Friday, July 27, 2012

O'Shannassy Aqueduct Trail - Rocky Creek Sector






These pix were taken on July 24 2012 on the O'Shannassy Aqueduct Trail, Warburton, 70 km east of Melbourne.

This was a 4 km return hike along the Yuonga Rd to Mt Donna Buang Rd sector.

This sector crosses the Rocky Creek Gully and Cascades. In the years 1900 to 1920 the Gully was a popular destination for visitors coming from Warburton by foot, horse, or by buggy. In the years to 1912, the Gully was accessible from the Mt Donna Buang Bridle Track, which became the Mt Donna Buang Tourist Rd in 1912.

Nowadays, the Gully may be explored by a rough track from the top which starts at the Aqueduct Trail - access from the bottom is no longer possible. The creek is obscured by dense undergrowth, fallen trees and ferns.

Rocky Creek has its headwaters high up near the Mt Donna Buang Summit, and after passing under the Mt Donna Buang Rd it continues downwards to a further crossing under the Woods Point Rd, then into the Yarra River.

When the Aqueduct was built in the 1911-1914 years, it was decided to run a pipe under the Aqueduct and not allow it flow into the Aqueduct. This arrangement was due to the relatively high year-round flow of the Creek.

In 1906, a channel carried water from the Creek to the Adventist Church "Signs" publishing establishment, which was located at the bottom of present-day Yuonga Rd.

Some early-1900s photos of Rocky Creek have been included in this Album!

See the Slideshow of my visit!

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