Australia Day Guided Walk, Swim and Picnic

Expedition Pass Reservoir to Garfield Wheel: Guided Walk, Swim and Picnic

DATE: Sunday, January 26

TIME: 8.45 for a 9.00am start. Walk duration is  approximately 3-1/2 hours including stops.

LOCATION: Expedition Pass, Chewton. Details will emailed to registered walkers prior to the event. Registrations are essential before noon on Friday, January 24, 2025.

WALK LEADER: Tim Bach (mobile: 0409 232 572, email: president@gdt.org.au)

DESCRIPTION: This 10.5 Km circuit walk in the Castlemaine Diggings National Park starts from the Expedition Pass Reservoir and takes in the Welsh Village, Slate Mines and the Garfield Wheel. There are remnants of gold diggings throughout the park with some interpretive signage.

The walk will start and finish at the Expedition Pass Reservoir which offers and opportunity for a refreshing swim at the end of the walk.

DIFFICULTY: The walk is rated moderate. The overall elevation gain is less than 400m. The track is uneven and rocky in places. Sturdy boots or shoes and waking poles are recommended.

HEALTH AND SAFETY: If you are ill on the day of the walk, please stay at home. It will be Summer so keep an eye on the expected Temperature, we cancel events at late notice if too hot, fire bans etc. Please call or text the walk leader if you are unable to attend.

GUEST MEMBERSHIP AND INSURANCE: The walk is free to members and open to non-members. For non-members, a $10 fee is payable for insurance cover under the Bushwalking Victoria insurance policy. Please note that children under 5 years cannot be covered by this policy.

BRING: It is recommended, you carry a personal first aid kit, your own medication, 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. Bring light refreshments for breaks. We will have a picnic  lunch at the Reservoir on our return so you can leave lunch in your car rather than carry it with you.

SWIMMING: We will have a chance for a swim at the end of the walk. Water temperature is currently about 25°C. Bring bathers, towel and goggles but leave them in your car. Flip flops are recommended as the beach is rocky.

BOOKINGS: Bookings are essential and open 2 weeks before the walk. You may cancel your booking by returning to this page and clicking the cancel button. This will free up a space for other walkers. If the walk is full, you can elect to be put on the waiting list. You will be emailed if a space becomes available. You have 24hrs before the space is withdrawn and offered to the next on the list.