TRY BUSHWALKING MONTH WALK
CLUB NAME: CAEX
WALK NAME: The Mallee in Melton
WALK SUMMARY: Many of you will know of the famous Mallee scrub in North-West Victoria and some of you will have driven the 4-5 hours to camp or walk there. But not many people know there is one small patch of Mallee scrub near Melton – the only patch south of the Divide. This is a fascinating walk through this scrub, which unlike the Mallee country is through an impressive gorge which can be quite steep and spectacular at times. It’s a ‘genuine’ bushwalk where you will see what the Long Forest Fauna & Flora Reserve is famous for – the Bull Mallee and its arid landscape.
DATE and TIME: Sunday 14th September 9:45am (walk starts at 10.00am).
DISTANCE: 13km return and will take around 4 hours
WHO IS THIS WALK FOR?: This walk will suit both experienced bushwalkers and inexperienced but fit newcomers. We are keen to connect with bushwalkers who are experienced and are interested in joining a club, especially people thinking about retirement including singles and couples. It will also be suitable for those are new to bushwalking but are fit and curious about the bush and about how to get involved without getting lost.
AWT GRADE: This is graded Level 3 in the AWTGS grading system – ‘Suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Some bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may have short steep hill sections a rough surface and many steps.’ You will need to be sure-footed as some parts are steep uphill and downhill and the surface is often stony with loose gravel. Tracks vary between wide vehicle tracks and narrow bush tracks.
PACE: The pace will be slow and steady and we will not leave anyone behind. We will re-group at regular intervals as needed, and will have stops for lunch and snacks where you can sit down.
TOTAL ASCENT: 350m gain which is roughly comparable to climbing Mt Dandenong – but it’s spread out over 4-5 short but sharp climbs.
WALK DESCRIPTION: The walk follows a number of linked walking tracks which show off the best parts of this Reserve including the Mallee and creekside habitats. The majority of the walk is along the Coimadai Creek Trail which entails some up and down parts before the lunch and turning around point at a shaded and grassy glade where another tributary joins the Coimadai Creek. During the walk there will be short introductions to the local flora and birds, and useful apps and books for bushwalking.
MEETING POINT: Meeting point details will be provided upon registration. There is only room for about ten cars in the car park here but room for 5-10 more off the road outside the entrance.
DIRECTIONS: Directions to the meeting point will be provided upon registration
PUBLIC TRANSPORT: There is no public transport to the start of the walk but if you need a lift, please contact the organiser who will try to assist.
PHONE SIGNAL: There is mobile phone cover at the start of the walk (Telstra) but not available for the second half of the walk.
TOILETS: None official but there are plenty of unofficial trees to stand/squat behind (and the leader will have spare toilet paper and trowel).
WHAT TO BRING:
Mandatory:
- Emergency contact form with medical info (from welcome pack)
- Backpack
- Rain jacket
- Hiking shoes/boots
- Sun hat/sunscreen
- 1-1.5 litre water
Recommended
- Personal first aid kit
- Lunch
- Hiking poles
LEADERS: Philip Thomas – email secretary@caexbushwalkingclub.org.au
ABOUT OUR CLUB: CAEX’s motto is “bushwalking for pleasure” so we see ourselves as both a bushwalking and social club. We started as a club by running bushwalking courses through the CAE (Council of Adult Education) in the 1980s and learning and adventure is part of our approach. The leader’s cake is a popular tradition at the end of each walk where we enjoy a cake and a thermos of tea or coffee. Our walks are across Melbourne and surrounds and usually within one hour’s drive.
MAX GROUP SIZE INCLUDING CURRENT CLUB MEMBERS AND LEADERS: 18 maximum.
NUMBER OF PLACES AVAILABLE FOR NEW WALKERS: Thirteen places available.
NUMBER OF PLACES AVAILABLE FOR CURRENT CLUB MEMBERS: Five including leader.