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June, July, August & September walks

28/6/2026

 
U3A EASY BUSHWALK JUNE : YARRAWONGA
This walk had to be cancelled, due to adverse weather. So there is no report or photo.
 
U3A EASY BUSHWALK JULY 1 : MYRTLEFORD
Our July Easy Bushwalk will be held in Myrtleford, strolling the Mosaic Trail to discover as many of its partly hidden Mosaics as possible. Parking at Rotary Park (Kiln), on the edge of town, we cross the little bridge down to the Trail, following it as far as Apex Park, at the far end of the Trail (2kms) for morning tea. Returning to Rotary Park, we continue walking under the road bridge (more Mosaics here) and follow the Rail Trail for another couple of kms, to add to the short length of the Mosaic trail. Back to the car park for lunch. Afterwards, perhaps drive into Myrtleford for a coffee and a browse of the shops…

Meet at the usual place at 8.45am., for a 9am start.

​*Contact Bev. Thornell on: 0447193244 at least 3 days beforehand.

​U3A EASY BUSHWALK AUGUST 5 : WINTON WETLANDS
*Advance notice: Our August Easy Bushwalk will be at the Mokoan Ponds. Drive the 20-22kms towards Winton Wetlands. Turn right onto the track leading to the Channel Outlet Car Park at the Dam Wall. From there we walk along the Dam Wall above the Mokoan Ponds, where many Waterbirds have settled. Returning to the car park, we then follow the same route, but along the track below the Dam Wall. Keen photographers will be able to take some close ups of the Water birds. Drive on to the Mokoan Café for late morning tea and, if time and weather permit, drive on to Boggy Bridge Road and turn right up to Greens Hill for lunch. After lunch, stroll the short Greens Hill circuit before heading for home.

​U3A EASY BUSHWALK SEPTEMBER 2 :  OVENS RIVER/KALUNA PARK
This outing will consist of 2 separate walks: 4.8km Ovens River Track, plus 1.2km Kaluna Park Billabong. We begin our walk from Apex Park, North Wangaratta: turn left just before the Shell Service Station. We discover the Bullawah Cultural Trail and then follow the loop past Platypus and Kingfisher Beaches. After morning tea back at the Park, we drive on to Kaluna Park - a riverine bushland restoration project - and explore the 1.2km series of walking tracks by the King River. Lunch at the Kaluna Park Picnic Area (where there are toilets)


Meet at our usual spot at 8.45, for a 9am start.
​
*Contact Bev. Thornell on: 0447193244 at least 3 days beforehand.
 

Coming up - Yarrawonga in June, Myrtleford in July

23/5/2026

 

Wednesday 3 June - Yarrawonga

June’s Easy Bushwalk will take place in Yarrawonga. Parking beside Kennedy Park in Lynch Street…a quieter side street a few streets over from Busy Belmore Street…we make our way across to the Lakeside Skate Park, to access toilets and take a short break.From here, we cross the main Bridge into Mulwala, turn left into Golf Club Road and down to Gorman Park, to explore a section of its many Riverside Walking Tracks. Back on Golf Club Road, we walk across the historic Weir, to return to our cars. Driving on to the Yacht Club parking area, we stroll the short distance to Chinaman’s Island Reserve, for lunch under the Rotunda and a walk around this small but picturesque Island. Walkers can then choose to drive home or visit one of Yarrawonga’s coffee shops.

*Contact Bev Thornell: 0447193244

*Meet at our usual parking area behind the Fire Station at 8.45am, for a 9am departure.

Advance Notice!  Wednesday 1 July - Myrtleford

Our July Easy Bushwalk will be held in Myrtleford, where we walk the Mosaic Trail and try to find as many of its hidden Mosaics as possible.

Meet at the usual place at 8.45am.

