Sunday March 17th ; St Patrick’s Day, so our club shirts well suited the occasion.
A glorious Autumn day for our trip around the Yinnar, Boolarra, and Budgeree area.
We set off in convoy from Main St Yinnar at 5 past 1, trip leader Ian Blake, Alan MacRae, Jan and Colette Parniak, Peter Johnson with Tom and Lani onboard then Alan and Tonee Harlow being ‘Tail End Charlie’.
We took Vaggs Rd up to Ashford Rd and here we could see the incredibly thick regrowth after the Delburn fires of 10 years previous. The track was dusty, and encroached upon by regrowth, but not too challenging.
We arrived at the Boolarra Fish Farms at the junction of Hirsts and MacIntosh’s Rds at 1.30pm.
Boolarra Fish Farms is Australia’s largest goldfish breeder, supplying the Australia wide market over 3 million fish per annum, during peak times.
Our host, and owner/operator of the facility, Russell Wucherpfennig, greeted us and explained the history and operations of the farm. This was indeed a very special treat, as Russell provided a really informative and interesting tour, despite tours not generally being available (as their sign makes clear). Ian presented Russell with one of our very exclusive club calendars as a token of our appreciation. Thanks so much to Ian Blake for making this tour possible.
Leaving the fish farm at 2.50pm, we drove into and through the township of Boolarra, taking Penaluna St/Foster Rd to Livingstone Rd, then onto Morwell River Road to the falls.
We parked at the falls car park at 3.15 and had our afternoon tea, before setting off on the walk to the falls. Such a lovely and out of the way place, it was a real treat. The lovely weather had several other visitors out and enjoying the water.
We left just after 4pm, temperature still 25^C and no wind, so perfect conditions, and followed Morwell River Rd to Prosper Valley Rd (popular swimming hole here!) and then took Townsend’s Rd Budgeree to enjoy the magnificent views and scenery from this route.
Turning right onto the old Midland Hwy/Budgeree Rd, then onto Whitelaws Track, Ian stopped and showed us the perimeter of the most recent fires in the area.
Back along Whitelaws Track, with great views taking in Hazelwood Pondage and surrounding area, and more of the recent fire damage, with fire and SES crews still in attendance working on cleanup operations. Tom Johnson (Peter’s son) had participated in fighting the fires in this area during the most recent crisis.
Onto Gilbert’s road, winding down to Martin Walker Reserve, we said our goodbyes there and headed home at 5.10pm.
Thanks so much to Ian Blake for arranging a really fabulous day for us.
You can check out the photo's of the day on the club web site.
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