Wildflowers, birdlife and history to explore on-foot

A SPARKLING sapphire in Ballarat’s crown, Lake Wendouree is always a hot spot for walkers and runners.

But for those keen to keep moving with a change of scenery, Ballarat Bushwalking & Outdoor Club’s Marianne Kennedy has some ideas for other tracks and trails to discover, still close to home.

“The Yarrowee Trail can be walked in sections of desired length and runs from Magpie to The Gong reservoir,” she said.

“There are lovely sections that follow the Yarrowee Creek, that is home to an abundance of birdlife and flora. In the Sebastopol area, there are many opportunities to walk on the trail and explore the historical settlement commemorated by the Yuille Cairn.”

From the city centre to Buninyong, there are plenty of options, some running through Canadian, and Mount Clear.

“The Canadian Creek Track goes from Ballarat to Buninyong, suitable for walking or cycling. Areas of forest can be accessed from this trail at Mt Clear, and into the University area from Mt Helen,” Ms Kennedy said.

“Lake Esmond and surrounds was originally a quarry for the local Eureka Tile Works, then replanted and revived as a lake and reserve.

“Woowookarung Regional Park has many trails throughout, some of which offer wonderful views to the west towards the Pyrenees ranges. It abounds in many different species of trees, grass plants, wildflowers, fungi and birdlife.”

Buninyong has varying bush walks, and educational trails around the township, taking a closer look at historical architecture.

“Union Jack Reserve has a short and long walk which are amazing considering you’re so close to town. Climbing the South Walk and the Zig Zag on Mount Buninyong are a challenge, but well worth it,” Ms Kennedy said.

Back in town, the Black Hill Reserve is ideal for mountain bikers or some on-foot action, with “spectacular” and iconic views at its highest point, over the city from the south to the west.

Just above is Nerrina and its bushland, heading towards the forests of Creswick.

“Starting at the very end of Swinglers Road, you can walk the many bush tracks. There are also many walks in the area towards the east of Ballarat where, by crossing the freeway, there are bush tracks and gravel roads to explore around Little Bendigo.

“The Goldfields Track, also known as the Wallaby Track and Great Dividing Trail network, or GDT, runs from Mt Buninyong to Daylesford, and can be walked in sections of approximately 15 kilometres,” Ms Kennedy said.

“It passes through the Slatey Creek picnic and camping areas, where there are many interesting shorter circuit walks. This is a very popular spot for campers and gold panning enthusiasts.”

The Creswick Regional Park is full of walking tracks, with St Georges Lake an ideal base to begin circuits, longer or shorter.

“It is really interesting to walk through the Koala Park reserve, with native trees that provided the diet for the Koalas that once inhabited the reserve. During the drought years it was necessary for the koalas to relocate in search of water,” she said.

Over to the west, Ms Kennedy recommends beginning a walk at the Ballarat Golf Club, or circumnavigating it.

From the club, travelling through Insignia, crossing over the Avenue of Honour and along the Old Rail Trail through Alfredton, there are some spots with native trees, shrubs and wetlands.

“Wilson’s Swamp, Ballarat west, is an interesting area in which to walk. The wetlands are a very popular spot for bird watching groups and hikers alike,” she said.

“The Skipton Rail Trail starts in Wendouree and goes through to Skipton. It can be walked or ridden in sections, with small townships along the way that offer refreshments and accommodation.

“There is some camping allowed in designated campgrounds along the trail.”

A “vibrant” social group with a busy calendar, Ballarat Bushwalking & Outdoor Club not only explores local areas on-foot, but sometimes travels interstate or internationally together.

They walk every Tuesday, most weekends, and take a shorter walk one Wednesday a month. Outside of pandemic restrictions, Tuesdays can attract between 40 and 50 people, and typically the weekends host a little over 20 participants.

Contact Wendy Ross, the club’s president, if you’re interested in the group, or more informational about suggested trails on 0408 170 410.

New members are welcome and can experience three outings before deciding whether they would like to join.