This was a long weekend in the Warby Ovens National Park , walking the Warbys south to north, then through Killawarra Forest to Peechelba via Wallaby Hill, and the national park track along Irishtown Creek. There were 15 club members, plus five guests from further afield (Tasmania, Melbourne and Kilmore) and we achieved the traverse of our beloved Warby Range and the Killawarra Forest in excellent weather conditions.

Seven walkers made the 53 kms over the three days, with the longest journey being Saturday when about 23 kms was covered from Wenham’s Camp to the Forest Camp, including ambling up Mount Killawarra. Three adventurers camped the two nights, and two of these carried packs all the way!

The Park seemed in great condition overall, with magnificent wildflowers visible all the way, and our very special grass trees flowering prolifically right along the range. The only obvious common weed observed, was St John’s Wort, which is extremely difficult to manage in wilderness areas.

This special walk was part of 50-year celebrations saluting the pioneer work of the Warby Range Preservation Society; the Society began their efforts in 1975 with the aim of building a state park along the Warby Range, which was then only conserved in small sections.

When that task was achieved, the Society developed two extra groups to continue their endeavours. The strong Warby Range Bushwalking Club continues to this day, and the Friends of the Warbys after a 15 year or so “rest” carries on in the form of the Friends of the Warby Ovens National Park in 2025.

It was fantastic to have two WRPS original members (Adrian and Helen Twitt) walking for part of the journey on Friday with their daughter and granddaughter as well!!

Marita, 0427 521 122

A medium (M) walk of about 13km, or a short (E) version of about 6km. The walk meanders along bush roads with smooth surfaces. It’s all in the forest, part native and part pine. Some sections follow the ridge, while others are further down the side of the hill. Views of the hills and valleys on both sides of the ridge can be seen through the trees. The ascent and descent are 320m for M, and 230m for E, but with no steep sections.

Adrian, 0470 403 875

An easy loop walk of about 7k from the Beechworth Powder Magazine, mostly on bush tracks adjacent to the Spring Creek Gorge through bushland, including Black Cypress Pine and views into the Gorge and down to the Cascades. There are steps and inclines, but no great variation in altitude on this walk. Following the walk, an option of driving to the Woolshed Falls (4km) and picnic area will be offered. This walk will have a former club member joining us, along with members of Bendigo U3A.