered evidence of the presence of the Wurundjeri people in the park, in the form of four scarred trees. Scarred trees are trees from which bark or heartwood has been removed to make a wooden artefact such as a shield, canoe or container. An aboriginal stone artefact was also found along the Mullum Mullum Creek. The Wurundjeri were part of the Kulin nation, comprising the main tribes living within about a 150 km radius of Melbourne. The Wurundjeri are of the Woiworung tribe, one of five Kulin tribes, each of whom had their own land and language.

See all of the Photos of my visit!

Exploring Clifford Park, N. Wonga Park

The Clifford Park Activity Centre is a 20 hectare public access preserved bushland region 35 km NE of Melbourne.

Surrounded by hundreds of hectares of the Warrandyte State Park, it is owned by Scouting Australia - Victoria, and members of the public may explore it by foot at any time. There is access through it to the Yarra River precinct at the northern boundary.

Clifford Park, honouring the late Lord Clifford, is perhaps the most significant scouting site in Australia, having been the location of two Jamborees and the World Rover Moot.

It is part of the former 200 hectare property known as Yarra Brae Farm.

In 1962, the farm was the site for the 7th World Rover Moot the first world scouting event ever to be held in Australia. The World Rover Moot was attended by more than 1000 Rover Scouts from across the globe.

Following the death of Lord Clifford, Yarra Brae Farm was sold at auction in 1967. The new owners continued to allow scouts the continuing use of the area surrounding the old parade ground along the river.

After purchase by Scouts Australia in 1983, the site was used mainly at weekends as a scout camping and activity venue. In 1995, in an effort to be more proactive in the community the Committee of Management decided to sponsor a new organisation, The Friends of Clifford Park, and open the property not just to scouts, but to the wider public as the "Clifford Park Activity Centre".

The first subdivision of the farm was approved in 1983 and Scouts Australia, Victorian Branch was able to purchase freehold the present 50 acre site which became known as "Clifford Park".

At around the same time, the Victorian Government resumed the whole Yarra River frontage to become part of the Warrandyte State Park,

With the support of Manningham City Council, both Federal and State governments and TAFE institutes at Box Hill, Swinburne and Holmesglen, the Friends have helped transform the park into a place of adventure, excitement and passive recreation -- a centre that can accommodate the needs of both scouting and non-scouting communities and one of which the whole community can justly be proud.

With full catering being available, Clifford Park also offers seminar facilities for government, local government, education and corporate entities who wish to conduct programs or staff development activities.

All developments to this stage have been carried out according to a master plan approved by the City of Manningham, which emphasizes the values of environment, activities for youth and scouting heritage.

See all of the Pictures of my visit, taken on September 20, 2010, on a 3 km hike, which show the general environment, some of the tracks, the Yarra River, and the adjacent Warrandyte State Park. I've included some archival images from the 1948 and 1956 Jamborees for comparison purposes.

There is comprehensive information about Clfford Park at the following Website, to which acknowledgement is given for some of the historical background in this Photo Article:

http://www.vicscouts.asn.au/CliffordPark/index.html

Sherbooke Forest Circuit Hike - Tregellas Mill Track

These pictures were taken on Thursday afternoon September 16, 2010, in the Sherbrooke Forest, Dandenong Ranges National Park, 45 km east of central Melbourne, on a 3 km hike.

My journey started at Grant's Picnic Ground, then along the Margaret Lester Forest Walk, Coles Ridge Rd, Tregellas Track, Bleakley Track and back to Grant's.

There are interpetative signs and reproductions of photos of the early 1900s along the Margeter Lester Forest Walk, depicting the Dandenongs in the early days.

The Tregellas Track passes the site of the former Tregellas Timber Mill, of which no trace remains.

Ther usual assemblage of parrots, galahs, and cockatoos were hanging out at Grant's Picnic Ground, waiting for the passengers from the next tourist bus to feed them with seeds!

See all of the Photos of my trip.

Schwerkolt Historical Cottage and Orchard, Mitcham

Schwerkolt Cottage is an original pioneer's stone cottage in a garden setting surrounded by 2.25 hectares of bushland. in Mitcham, about 20 km east of central Melbourne.

August Schwerkolt began building the cottage in 1884 and the three rooms of the cottage are furnished in the style of the period. Other buildings on the property include a slab barn, smithy, a stone smokehouse and a wine cellar.