​Bev Thornell

May  - 'Beechworth and surrounds'

23/5/2026

 
​​May’s Easy Bushwalk was an exploration of Beechworth and surrounds. We drove to the historic Beechworth Powder Magazine, for a close look at the fortified building. From there, we strolled down Spring Creek Road as far as the Bridge (still closed for repairs) for some scenic views of the Creek below.
Picture
After morning tea at Beechworth Park, we walked past Beechworth Jail and crossed into Queen Victoria Park, for a chance to climb the granite outcrop to get a closer look at the two historic (1843-built British Naval Cannons). A short stroll from here down to Chinese Gardens and new Bush Heritage Garden gave us a chance to capture a few more photos.

​Returning to the Park for lunch or a coffee, our group headed home, after an enjoyable visit to historic Beechworth.

​Many thanks to Rene Martens for this beautiful video of the Easy Bushwalking group's visit to Beechworth on 6th May 2026.  Rene had so many great photos from the day he made a film! You can see more photos from May's Easy Bushwalk in the post below.
Bev Thornell

May's exploration of Beechworth and surrounds ...

6/5/2026

 
​U3A Facebook Page - 6 May 2026  "Today's Easy Bushwalk was held in Beechworth on a cold, cloudy day. 10 walkers drove to the Powder Magazine to inspect the historic stone building, then followed the road from here to Spring Creek Bridge, still closed for repairs. Some sun would have improved our photos of bubbling Spring Creek below. After driving back to Beechworth, we enjoyed a relaxing morning tea at the Park near the Information Centre, then resumed our walk past Beechworth Jail into Victoria Park for a closer look at the 2 large cannons on the hill overlooking the Park. From there, we wandered through to Lake Sambell circuit track to the Chinese Gardens. These are a reminder of the importance of the Chinese community, who once joined the search for gold and established vegetable gardens to feed the town. A newly constructed Native Garden has several colourful mosaics of local birds. Back at Park, some of our group chose to buy lunch at Beechworth Bakery, while the rest of us ate in the Park. In spite of the cold weather, the walkers all seemed to enjoy the short walk". 
Photos - Bev Thornell and Andi Stevenson
Bev Thornell

April - walks coming up...May & June

25/4/2026

 
WEDNESDAY MAY 6 BEECHWORTH
May’s Easy Bushwalk will be an exploration of Beechworth and surrounds. Drive to the historic Beechworth Powder Magazine car park.

After a look around, we will head down the road to Spring Creek Bridge (still closed for repairs) for some scenic views. Next: park at the Town Hall/Info Centre for morning tea in the Park. Afterwards, a stroll past the Beechworth Jail to Queen Victoria Park and down to the Chinese Gardens and new Bush Heritage Garden.

Return to the Park for lunch. Afterwards, walkers are free to grab a coffee or stroll the shopping streets. Today’s will be a short walk of approx. 5kms.

Meet at the Car Park behind Benalla Senior Citizens at 8.45am, to leave at 9am.                

Contact leader Bev. Thornell: 0447193244 at least 3 days beforehand.
 
WEDNESDAY JUNE 3 YARRAWONGA
Details not yet finalised, but announced in the next Newsletter or by email.

Bev Thornell

April - Bike Track and Blackboy Lane, Glenrowan

24/4/2026

 
Fifteen U3A Easy Bushwalkers enjoyed an approx 6km delightful stroll in Glenrowan on Wednesday 1. We all met at the Ned Kelly Information Centre (closed for renovations) before crossing the Railway Bridge and continuing up to the Primary School.

The Bike Track begins opposite the Primary School and finishes at Hamilton Park, 4km distant. It was a relatively flat track, with panoramic views across to the Alps early in the the walk, leading to pleasant farmland, each small farm with a letterbox at the front of a long, dusty driveway.

The bus shelter at the corner of Blackboy Lane, Hamilton Park marked the end of the bike track, where most walkers opted to rest, the remaining few turning into the Lane for a further kilometre stroll, discovering en route that the road is well named.

On the way back to the Park, our group paused for a break beside the trail, seated on the slope under shady trees.

We were back in Glenrowan Park by lunchtime. It was now quite warm, so after lunch, half of our group decided a delicious ice-cream from Glenrowan Providore was a great idea.
It was an enjoyable day out. Thanks to our happy group of Easy Bushwalkers.

