Wild Dog Track  ~Turtons Track to Crows~ Sunday 7^th June, 2015

The relieved party having reached the top of the big hill, with the rugged Wild Dog Ridge

in the centre in the background.

Walkers: Les Roe (leader), Alan Dow, Andrew Noseda, Debra White, Conrad White, Kim Attard, Sarah Coll, David Vaughan, members of GBC, ORWTA and visitors.

We gathered at Haines Junction in the early morning mist, while the carefully organised car shuffle was put in place. Then a short ride down Turton's Track, and eight very keen walkers were ready for the off. As we made our way up the short hill at the beginning, the sun broke through, and we were treated to a beautiful blue sky sunny day. The good weather spurred us on and we reached the morning "tea break" stop at Log Landing in just an hour. Then despite some ribbon maintenance, and having to clear a large branch blocking the path, we reached the lunch spot in the farm paddock by 12:30, and enjoyed a leisurely break, while taking in the beautiful view.

Thanks to a new gate at the bottom of the paddock, we were soon able to find the start of the big hill climb up to the ridge. As we were ahead of schedule, we had a well-earned rest at the top of the climb and enjoyed the magnificent views across the Wild Dog Valley to the hills beyond. Then an enjoyable walk along the ridge, with more magnificent views before approaching Crow's Nest Lookout.

We reached the finish at 2:30, and having had such an enjoyable walk, Andrew offered us all refreshments at the Great Ocean Road Brewhouse. This offer was gratefully received, and was a perfect end to a very enjoyable and energetic walk. Thanks for the good company!   Les Roe.

 

                                      

Peeling bark

           An Old Timer rotting on the forest floor.

Lorne Falls - May 2015

v  v  v  v  v     Lorne Falls, Sunday, 3rd May, 2015 v  v  v  v  v 

Walkers:  Bernard Jordan (Leader), Linda Carter, Alan Dow, Bruce McGinness, Matthew Kinross-Smith, Ann & Lauren Molan, Annie Mostin, Les Roe, Conrad and Deborah White. Members of GBC, ORWTA and Camperdown Bushwalking Club.

This sign seemed to summarize our walk nicely; 5 waterfalls & 1 canyon … WOW !!

We left the carpark at Allenvale Mill Site and headed north to flowing Phantom Falls. Then we went via the intriguing Canyon to Henderson and Won Wondah Falls, before walking along old tramway paths to Lower and Upper Kalimna Falls. Continuing on, some of us saw, and all of us heard, a tree fall down nearby. As we were walking along Garvey Track we met an artist painting a mural of the bush including a man searching for his car keys in the bush. I think most of us have got car keys stories!! From Garvey Track, we took Sheoak Track towards the coast, visiting Swallow Cave (alas no swallows) and Sheoak Falls (alas not much water) before the finish.

A variety of trees, ferns, a modest  

display of heath, and the good

company, made it an

enjoyable day.          Bernard.

    

ñ Heading into the canyon section

                ò Upper Kalimna Falls                                                

  

ò Phantom Falls

  v  v  v  v  v  v  v  v  v  v  v  v  v  v  v  v  v  v  v  v  v  v  v  v  v  v  v  

Grand Sabine Walk - April 2015

Sabine Grand Circuit Walk  

Sunday April 12^th, 2015.

Walkers:- John Piesse (Trip Leader), Richard & Jennifer Morrow, Nick & Wendy Speer, Les Roe, Jenny Grice, Christine Barr, Tom Cobb, Vivien Watts, Lisa Hunter, Alan Dow. 

A dozen walkers set off from the Sunnyside Road carpark to embark on a challenging day in the Otway ‘bush.’ We made our way passed the old Henry Mill site and worked our way to Smythes Creek. We descended to the two Upper Sabine Falls before returning to the main track. We soon reached to old logging track of which we slowly followed all the way along the spur to the creek once again. Following this watercourse for a while, we came to the small but lovely Gorge Falls where lunch was had.