A museum built of local stone and timber was designed to complement the cottage. Opened in 1977 the emphasis of the museum is on local and social history. Special collections include an excellent textile collection from the 1800s to the 1950s and a wide range of locally made clay products made by the many brick and tile works established in the area in the early 1900s.

A collection of farm implements and household items is housed in the outdoor display area at the rear of the museum.

Interpretative signs describe the history and features of main attractions.

I visited the Complex on Friday afternoon September 17, 2010. This was a very wet, cold and bleak day.


See all of the Photos of my visit

Mullum Mullum Park

Mullum Mullum Park is a vital wildlife corridor in Melbourne’s east and home to Rufous Night Herons, Powerful Owls, Wedge Tailed Eagles and Peregrine Falcons.

The park was named Mullum Mullum after a public naming competition in 2007. Many believe the name to mean ‘place of many eagles’ or a variation of the Wurundjeri word ‘Ballum Ballum’ meaning ‘place of many butterflies’.

The park features some remarkable remnant vegetation. For cyclists and walkers there are approximately 2 km of trails, including the Mullum Mullum Creek Shared User Pathway.

Officially declared in June 2009, Mullum Mullum Park is the result of wide spread community interest and involvement, particularly from the Friends of Mullum Mullum Valley.

Adjacent is Schwerkolt Cottage, an original pioneer's stone cottage in a garden setting surrounded by 2.25 hectares of bushland. August Schwerkolt began building the cottage in 1884 and the three rooms of the cottage are furnished in the style of the period. Other buildings on the property include a slab barn, smithy, a stone smokehouse and a wine cellar.

A museum built of local stone and timber was designed to complement the cottage. Opened in 1977 the emphasis of the museum is on local and social history. Special collections include an excellent textile collection from the 1800s to the 1950s and a wide range of locally made clay products made by the many brick and tile works established in the area in the early 1900s. A collection of farm implements and household items is housed in the outdoor display area at the rear of the museum.

The EastLink Trail runs through the Park. It's a three-metre wide concrete path, suitable for cyclists and pedestrians. Winding its way through the Mullum Mullum Valley, it heads south to connect with the Dandenong Creek Trail before crossing Greens Road in Melbourne's south-east.

This is a link to a Media Release about the official opening of the Park:

http://www.premier.vic.gov.au/minister-for-environment-climate-change/mullum-mullum-park-to-protect-remarkable-bushland.htm

I visited the Park on Friday afternoon September 17, 2010, for a 4 km hike along many of the tracks and trails, which included Yarran Gheran, the Hillcrest Forestway, and the Schwerkolt Cottage Complex.

See all of the Photos of my visit

Cannon's Creek Coastal Park

Cannon's Creek is a coastal village on northern Westernport Bay, classified as an International Conservation Zone, 65 km SE of Melbourne.

It is located on the Rutherford Inlet, with extensive mangroves and millions of crabs!

The main walking track includes a boardwalk and lookout, with splendid views across the estuary towards the settlement of Warneet.

I visited the Park on September 19, 2010.

See all of the Photos of my visit.

On top of Mt Lofty, Warrandyte SP

These photos were taken on Wednesday September 15, 2010, on a 3 km hike to the summit of Mt Lofty, Warrandyte State Park, 35 km east of central Melbourne.

The weather bad, with high winds and rain squalls, interspersed by period of sunshine!

At the Summit there are two Survey Markers, off the main management road.

Excellent views of the Yarra and Gorge, and panoramas across the Yarra Valley and Heritage Country Club golf courses to the Yarra and Dandenong Ranges.

Kangaroos were up there, wondering what I was doing on their land - you can see them, and a beautiful rainbow, in this album!

My adventure started and ended at the gate on Lower Homestead Rd, following Stephen Track.

I picnic table and seats are at the summit.

The Mt Lofty area was originally a large, cleared grazing property, added to the Park in 1997, following acquisition by the State Government. A few relics may be seen, such as parts of fence posts and rusting barbed wire.

See all of the Photos of my visit.

Graceburn Weir and Aqueduct Track

The Graceburn Weir and Aqueduct were built in 1892, and are part of Melbourn's water catchment and supply network. They are located east of Healesville, 80 km east of Melbourne.

The Weir is built across the Graceburn Creek, which starts high in Mt Juliet, to the east of the Weir.

