Just two weeks after the Wilsons prom hike and we are thirsty for another hike. Didn't have time to plan anything so we signed up for another group hike. On 15 November we drove off to Mackenzies Flat picnic area near Bacchus Marsh, around 65 Km from Melbourne.
The walk was graded as difficult and thus we new what to expect. The walk is a circuit walk a bit over 16 Km with steep sections both uphill and downhill.
Picnic area was fairly spacious but empty when we arrived.
We started around 10. 30 in the morning towards Grahams Dam. Few minutes of walking brought us to the Lerderderg River. Even though the water level was very low, it still looked pretty.
Crossing the river was very easy as the river bed was exposed for the most part. We expected knee high water so this was a bit of a disappointment for those who wanted to experience some river crossing.
It was very enjoyable walk up to the Dam. The elevation brought nice views and at one place one of our crew almost got attacked by a eagle.
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| Can you spot the eagle? |
The Dam was in visibility before long and we had to climb from the side and get on the other side of the dam which was a piece of cake due to low water level. The gates allowed hikes though. We got to know, that this could have been a bit of a challenge, had the river had more water.
Passing the dam, the walk was uneventful except for the steep climb. It was very strenuous and we had to stop every few minutes to catch out breath. We kept on walking until we see no more track uphill and guessed it should be the top of that hill.
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| River from above |
There was no sign or a lookout which is a sham. Just opposite another hill stood with green meadows as opposed to the dried out one we are standing on. We learnt that's another track that we can try actually and which is more challenging.
Then we walked until we meat a dirt road, crossed it to enter the track again. It was time for a break and we had lunch before resuming the walk.
The walk along the vehicle track was easy and didn't have a view until it's time to resume the walking track.
The walking track downhill, was very steep, with lose rocks and tricky places. It was scary at some places that no matter how careful you are, your foot just slips. I had to engage my brakes fiercely quite a few times. We stooped to admire the view at few places.
It took a lot of time to tackle the downhill part as we moved inch by inch. I was very much reveled once we reached the bottom in one piece.
We sat near the lovely river bank for a quick snack before heading back to the car park.