After the initial steepness to leave the valley floor, the track meandered until we came to main viewing platform. Sabine Falls is the tallest waterfall complex in the Otways, consisting of three waterfalls, plunging down a 130 metre escarpment. Although Sabine Falls wasn’t looking at its best because of the lack water flow, it was a good chance to take a group photo. 

We then continued upwards to where we were earlier, thus completing the circuit. After finishing at 4pm, some walkers chose to have coffee n snack between two different venues in Forrest.

The whole day was a pleasure to walk, not saying it was easy, but a chance to appreciate the majesty of the rainforest; from the understory saplings to the huge Eucalyptus trees, from the filmy ferns to the big tree ferns, and the fungi was everywhere. And the weather was fine and cool.  Thanks to the Leader, walkers, and a mention to the ones who cleaned up the track prior to the walk.   

                                                   Alan Dow’15.

                                                                                         

Glasgow and South Chapple Falls

South Chapple Falls/Glasgow Falls Walk 

– Sunday 1 March 2015 – 1^st day of Autumn

Leader :- Kim Attard.   Walkers :- Rosemary Vince, Linda Carter, Odette Sheills, Helen Cuell, Joan McMahon, Margaret Lennox, Sarah Coll, Alan Dow, Jenny Gna, Chris Barr, Louise Kemp, Andrew Hackett,  Les Roe, Tim Cobb, Marion Bakker, Sue Mackay, Tilly Brynton, Cody Mills, Gile Behn.

The heavy rain the night before was no deterrent for 20 eager walkers who travelled from all directions (and countries – our 2 American’s) to arrive at Lavers Hill for a 9.30 start. The weather was looking threatening, but when isn’t it in the Otway’s?

After a briefing from Kim, we set off for our first destination – South Chapple Falls. We walked along a dirt track and then down into the forest on a slightly overgrown track which received some housekeeping by the one and only Allan followed by 19 pairs of feet to finish off the job.  We had plenty of time to take in the magnificent rain forest in all its glory and the smells of the fresh rain within.

Right on cue as we arrived at the falls – the rain too arrived. This did not impede on the beautiful view.  From here we re-traced our steps back up to the road and headed down Morris track for around 6 kilometers.

A bridge was our marker to enter, once again, into the forest heading to Glasgow Falls. We were not far in when a very apparent obstacle was to stop us in our tracks. There sunning itself on a tree which lay across the track - was a 1mtr tiger snake.  The snake was not too happy to see us and we were not too happy to see it, so with a little encouragement from our fearless leader it went on its merry way.

The tree ferns we saw in this part of the forest were so tall – “as big as they ever grow “, we were told.

The final decent down to the falls required some handy work on a rope which had been very skillfully tied to a network of trees. We mostly arrived at the bottom unscathed with a bit of slipping and sliding on the way down. The Glasgow Falls are magnificent – such beautiful scenery - huge boulders, rocks, ferns, moss and of course - the water fall. STUNNING!!!

For the not so faint-hearted and with a lot of help from Alan (thank you Alan we do hope your knee is still operating after providing it to us as a step) - we were treated to a stunning view as we sat (balancing precariously) on a ledge IN BEHIND the waterfall.  

After enjoying our lunch in this very special setting, we made our way out of the forest the same way we came in – onto the Road and after quite a long drudge we stopped at the Lavers Hill Swimming Pool for an afternoon snack.  Many years ago -this pool was used by the Lavers Hill School as their only swimming pool. We were told “it was very cold” – surprise, surprise…

We arrived back at Lavers Hill at 4pm to say our goodbyes.

Linda Carter

Wild Dog Falls Walk - 1st Feb 2015

Walk – Wild Dog Falls - Sunday the 1st of February, 2015.

Leader :- Alan Dow       Walkers :- Debra and Conrad White, Gretel Lamont, Kim Attard, Sue Twigg, Jo Forrest, Diane Drake, Rob Cannon.