Walkers are permitted to use the management track, 3 km return, which starts at the main gate at the Maroondah Highway and continues to the Weir.

The Government proposes to close public access to the Weir, to minimise contamination by visitors, and to set up a new Track in the area.

I visited the Weir on September 18, 2010.

See all of the Photos of my visit, which include three archival images taken in 1906, for comparison purposes. In those years, a picnic area and facilities were located near the Weir - sections of this remained until 2007, but have now been removed. The early photos show visitors standing on the Weir infrastructure, but such access is no longer permitted.

The forest in this area was ravaged by the terrible bushfires of Black Saturday, February 2009.

There has been interesting regrowth, but the blackened trees provide a grim reminder of the disaster.

Healesville Railway Heritage Festival 2010

The second annual Healesville Railway Heritage Festival took place on September 18 and 19, 2010, presented by the Yarra Valley Railway.

Many interesting displays and exhibits were enjoyed by hundreds of visitors.

The programme included:

- 30 minute trips on the restored Rail Motor 22 to the Tunnel and return
- Classic cars
- Steam Road Engines
- Blacksmith
- Wood Carving
- Wool Spinning
- Horses and Carriages
- Regional produce and beverages
- Steam Rollers
- Traction engines and machinery
- Fire engines
- Steam wagons
- Displays from the Healesville and District Historical Society. VicForest Highlands and the Yarra Valley Machinery Preservation Society

The Healesville Railway served the Yarra Valley for nearly 100 years, until the line was closed in December 1980.

A short time later the Yarra Valley Tourist Railway Society was formed.

Since July 2010, the railway is now running train rides on RM22 from Healesville to Tunnel Hill, crossing the Watts River, under the Donovan's Road overbridge and through the historic tunnel at Tarrawarra Winery.

The Society is working hard to rebuild the line from Healesville back into Yarra Glen - the short term objective is to reach Tarrawarra station.

Development plans incorporate

* Restoration of the line between Healesville and Yarra Glen
* Operate trains between Healesville and Yarra Glen
* Restoration of trains and commence train operations including a restaurant carriage to Yarra Glen
* Restoration of the remainder of the line from Yarra Glen to Lilydale
* Steam Train tours through the Yarra Valley commencing at Lilydale

The Society hopes that the recommencement of passenger trains will help to open up the region further to tourism.

Membership of the Society is welcomed. For further information, please - visit the Society's website at http://www.yrv.com.au

See all of my Photos were taken on Saturday September 18, 2010.

The Festival was sponsored and supported by the Shire of Yarra Ranges.

Sawtell Inlet (Tooradin),Westernport Bay

On Sunday September 12, 2010, I visited the coastal fishing village of Tooradin, on Sawtell Inlet, Westernport Bay, 70 km south of Melbourne.

I explored the interesting lake on the north side of the main highway, then went out to the boat launching ramp and the Lookout Platform.

Good views across the mangroves to the Inlet and the Bay.

The largest pelican in the world is on display on the foreshore!

There is a Commemorative Plaque on the Lake Walking Trail, marking the site of the Tooradin Coach Route which passed through here in the 1800s.

Next to the Lake there is an excellent fish and chips shop, which has been there for at least 50 years! Nearby is the Old Books Store, offering thousands of titles not over $5!

See all of the Photos!

Gunnamatta Coast Hike

My visit to Gunnamatta Surf Beach, Mornington Peninsula National Park, 80 km south of Melbourne, Tuesday afternoon September 14, 2010.

Big swell, big waves, and spectacular views to Cape Schank.

The 3 km return Hike was along the beach and back on the top of the sand dunes.

See all of the Photos!

George's Track Hike, Olinda Forest

These photos show the scenery along George's Track, Olinda Forest, Dandenong Ranges National park, 35 km east of central Melhourne.

My 4 km (return) hike was on Monday afternoon September 13, 2010, starting at the gate at Olinda Creek Rd, opposite Management Road 13.

I followed the Track all the way to Hermon's Track, where it crossed the Lyrebird Creek.

The route passed through some of the best fern gullies in the Forest, a former logging area.

There was an elevation change from 260 m to 301 m. Commotions were coming from the forest canopy, due to Kookaburras and Cockatoos, indignant at my intrusion on to their land!

Leeches are annoying, some were about 4 cm long and have to be removed.

Some colorful red and white Fungi were discovered.

See all of the Photos, including a nice leech!