Today, I wrote, edited and proof read in preparation for publication of many more tracks and trails. I did it for myself because of all the wonderful experiences I have when bushwalking. I did it for the community because I believe the natural world is one of the best places to restore yourself and others. I did it for habitat improvement, to help everyone learn the conservation values important for saving our future.
I am trying to learn the names of the local wildflowers as I walk. I was surprised to find so many on Hughes Creek Hill in mid winter. The file names are what I think these are. Corrections welcome. There is also one unknown I need assistance with.
Wallaby Gully, Upton Hill has the cutest little stream.
Trail Checklist
Name:
Responsible Authorities:
Acceptable modes of transit:
Distance & duration
GPS coordinates & map
36°47’07.8″S 145°09’11.0″E
-36.785508, 145.153068
Grading (using the Parks Vic Track and Trail Grading Manual):
Grade 2
Amenities:
Hazards
Snakes, slippery surfaces, embankments, falling trees and limbs, deep water
Restrictions
Trailhead sign
Informational Signs
Directional signs / bollards or trail markers
Conclusion
This pleasant walk is in current use and offers many amenities to visitors. A feature map brochure, separate to the Nagambie Tourist Map and including the Regatta Centre Walk, would encourage more people to extend their visit beyond just looking over the Lake from High Street.
Trail Checklist
Name:
Honeysuckle Creek Walk, Violet Town
Responsible Authority:
Authorities
Community
Acceptable modes of transit:
Distance & duration
GPS coordinates & map
36°38’01.0″S 145°43’05.8″E
-36.633606, 145.718286
Grading (using the Parks Vic Track and Trail Grading Manual):
Amenities:
Hazards
Snakes, tree and limb falls, flowing water, uneven ground and slippery surfaces
Restrictions
Trailhead sign
Directional signs / bollards or trail markers
Conclusion
This is an established, easy, bushy parkland walk with options for longer or shorter loops available. It is currently in frequent use by the public.
Trail Checklist
Extends from Noyes Lane, Ruffy.
This track meanders down an unused road reserve through open Narrow-leaf Peppermint forest until it crosses a walking bridge and enters the Ruffy Flora Reserve. A circuit of this reserve takes you through swampy riparian woodlands dominated by ancient Mountain Swamp Gums. The path continues past a tiny population of Snow Gums, remnants of a colder climate, and skirts a chain of dark deep billabongs into bandicoot and koala territory.
Responsible Authority:
Road Reserve: Strathbogie Shire Council
Ruffy Nature Conservation Reserve: DELWP
Acceptable modes of transit:
Walk (mountain bike and horse with track improvement)
Distance & duration
3km return, 1.5hrs to the Reserve.
Additional loops could be added:
GPS coordinates & map
36°58′4″ S 145°30′56″ E
-36.967745, 145.514873
Grading (using the Parks Vic Track and Trail Grading Manual):
Grade 3. Flat, but with some uneven ground and open woodland debris underfoot. Could be rated easy with trail clearance.
Amenities:
The walk commences at the Ruffy Recreation Ground, Maygar Park.
Parking at the Ruffy Recreation Ground
Shelter and picnic facilities at the Recreation Ground
Toilets at the Ruffy Recreation Ground
Horse containment at the Recreation Ground
Hazards
Tree & branch falls, uneven surfaces, bogs, flowing water, snakes
Restrictions
Take your rubbish with you
No potable water
Trailhead sign & Informational Signs
No trailhead sign in situ (there is one in poor condition that has been removed).
Directional signs / bollards or trail markers
No directional signs on nearby roads
No trail markers along the trail, but some exist within the Reserve
Brochure
Available
Conclusion
This trail has the potential to be a key feature for visitors to Ruffy. With some basic work, it could be improved considerably. This trail is currently accessible to walkers and is in occasional use. However, until the trail has been cleared for snake sighting, recommended use is probably best confined to the cooler months. With improvement, it would be a viable all year walking, mountain bike and horse trail.