A mid-summer hike in the Otways, what could go wrong?
It took all of 7 hours, so it seemed quite long.

We were slowed with the vegetation and its normal tangles,
The leeches were plentiful coming at us from all different angles.

We were already wet enough before it started to rain,
So there was plenty of adventure in that rugged terrain.

We were walking through history along old tramways that timbermen did make,

Then among majestic tree ferns at Teahouse Creek, a fitting spot for a break.

It was well worth the extra effort to descend into the gorge as what a sight;

The waterfall was just beautiful, so picturesque; definitely the highlight !

Although only nine, our small party was not lacking in endeavour;

It was just another great day walking in the Otway’s splendour.

…………………………………………………………………………………………..
Footnote:- Even with global warming, two things we learnt:-
The first is that it can still rain solidly in the middle of Summer in the Otways ! 

The second is that leeches are not an endangered species !!

........................  Below - Wild Dog Falls  ....................

Walk - Allambee Beek Falls - Sunday the 5^th of October

Leader :- Kim Attard       Walkers :- Colleen Bourke, Debra and Conrad White, Lorraine and Anne Molan, Alan Dow, Les Roe, Lachlan Richardson, Sarah Coll, Rosemary Vince, Jill Gall, Libby Smith, Liz and Pete Youman and Lisa Hunter.

The day started early as we lost an hour due to the clocks moving forward, but all were in good spirits when we met at Curtis track.  We commenced down the 2.5klm dirt track until we entered the pristine Otway forest.  Several working bees had been completed on the track, so progress was good.

 We then meandered mostly down chattering away enjoying the lush ferns and the rainforest smells until we reached Allambee Beek Falls, which were flowing well.  A steep climb and a little scramble on to staircase falls, there we all relaxed and enjoyed a long lunch.   After a rest we had a long steady ascent to get to the ridge where we reached a further track cleared section.  We made it out to Wye river road in record time so had plenty of time to reflect on the day eating cake and drinking coffee. 

Pictures – Top:  The group taking a break.                                          Centre left:  Staircase Falls                                            Centre right:  Conrad White or Pete Youman in front of an enormous Mountain Ash tree.       Bottom:  Allambee Beek Falls

Lake Elizabeth, Sunday 7th July, 2014.

Walkers: Alan Dow (leader), Bernard Jordan, Les Roe, Jack Antonas, Andrew Hackett, Sue Twigg, Biba Horvatic, Johanne Walker, Bob Lambell, Ginny Logan, Odette Sheills, Kim Attard, Conrad and Debra White, Annie Mostun, Linda Carter, Elizabeth Anderson and Patricia Dressel.

It was great to see a good roll up of familiar and new faces for our monthly combined walk with the Otway Ranges Walking Track Association. Having assembled at Forrest in gloomy rainy conditions, all 18 were worried that this was going to be a really wet day; none more than the trip leader who openly admits to not desiring ‘to do rain.’ However, off we went through the town and by the time we were walking along the West Barwon Dam wall the rain had all but gone. Incidentally, we briefly ‘lost’ the last 3 of our party!

We then followed the main shared walking/mountain bike trail up and over into the East Barwon Valley to the car-park. It was a welcome relief when we finally made the picnic area for a late break/lunch. The next leg saw us reach the charming Lake Elizabeth, then set off for the circuit around it. I thought I would organize a boot washing service for all participants, whether you liked it or not; to negotiate the far end of the lake we passed along the boardwalk, just so happens it was covered with water. The walk on the other side was dominated by ferns, moss and fungi. Although on the Park sign it said it should take 3 to 5 hours, we arrived back at the picnic spot in 1.5 hours, where we had our proper lunch. Although no platypus were spotted, we did pass two slow moving Otway black snails.