​
​Bev Thornell
​
*(A big thank you to Andi for the extra photos)

Coming up - April, May and June Bushwalks

28/3/2026

 
​WEDNESDAY APRIL 1 - GLENROWAN BIKE TRAIL

Our next Easy Bushwalk will be the Glenrowan Bike Trail  on Wednesday 1 April.

An easy 4kms return walk from Glenrowan Park, over the Railway Bridge, up to the Primary School, crossing the road and following the Bike Trail to Wangaratta South. Bring morning tea, lunch and something soft to sit on when we stop for a shady break beside the Bike Path.

Coffee after lunch at the Glenrowan Café of your choice.
​
As usual, meet at the Car Park behind Senior Citizens, at 8.45am, to leave at 9am. 

WEDNESDAY MAY 6 - BEECHWORTH

May’s Easy Bushwalk will be an exploration of Beechworth’s environs. Our first walk will be a Circuit of scenic Lake Sambell, followed by morning tea at Beechworth Park and then a stroll past the Beechworth Jail to Queen Victoria Park, with its old navy relics.

Lunch will be back at the Park.  Afterwards, walkers are free to shop around and enjoy a coffee. Beechworth meeting point will be the Beechworth Park, next to the Town Hall Information Centre (*check time limits before you choose your parking spot…some are 4hr, some are only 2hr)

Meet at the Car Park behind Benalla Senior Citizens at 8.45am to leave at 9am. 
                                 
WEDNESDAY JUNE 3 - YARRAWONGA

Details to be finalised and announced in the next Newsletter.

​*Please contact leader Bev Thornell: 0447193244 at least 3 days before each of these trips.

Bev Thornell

March - ''All walkers enjoyed the day exploring Violet Town"

5/3/2026

 
My U3A Easy Bushwalking group of 18 had a lovely day out in Violet Town on Wednesday 4th of March. First walk was a stroll around the pretty 3km Honeysuckle Creek circuit, pausing en route for a couple of photo shoots.

Even after the recent heavy rain, there was still little water in the creek. It was a mild, cloudy day, ideal conditions for walking. After a break for morning tea, we drove on to nearby Shadforth Reserve. Formerly housing a Trotting Track and Golf Course, it is now maintained by a Reserve Committee of Management.

After plantings of native trees, shrubs and grasses and the installation of nesting boxes, many species of native fauna, including Squirrel Gliders and rare birds, now call the Reserve home.
After lunch and a chat in the shade behind the former Golf Clubrooms, we all headed back into town for a welcome coffee and a browse in the excellent Op Shop. All walkers enjoyed the day exploring Violet Town.

​Bev Thornell

Two short walks - Wednesday 4 March - Violet Town

22/1/2026

 
Our first Easy Bushwalk for 2026 will be a visit to Violet Town for two short walks on Wednesday 4 March.

The first will be around the town’s Honeysuckle Creek Walking Track, a 3km loop through Parklands and Creek Bushland on each side of the creek.

The second walk will be around the Shadforth Reserve, length 2.92km. Set on the edge of town among handsome rural outlooks, this Reserve presents a fine example of a grassy woodland, with a history of community management.

Lunch at the Reserve, where there are toilets and picnic tables. After lunch, we plan to return to Violet Town for coffee  ̶  if walkers are happy to.

Meet at the Car Park behind the Benalla Seniors and Community Centre  at 8.45 am, to leave at 9 am.                                   

* Contact leader Bev Thornell: 0447193244 at least 3 days beforehand.



Our next Easy Bushwalking will be the Glenrowan Bike Trail  on Wednesday 1 April.

An easy 4kms return walk from Glenrowan Park, over the Railway Bridge, up to the Primary School, crossing the road and following the Bike Trail to Wangaratta South. Bring morning tea, lunch and something soft to sit on when we stop for a shady break beside the Bike Path.

*Coffee after lunch at the Glenrowan Café of your choice.
​
As usual, meet at the Car Park behind Senior Citizens, at 8.45am, to leave at 9am. 
                                
​Contact leader Bev Thornell: 0447193244 at least 3 days beforehand.

