Healesville, Part 2 - Saturday 24th, March

With 2 festivals in full swing in downtown Healesville, we headed out

 to the much quieter surrounds of Badger Weir Picnic Area.

Badger Weir Picnic area is located about 6 kilometers from Healesville. 

The creek was named after wombats that inhabited the area. Early settlers often called wombats badgers. I guess they were homesick for more familiar sights of far off England.

Badger Creek flows through the fern gullies

and stands of giant Mountain Ash.

 We wandered along the pathways for a couple of kilometers

and soon arrived at the Weir.

The weir was constructed in 1909. This creek and surrounding rivers and dams form a large part of water catchment system to collect much of Melbourne's drinking water. The water that flows down Badgers Creek is collected in Silvan Reservoir in the Dandenong Ranges.

We listened to the flowing water and absorbed the quiet natural rhythms of life,

 as it slowly evolved, almost imperceptibly, around us.

Is that a leech down there?

 Before we turned into moss, we rambled on down the paths,

 and soon arrived back at the picnic area.

A very beautiful walk.
With our spirits refreshed from the cool mountain air and natural surroundings,
we reluctantly climbed into our cars and headed back to our homes in Melbourne,
already looking forward to our next walk.

Walkabouters Club of Victoria Inc.

A0019863A