Then it was off again, returning to Forrest mostly on a different trail. So after six and a half hours we arrived back to our cars. A quick freshen-up and then it was straight across the road for the much-anticipated coffee-n-scones at the ‘Wonky Donkey’ Pub. What a great way to spend a particularly nice day in the Otway bush, with a great group of like-minded people.

Allenvale to Sheoak Carpark

Allenvale to Sheoak Car  Park

Walk Report;  1st June 2014

Walkers; Ed Babbington (leader), Bernard Jordan, Jack Antonas, Andrew Hackett, Joan McMahon, Kemp, Les Roe, Doug &Heather Roydhouse,Jane Sklovsky, Karen Tank, Johanne Walker, Debra White, members of GBC and ORWTA and visitors.

After arranging the car shuffle from Sheoak car park, we set off from Allenvale. Despite the forecast, there was no rain, (not even drizzle). The tracks were in good condition, and we had them pretty much to ourselves. First stop was Phantom Falls, followed by a small scramble down into The Canyon. (Ed had checked the walk on his bike, and said this spot was a little challenging,) Then through fern gully and up to Henderson Falls, before returning to the Sheoak picnic ground for a leisurely lunch. 

Energized, we headed west to the ever attractive Lower and Upper Kalimna Falls before returning east along the Garvey Track. We then headed south towards Castle Rock, but with a thick fog having descended by now, we bypassed this lookout point, and headed straight to Sheoak falls before returning to the car park. The 15km walk took about 6 hours including breaks. Everyone enjoyed the walk, including 1st timer Johanne, who, along with Kim and Joan, kept their driver Bernard alert with great conversation.

Thanks for the good company, and many thanks to Ed for leading the walk.

This walk report provided by Bernard Jordan & Les Roe

Wild Dog Falls

Wild Dog Falls Walk Report; 

4th May 2014

Walkers; Bernard Jordan (leader), Patricia Dressel, Clare Cotton, Jenny Grice, Andrew Hackett, Louise Kemp, Garry Marr, Julie Mirtschin, Jennifer Morrow, Suresh Pathy,  Les Roe, Helen Shelley, Conrad and Debra White, members of GBC, ORWTA, Camperdown Bushwalking Club and visitors.

A few raindrops prompted Bernard to don a raincoat, which caused (?) a fine, even briefly  sunny day. We left cars (room for 5) at a clearing some 300m east of the start of the walk, which is 5km west of Haines Junction along Turton's Track. Some 300m south of the gate to Wild Dog Track, we turned left to the track / ribboned route to the falls. Soon we passed an old boiler - remains of Sharps No.3 Mill - then along an old logging track to a steep descent to lunch at the pretty, but loud, Wild Dog Falls. Then we detoured to the cascades above the falls before the uphill return. On the way we admired a bower made by a (male) bower bird. The walk took about 4 and a half hours including breaks. Everyone enjoyed the walk. Thanks for the good company!

 (Note: There is a longer, through route, from Haines Junction to the falls and exiting at Turton's Track).

This walk report provided by Bernard Jordan.

Carisbrook Mill,

6th April, 2014

Walkers:

Jack Antonas, Kim Attard, Graeme Doune, Sandra Dyer, Gabriel Fuller, Jenny Grice, Andrew Hackett, Bernard Heffernan, Louise Kemp, Joan McMahon, Anne Molan, Sureth Pathy, Roslyn Ross, Jane Sklovski, Debra White, Bernard Jordan (Leader)

We commenced walking from the track (formally a road) off Henry's Road, some 200m west of Nettle Track. The track has a gate, but nearly obscured by scrub. It goes straight down to Carisbrook Mill site on the pretty Carisbrook Creek. Several artefacts and imported plants remain.

We walked east along the creek for some 2km, no track but the occasional ribbon. After we returned to have lunch at the mill site, we continued west along the creek until ribbons led us up and up a spur, which ended at Sunnyside Road. We then had a short road walk to the cars.

We enjoyed the good company on a fine day in the forest.

Many thanks to Bernard for that report.