​Bev Thornell

Beechworth's historic Tanswell's Hotel '....was a good choice'

3/12/2025

 
Picture
Only nine U3A Easy Bushwalkers attended our Christmas Lunch on December 3. The venue was the historic Tanswells Hotel in Beechworth. This was a good choice, as we were seated outside on the upstairs terrace, under sun umbrellas, enjoying the occasional breeze.
Picture
​Our obliging hosts, Dan and Cheryl, efficiently looked after us, keeping us well fed and watered, most of us enjoying 2 courses. After a couple of hours of socialising, we adjourned to Beechworth Bakery for coffee or tea.

Today's outing was an enjoyable finish to a successful year of walks. Until March 2026....
Bev Thornell

​(Facebook post December 3 2025 -  ​https://www.facebook.com/u3abenalla/)

November - Gemmill Swamp Wildlife Reserve, Mooroopna

29/11/2025

 
​12 Easy Bushwalkers met at Mooroopna Scout Hall on November 5 to begin a circuit of Gemmill Swamp Wildlife Reserve in Mooroopna.
According to our simplified map, it was a straightforward walk...that is until we decided to detour via the Goulburn River/Sandhills track. This proved to be an ideal, scenic spot for a long break, seated on the levee overlooking the River.
Then, instead of backtracking, one Tech Savvy member of the group used her trusty GPS and worked out a “shortcut” across bushland, to finally reach the main track and the cars – a 8.8km* walk in total!
​Most of us then made a beeline to a local café for a welcome coffee. Yes, it was a longer than expected day, but we all enjoyed the added challenge.
Picture
Bev Thornell

​​* We walked 8.8km and were gone just over 3 hours...
Picture
 Andi Stevenson

Photographs:  Andi Stevenson and Bev Thornell

October - Bullawah Cultural Trail/Merriwa Park, Wangaratta

27/10/2025

 
This day was intended as an opportunity for those Seniors who have never joined U3A to come along and try Easy Bushwalking. However, only four of us regular walkers tuned up.

Nevertheless, our little group enjoyed the outing, following the 3.4km  Bullawah Cultural Trail along the Ovens river (Torryong) in Wangaratta.

​Afterwards, we enjoyed lunch at the Park and then coffee at a local café.
Coming up:

Wednesday 5 November -  MOOROOPNA: GEMMILL SWAMP 

The Gemmill Swamp Walking Track is located within Gemmill Swamp Wildlife Reserve in Mooroopna, Victoria, offering a 5 km round trip on tracks leading through significant wetlands and Goulburn River floodplain red gum forest.

The reserve is a high-value habitat for various native birds and mammals and includes constructed wetlands for stormwater treatment.

​If there is time afterwards, we can cross Echuca road and do the circuit around Craigmuir Lake. Bring lunch and money for an optional visit to a local café. 

*Meet at U3A Carpark at 9.15 for a 9.30 am departure.  ($5 travel cost).                          *Contact Bev. Thornell : 0447193244
 
Wednesday 3 December - CHRISTMAS LUNCH IN BEECHWORTH 

Our Christmas lunch this year will be held in Beechworth, at the historic Tanswell’s Hotel in the main street at 12.30.  It will be a chance to dust off those Glad Rags! 
                                    
Depending on the weather, we will be eating inside in the dining room – or outside on the back patio area (umbrellas supplied). Menu yet to be decided with Hotel staff.

*Meet at U3A Carpark at 11.00 for a 11.15 am departure.  ($5 travel cost).
*Contact Bev. Thornell at least a week beforehand for catering : 0447193244

Bev Thornell

Seniors' Month 'Try Easy Bushwalking' Bullawah Cultural Trail Wednesday 1 October; Gemill Swamp Mooroopna 5 November

26/9/2025

 

Seniors Week/U3A/Age Friendly Benalla 
'Try Easy Bushwalking'
Bullawah Cultural Trail/Merriwa Park Wangaratta
Wednesday 1 October

This day is an opportunity for those Seniors who have never joined U3A to come along and try Easy Bushwalking to see if it interests you enough to join. Regulars are welcome too. Please contact the convenor beforehand if you intend to come along.
 
