Summary

Walk the woodlands of the beautiful Honeysuckle Creek valley to discover a special place secreted away in the foothills of the Central Victorian Uplands - The Old Weir.

Description

This idyllic walk will take you along Honeysuckle Creek above the confluence with Harrys Creek and upstream of a weir prettily spanning a narrow ravine. It follows Honeysuckle Creek Water Frontage Crown Land while also tracking the remains of an historic pipeline that used to provide for the water supply of Violet Town and surrounds.

Enter Railway Reserve approximately 5km from Violet Town. The entry is not easy to spot, so look on the Harrys Creek Rd roadside for a Railway Reserve Project sign provided by Warrenbayne Boho Land Protection Group Inc. Park down in the Reserve to start, then cross the first Honeysuckle Creek ford of the walk to begin the short ascent to The Old Weir.

As you walk this section, you will notice invasive species have made their mark. Woody weeds such as pines, elms, willows and blackberry, ground invaders such as phalaris and thistles have become established after years of neglect of this once popular spot. Fortunately, you will also see evidence of the Landcare Group's Restoration Project to re-establish the original pre European habitat and make this a haven once again for the likes of Powerful Owls, Phascogales and Squirrel Gliders.

The weir itself was built in 1906. It is a lovely spot for all sorts of outdoor activity and contemplation, but don't just stop here. Walking upstream as far as the second ford will take you past tumbling cascades beneath a riparian woodland canopy. The winding waterway spills, bubbles and gushes through rocky crevices, across granite sheets and over tree falls as it makes its way toward the Goulburn River.

The walk will vary considerably according to the season. Water flows can be high after sustained rainfall - it may not be possible to cross the fords. Winter may result in slippery slopes along the way. Spring sees lush green grasses and wildflowers can be found. Summer can be very hot and dry. Autumn delivers fungal displays. Pick your day.

The walk is not without hazards. There is remnant fencing from past grazing, slippery slopes are close to open water and the ground is uneven. Take care, it will be worth it.

Amenities
Car parking
Reserve sign
Historic features

Cautions:
Rock faces
Open water
Steep climbs
Rocks may fall
Limbs may fall
Embankments
Uneven ground
No potable water
Remnant fencing
Slippery surfaces
Subject to flooding
Snakes may be active
Tracks may not be clear
Carry food, water, be SunSmart
Be equipped for self-reliant hiking
Mobile reception may be unreliable
Be mindful to keep within the Reserve

Restrictions:
Dogs must be leashed & controlled
No firearms
No hunting
No illegal fishing
Take rubbish with you
No rubbish dumping
No firewood collection
Historic relics are protected
Native flora and fauna are protected
Camp site minimum is 20m from water
No fires in the open
Drivers/riders must be licensed, registered, use formed roads only

4499 Views

Points of Interest

1. Entry sign

Entry is approx 5km from Violet Town and a bit difficult to spot.The only sign that serves as a marker is courtesy of Warrenbayne Boho Land Protection Group Inc. They have been doing good work on site

2. First ford

After driving into the Reserve, park at the bottom of the circuit. If there is too much water flowing in Honeysuckle Creek ford below you, walk up Harrys Creek to cross the lesser flow using rocks.

3. Weir Wall historic photo

This 1912 postcard of the weir wall was sold in Violet Town.

4. Weir wall

You can walk onto a concrete platform above the weir wall.

5. Remnant fencing

Discarded and remnant fencing is a common hazard on public land. Railway Reserve is no exception. Because of the uneven ground and steep slope around the weir. Be careful even when you can see it.

6. The weir

The views across the weir are just lovely.

7. Fungi

Where it is damp there will be fungi, like these Fairy Bonnets crowded together and thriving amongst moss and rotting wood.

8. Honeysuckle waters enter the weir

With one cascade after another, it is a joy to walk upstream anticipating what lies beyond the next bend in the creek.

9. Small weir

Coming around one bend you will find a small weir banking pools of water above and releasing a gush into tumbling cascades below.

10. Second ford

The creek threads its way down a gully of grassy riparian woodland. Begin your return on the opposite side by crossing the second ford. There are plenty of rocks to use as stepping stones here as well

11. Follow the pipe

There is room to walk alongside the disused Violet Town water supply pipeline beside the weir.

12. Back at the weir wall

From the weir wall ascend the hill to your left by following the old fence line. The fence has been downed in several places, making it easy to cross.

13. View across Harrys Creek

You will get to the fence line of the adjacent private land as you near the top. Follow this fence back toward the first ford or another Harrys Creek crossing. The views across the gully are fine.

Features

Picnic spot

Historical interest

Nature trail

Lake, creek, river