Feasibility - Colac Otway Shire Council meeting 28th March 3pm

The Apollo Bay Walks Feasibility study report is being presented to the Colac Otway Council at their next meeting at 3pm on Wednesday the 28th of March at 3pm at COPAC. The period for public comment has closed, submissions have been summarised and concerns addressed. A revised document is being presented to Council for approval.

March 2012 Walk

Little Aire Falls after some rain.

Walkers were from GBC and the Otway Ranges Walking Track Association. The walk commenced at the carpark for Triplet and Little Aire Falls, which are some 15 km south of Ferguson, about 5 km west of Beech Forest. We admired the swollen Triplet Falls from 3 separate viewing platforms, and then walked a rather circuitous route leading to Little Aire Falls, where "Little" refers to the river, not the spectacular Falls. On the return, we made a major detour (2 and a half hours return) along overgrown Phillips Track to the Aire river. Brian McKenzie recalled riding a bike along the (then) good track many years ago. Our route was generally obvious along the track, benched on one side and dropping away on the other. Before descending to the noisy, attractive, full Aire River, the track turned sharply left (east). After some 200m we saw minor relics of the bridge and hut.

The forest contained very tall old growth, and smaller regrowth, mountain ash, plus beech trees and tree ferns. A very attractive walk in good company.

Bernard Jordan

Feasibility Study Update

At the last Colac Otway Shire council meeting on January 25th, 2012, the Apollo Bay Walks Feasibility Study was passed unanimously to be placed on public exhibition for six weeks. I attended the meeting and councillors made some wonderful remarks. We need to ensure that there are lots of supportive comments submitted to the council before March the 9th. Call Andrew Nixon, the feasibility project officer on 0417699611 to find out more or to receive a copy of the study on a CD.

Feasibility Study Update

We met today with Tim Watters, who will be making our short promotional video. We hope to begin filming in February.

January Walk Four Falls

Walk Report, Four Falls from TW Spur, Sunday 8/1/2012

Early morning rain cleared to a fine cool day, ideal for walking.

Eight walkers met at the corner of Mt. Sabine Road and TW Spur Track, whence they followed the route shown on the ORWTA CD-ROM and proceeded to Yannathan Falls, Upper Cumberland Falls, Galliebarinda Falls and Brunswick Falls in that order, beginning at 9:40.

There was much to see on this extensive walk. All four falls were most attractive with strong flows of water despite the season. Bracket fungi in a variety of sizes and colours were prolific. Many birds were heard, including kookaburras, and some were also sighted.

Although ably led by Jennifer Morrow, the walkers found navigation somewhat difficult, owing to strong growth in the understorey over the past year which had obscured tracks and ribbons. Much fallen timber also lay across tracks, adding to difficulties.

Having visited Brunswick Falls around 4 p.m., the walkers became widely spaced on the climb back to the TW Spur. Unfortunately the frontrunners failed to see the exit to the TW Spur Track and began to descend once more to Yannathan Falls. Before they realized their mistake, the rest of the party exited via the correct route and was surprised not to find the frontrunners at the starting point. Luckily the frontrunners were able to correct their mistake and return to the starting point before emergency services were summoned. Moral: do not get too far ahead of your leader, especially if there is any uncertainty about the route.

It was 7:10 p.m. before all walkers returned to the starting point, making this a long day. It might have been an hour shorter, if not for the navigational error described above, but this rewarding walk is inevitably one of our longest and most demanding.

Afterwards, most of the walkers gathered at Martians' in Deans Marsh and enjoyed the fare provided by the new management.

Feasibility Study Update

Andrew Nixon,  Project Manager of the Apollo Bay Trails Feasibility Study has completed the draft document of some 300 pages.  This is presently with Parks Victoria for comment. It is also to be presented to the Colac Otway Shire at their next meeting on January 25th at 6pm at COPACC. If accepted, the document will be open for public comment for 6 weeks.

November Walk - Lavers Hill Falls

The day was cool, overcast and windy but the forecast showers did not eventuate.

14 walkers were led by Alan Dow from Lavers Hill down Morris Track and past the old swimming pool to North Chapple Creek. They then followed a walking track through large tree ferns to Glasgow Falls. There was a strong flow of water over the falls owing to recent rain. Some walkers crossed the headwaters and proceeded to the foot of the falls for lunch while others remained at the top of the falls with dry feet. After lunch, the walkers returned to Morris Track and thence to Mt. McKenzie Track where Alan had left his car. After some car shuffling, all walkers were conveyed back to Laver's Hill.

The walkers then motored down Chapple Vale Rd and walked via an old tramway to an old quarry site and South Chapple Falls. These falls are attractive with a good flow of water though they seem to have been modified by quarrying.

The intrepid walkers then progressed to Melba Gully and walked the loop. Much birdlife could be seen and heard.

The party then returned to Otway Nourished at Ferguson for refreshments and were favourably impressed by this new cafe.

It was pleasing to welcome new walkers Richard, Sally and Gus from Apollo Bay and Caroline from Ferguson.

Glasgow Falls

The group at South Chapple Falls

Old Quarry Tramway