We meet at the carpark behind the U3A building at 9.15 am, to register and arrange car-pooling, before a 9.30 am start. Bring morning tea and lunch, as well as sturdy footwear, hat, water etc.    

*  Meet at U3A Carpark at 9.15 for a 9.30 am departure.  ($5 travel cost).
*  Contact Bev Thornell: 0447193244

Mooropna - Gemill Swamp
Wednesday November 5

The Gemmill Swamp Walking Track is located within Gemmill Swamp Wildlife Reserve in
Mooroopna, Victoria, offering a 5 km round trip on tracks leading through significant
wetlands and Goulburn River floodplain red gum forest. The reserve is a high-value habitat
for various native birds and mammals and includes constructed wetlands for stormwater
treatment.
​
*Meet at U3A Carpark at 9.15 for a 9.30 am departure. ($5 travel cost).
*Contact Bev. Thornell : 0447193244

September - Easy Bushwalking's Reef Hills Early Spring Walk

3/9/2025

 
On Wednesday 3 September, U3A Easy Bushwalkers enjoyed an 8.3km wander through Reef Hills, ably led by Angela, who knew her way around the myriad of bush tracks. The weather was pleasant, the hills not very steep ("there's really only one hill in Reef Hills", said Ange) and there were plenty of interesting things to discover along the way, including Spring Wildflowers, evidence of early Gold Mining activities plus recent Dirt Bike activities. Lunch back at the picnic shelter completed an enjoyable day out.
..
Bev Thornell

August - 'Such is Life' - Glenrowan History Orienteering

27/8/2025

 
​August's Easy Bushwalk was a great success, with 12 members meeting in Glenrowan for a stroll around the township, finding answers to a list of 50 questions on the town landmarks, plus its extensive Ned Kelly history.

Armed with maps, groups of two set off to face the challenge.  ​After 30 questions, we broke for morning coffèe and yummy scones at King Valley Popcorn.
The remaining 20 questions were completed in time for lunch at the Park, followed by the correction session, with the obligatory good-natured challenges to official answers.
​Thanks to all the participants for making the day a success. It was a lot of fun and the weather was ideal for the day’s stroll.

Welcome to new member, Anna Lynch, who enjoyed the social day out.

Coming up on Wednesday 3 September - Reef Hills Early Spring Walk

A lovely 7-8km walk along a mixture of bush tracks and gravel roads in nearby Reef Hills Park, to spot wildlife and discover evidence of early mining activities. Hopefully, there will also be flowering Wattles and some Wildflowers to photograph.


Destination:  Reef Hills Picnic Ground shelter, approx. 1km from the main entrance off Midland Hwy. Bring lunch and afternoon tea. 
​
*Meet at U3A Carpark at 9.15am for a 9.30am departure.  ($5 travel cost).
*Contact Bev Thornell: 0447193244​
​


Bev Thornell

U3A Benalla Easy Bushwalking - July News

27/7/2025

 
​Unfortunately, the July Glenrowan walk was cancelled, on the prior advice from BOM (or perhaps Ned Kelly himself?). The weather on the day turned out to be incorrect, so this walk will now be held in August…see write up below.
 
WEDNESDAY AUGUST 6 - GLENROWAN HISTORY ORIENTEERING: 
 
An interesting day’s stroll around Glenrowan streets, to find answers to written clues (map supplied).  After an early lunch, plus optional coffee from the café of your choice, we resume the walk with another set of questions to answer, this time on the history of the Kelly Gang’s links to Glenrowan and district
  • Glenrowan Lions Park, next to the new toilet block.  Lunch and afternoon tea also in the Park.  

Meet at U3A Carpark at 9.15 for a 9.30 am departure.  ($5 travel cost).Contact Bev. Thornell : 0447193244
 
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 3 - REEF HILLS EARLY SPRING WALK

A lovely 8km walk along bush tracks in nearby Reef Hills Park, to spot wildlife and discover evidence of early mining activities. Hopefully, there will also be flowering Wattles and some Wildflowers to photograph.
  • Reef Hills Picnic Ground shelter, approx 1km from the main entrance off Midland Hwy.. Bring lunch and afternoon tea.

