The Domino Trail - Trentham

The Domino Trail is not a trail of dominoes left behind by playful children. Rather it is a trail that follows a disused railway that meanders through the forest
surrounding the historic town of Trentham.

Trentham was abuzz with activity when we arrived at the Historic Railway on the outskirts of town. The monthly market was in full swing in the grounds of the railway car park, offering cakes and coffee for breakfast for those who rolled out of bed and missed their breaky to make in time for the start of the walk. 

After grabbing a coffee from the market and ignoring the stalls on the platform, we stepped off the platform down into local history. The old railway once formed an important link between Daylesford and Carlshrue and was opened in 1880. 

Original rails and sleepers form the walking trail for the first 500 meters, so you need to make sure where you put your feet. After crossing Falls road the trail enters bushland made up of Eucalypt species including manna gum, peppermint and mountain gums.

The trail uses the Powerful Owl as it's symbol on all the track markers. The Powerful Owl lives in tree hollows and is listed as an endangered species. The bushland which the trail leads, has been protected to preserve the habitat of this largest of Australian owl species.

The bushland is also home to swamp wallabies, grey kangaroos and short-beak echidnas. We didn't see any today, it was probably too cold for them to be out and about.

We sat on top of the raised tunnel and looked over Domino Creek as it cut it's way 

through the bush.

The very straight line of the Domino Creek

A thermos of hot water was very welcome on this cold Autumn day.

The walking track took a left turn about 2 kms from Lyonville looping down to 

Domino Creek and the tunnel.

Following an old logging track that wound it's way through the forest,

and explored the brick lined tunnel, built to allow the Domino Creek 

to flow under the railway.

The creek wasn't flowing through the tunnel. Not sure where the water went?!

The view from the other side

The tunnel seemed to be darker on the return journey.

All the bricks must have been used up when they came to build this bridge.

The sun finally decided to poke out from behind the grey clouds and light the bushland up around us. Sunlight makes all the difference in the bush.

It certainly helps photographs look a bit brighter too!

In every pine forest there is bound to be found and toad stool or two! 

Here are some fun guys posing in the grass!

Toad Stool

Another toad stool

Mushroom and leaf litter

And then we where back at the Historic Trentham Railway Station.

As the market had packed up for the day, we headed off to
the Spud Festival on the shores of the nearby lake.

An Autumnal Festival of colour!

Who would have thought that a Spud Festival could be so entertaining! 

A great way to finish a Walkabouter's walk!

Walkabouters Club of Victoria Inc.

A0019863A