GDTA Walk to the secretive Lerderderg Weir – captor of the Heritage River

DATE: SUNDAY 24 MAY 

TIME: 9.45 FOR A 10AM START AT A LOCATION NEAR BACCHUS MARSH (SENT OUT TO REGISTRANTS 2 DAYS PRIOR TO THE WALK)

DISTANCE AND DIFFICULTY: 10.3KM, MODERATE-HARD AS THERE ARE TWO STEEP AND LONG INCLINES

DURATION: 3-4 HOURS INCLUDING LUNCH

WALK LEADER: Gib Wettenhall 

DESCRIPTION: In and out walk along a high ridge with splendid views. Easy walking on a gated, 2WD gravel road so ideal for chatting and there are no navigation problems. The destination is the 1,000ML Lerderderg Weir built by the engineers of Southern Rural Water to capture the Lerderderg River and then divert by a 5km tunnel all but 30ML of the Heritage River’s daily flow to Merrimu Reservoir. Putting people first yet again! I won’t pretend that everything’s easy about this walk: it’s gruelling with a 490m elevation gain. You grind up and down both ways there and back – good training for a triathlon or an endurance event. I’d recommend bringing a hiking pole.

DOGS: Dogs are allowed on the walk but must be kept on a leash.

REGISTRATION: Prior registration is required via: https://www.gdt.org.au/events/lerderderg-0524

If you have difficulty with on-line registration, contact the walk leader, Gib Wettenhall, email:Gib@empresspublishing.com.au

GUEST MEMBERSHIP AND INSURANCE: The walk is open to non-members. Non-members need to bring $10 in cash on the day for guest membership and walker insurance cover under the Bushwalking Victoria insurance policy.

BRING: Walkers should bring their own first-aid kit and any required personal medications, water bottles, sun screen and personal hiking gear (sun glasses, walking sticks, small pack, etc). Wear clothing appropriate for the predicted weather conditions on the day. Hiking boots or good walking shoes are recommended. Bring lunch which we will have at the half way mark at the weir.