 Meet at U3A Carpark at 9.15 for a 9.30 am departure.  ($5 travel cost).

 Contact Bev. Thornell : 0447193244

Upcoming walks - July and August

29/6/2025

 
U3A EASY BUSHWALKING: GLENROWAN HISTORY ORIENTEERING:

WEDNESDAY JULY 2

An interesting morning’s stroll around Glenrowan streets finding answers to written
clues. After an early lunch, plus optional coffee from the café of your choice, we
resume the walk with another set of questions to answer, this time on the history of
the Kelly Gang’s links to Glenrowan and district.

Destination: Glenrowan Lions Park, next to the new toilet block. Lunch and
afternoon tea also in the Park.

*Meet at U3A Carpark at 9.15 for a 9.30 am departure. ($5 travel cost).
*Contact Bev. Thornell : 0447193244

U3A EASY BUSHWALKING: WANGARATTA: OVENS RIVER/KALUNA PARK

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 6

A walk along the Ovens River (Torryong) Track, along the way viewing Indigenous
Landmarks, admiring the Wattles and listening to bird song. After lunch, a short drive
back to Kaluna park, to follow bush tracks beside the King River.

*Meet at U3A Carpark at 9.15 for a 9.30 am departure. ($5 travel cost).
*Contact Bev. Thornell : 0447193244

Easy Bushwalking - Mt Major Walk in June

18/6/2025

 
On Wednesday 4 June, Benalla U3A Easy Bushwalkers set off to climb Mt Major.

​After the mandatory rest stop at Dookie Campus, we began the 2km walk from Major Plains TV Road. The road was long and a bit windy, but not too steep and the views amazing. The weather was fine, but very windy on the summit, forcing us to find a lunch spot out of the wind.

Birdwatcher, Kathy Costello, managed to spot 15 different species of Birds during the walk.

After our descent, we drove back to Dookie township for afternoon tea/coffee and muffins.

It was a wonderful day out exploring this nearby fertile agricultural area.
A selection of photos from Facebook taken by Andi Stevenson and Bev Thornell

​Bev Thornell

Coming up in June - Mt Major;  July - Glenrowan Orienteering

28/5/2025

 
U3A Easy Bushwalk: June 4: Mt Major

Directions:   39km via Midland Hwy (some road works?) OR 44km via Benalla/Tocumwal Rd., Dookie Devenish and Major Plains Roads.  Both options include approximately 1km of gravel road.

Toilet stop at Dookie University Campus – approx. 2km from start of walk  *No toilets on Mt Major.

The walk begins from the southern side of Mt Major – a short distance along Mt Major TV Tower Road. Park along both sides of the road at the entrance to the walk - a small, unlocked gate.

The Walk:   Approx 2-2 ½ km. each way. Mainly gently sloping, wide sealed road, with short sections of a steeper gradient. Along the way, great views to the South, East, North and South and at the summit, a 360-degree view!  

We will have lunch up there as there is seating available.   

Option: Afternoon tea at the University Campus café.

Time:  We leave Benalla car park at 9.30. Bring lunch, drink, etc.  Ride sharing cost: $5.   

Contact: Bev Thornell: 0447193244
 

​U3A Easy Bushwalk: July 2 : Glenrowan - Orienteering


Previous Orienteering days have proved popular, so July’s Easy Walk will provide another chance to test your powers of observation and discovery as you find answers to 20 questions about Glenrowan.

Time:  Meet at the usual place at 9.15, for a 9.30 start.  Don’t forget to bring lunch, drink, etc. Ride sharing cost: $5.         

Contact:  Bev Thornell: 0447193244

May - 'A stroll along the picturesque Cherry Walk in Bright...'

