Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve

A small carpark in Tenth St took us onto a short trail through flat grassy areas, past mineral springs, along narrow dirt tracks and up wooden staircases. One of several creek crossings was the long bridge spanning Spring Creek. We saw the first of many colourful fungi, in the form of bright red toadstools growing by the water's edge below.

Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve
 The cool Winter morning had added sparkling highlights to the foliage and it was a magical world of colour on the forest floor. 

Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve
The path led us to Sulphur Springs - the least sulphuric of all the springs here - where we tasted the fresh flowing water from the pump. It was a little too early in the day to be adding Vodka and Lime, but the soda water was a refreshing thirst quencher as we continued on our walk.
 Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve
We followed the trail as far as Wyuna Springs, saving the 30 minute continuation to Argyle Springs for another day.
Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve  
We headed back the way we came, passing by the century old Edwardian style Hepburn Pavilion, before walking back up the other side of the creek to the car.
Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve
Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve
Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve

What: Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve
Where: Tenth Ave, Hepburn Springs
When: Daily
Why: walks, mineral springs
How Much: FREE to walk around and explore
Nearby: Mt Franklin
Grab a coffee at: Blue Bean Love





Monday, July 25, 2016

The Blowhole, Hepburn Springs

A short walk from the carpark led us to the wooden staircase above The Blowhole. The steep descent was accompanied by the sound of the water gushing below.
The tunnel was made by goldminers in the 1870's, to divert water from Sailor's Creek through the rock, to a dry bed where they could pan for gold in the still waters. The water flows at its heaviest during Winter and Spring.
The track levelled out into an area around the waters edge, where we sat and watched the flow from the opposite side.

A few platforms around the Blowhole allowed us to see the area from different viewpoints.
The short loop of the Blowhole Track is part of the 16km Tipperary Walking Track, which runs from Lake Daylesford to Argyle Springs. The 6 hour trek  meanders through forests, crosses creeks and passes by natural mineral springs along the way.

This short stroll from the carpark was all we could manage. This time. We hope to do the entire track one day. 

 

What: The Blowhole
Where: Midland Hwy, Hepburn Springs
When: Daily
Why: walks
How Much: FREE to walk around and explore
Nearby: Hepburn Mineral Springs Reserve

Mt Franklin, Hepburn Regional Park

The smell of campfire smoke greeted us as we arrived in the volcanic crater of Mt Franklin. Tents were dotted around the small camping area, with a beautiful backdrop of Conifers.
We set off on the uphill track, as the fragrance in the air changed to the clean, fresh scent of pine needles. 
Mt Franklin, Hepburn 
The terrain varied from wooden steps, to dusty tracks, to grassy roads used by mountain bikes and bushwalkers alike.
Mt Franklin, Hepburn

Mt Franklin, Hepburn
We caught glimpses of mountains through the trees as we climbed...
Mt Franklin, Hepburn
We heard a few birdcalls, but only saw a couple of Kookaburras and no other wildlife apart from this bug.
Mt Franklin, Hepburn
There were plenty of wildflowers around the place, looking all pretty -  but I did like this itty bitty baby pinecone even more... 
Mt Franklin, Hepburn
Mt Franklin, Hepburn And these young trees that looked like they were climbing down the hill with us. Bend those knees, trees.
Mt Franklin, HepburnThe surrounding farmlands in shades of green and gold and brown and the  blue of the nearby hills added a colourful background to the mountain forest.
Mt Franklin, Hepburn
 
What: Mt Franklin Reserve
Where: Midland Hwy, Hepburn Springs
When: Daily
Why: scenery, camping
How Much: FREE to walk around and explore
Nearby: The Blowhole