A SPARKLING sapphire in Ballarat\u2019s crown, Lake Wendouree is always a hot spot for walkers and runners.<\/p>\n
But for those keen to keep moving with a change of scenery, Ballarat Bushwalking & Outdoor Club\u2019s Marianne Kennedy has some ideas for other tracks and trails to discover, still close to home.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Yarrowee Trail can be walked in sections of desired length and runs from Magpie to The Gong reservoir,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
From the city centre to Buninyong, there are plenty of options, some running through Canadian, and Mount Clear.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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,\u201d Ms Kennedy said.<\/p>\n
\u201cLake Esmond and surrounds was originally a quarry for the local Eureka Tile Works, then replanted and revived as a lake and reserve.<\/p>\n
\u201cWoowookarung 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Buninyong has varying bush walks, and educational trails around the township, taking a closer look at historical architecture.<\/p>\n
\u201cUnion Jack Reserve has a short and long walk which are amazing considering you\u2019re so close to town. Climbing the South Walk and the Zig Zag on Mount Buninyong are a challenge, but well worth it,\u201d Ms Kennedy said.<\/p>\n
Back in town, the Black Hill Reserve is ideal for mountain bikers or some on-foot action, with \u201cspectacular\u201d and iconic views at its highest point, over the city from the south to the west.<\/p>\n
Just above is Nerrina and its bushland, heading towards the forests of Creswick.<\/p>\n
\u201cStarting 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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,\u201d Ms Kennedy said.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Creswick Regional Park is full of walking tracks, with St Georges Lake an ideal base to begin circuits, longer or shorter.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt 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,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Over to the west, Ms Kennedy recommends beginning a walk at the Ballarat Golf Club, or circumnavigating it.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cWilson\u2019s 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,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is some camping allowed in designated campgrounds along the trail.\u201d<\/p>\n
A \u201cvibrant\u201d social group with a busy calendar, Ballarat Bushwalking & Outdoor Club not only explores local areas on-foot, but sometimes travels interstate or internationally together.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n