25/5/2025

 
On Wednesday 7 May, a large group of 16 U3A Easy Bushwalkers drove to Bright to enjoy a stroll along the picturesque 5.27km Cherry Walk.  Heading east from Howitt Park, this pleasant walk follows the Ovens River along the North bank, passing through dry eucalyptus forest, until the Cherry’s suspension Bridge is reached. This bridge is named after William Cherry, who supplied wood to gold mining dredges and so the Bridge was

​Following a brief break here for refreshments, we resumed the walk along the South bank, which passes pine plantations and the Arboretum. We arrived back at the Howitt Park shelter just as the showers arrived.
​After lunch, some of the group decided to drive home, while others opted to explore the Bright shopping centre or enjoy a coffee and cake at a local Cafe before heading home. Thanks to those walkers who put up their hands to join this group walk. Luckily, the showers held off until lunchtime.


Bev Thornell

April - Tahbilk Winery Walkabout

10/4/2025

 
In perfect (25°) weather, a group of 15 Easy Walkers met at Chateau Tahbilk, Nagambie, for a very pleasant 6.8km stroll around the Winery Eco Trails and Wetlands, a carefully preserved 1,214 hectares of the Estate. The lily lined lagoons and river flats provide valuable habitat for local birdlife and animals.

After returning to the historic 1860’s built Tahbilk, we gravitated to the Cellar Door, where offered tastings led to some purchases. Our group returned to Nagambie township for lunch and a coffee.

​Glen Chessells, our walk leader, must be congratulated for introducing us to a very special part of the Goulburn Valley.

​Next walk: May 7 - Cherry Walk Bright - Autumn Leaves  

A very pleasant Autumn walk in Bright: the 5.27km Cherry Walk, following a track on both sides of the Ovens River. Lunch at the shelter and then, if time and inclination, a further 3.36lm return Canyon Walk in the opposite direction along the Ovens River. For those not so inclined to walk further, use this time for shopping in Bright. Parking in Bright will be the main Car Park behind the Info Centre, as this has toilets and picnic tables, as well as ample parking.

Meet at the usual parking area behind the U3A/Fire Station at the earlier time of 8.45am, for a 9 am start, due to the added distance.  Bring lunch, water, hat etc.  *Travel cost will be $10.

Contact walk leader Bev. Thornell on: 0447193244 at least 3 days beforehand.

June's Easy Walk  will be in The Warbys - details next Newsletter.

​Bev Thornhill

March - Seven Creeks Circuit Trail, Euroa

1/4/2025

 
Our first walk for 2025 was a lovely stroll around the Apex Seven Creeks Circuit Trail in Euroa on Wednesday 5 March. Our group of ten began the walk at 10am, enjoying the shade of the large Gums, before reaching the halfway point at the road bridge.  A decision to check out the nearby imposing brick Butter Factory turned out to be a lucky one, as the owner, Bernard Hayes, invited our group to tour the exterior of the building.  He was an interesting, if loquacious, guide and we were impressed by the way he and his wife had preserved the large historic site, which now hosts up-market Weddings.  We resumed our walk (which “Buttercup” the Burmese was determined to join) on the North side of the Creek, but by now it had become as hot as predicted - 34!  The decision was made to cancel the walk around the Arboretum, so we returned to the Picnic Shelter and enjoy a late lunch and a cuppa. ​
Wednesday 2nd April: Tahbilk Winery Walkabout

Glen Chessells will be leading April’s outing in the grounds of Tahbilk Winery in Nagambie.  This will be a pleasant walk along 6km of trails and boardwalks, past billabongs and river flats.  The Wetlands support a wide variety of flora and fauna.  *A gold coin donation is requested at the entrance.  Enclosed footwear must be worn.  Bring lunch, water, headwear and binoculars (optional). Meet at the U3A Car Park at 9.15 am, for a 9.30 am start.

*Notify walk leader Glen Chessells on 0431201077 of your attendance at least 3 days beforehand.
​
Beverly Thornell

U3A Easy Walks - March and April

1/3/2025

 
Wednesday March 5th: Euroa - Seven Creeks and Arboretum

Our first walk for 2025 will be a lovely stroll around Seven Creeks Circuit Trail (6.81km) in Euroa.  After an early lunch, we will head off to the Euroa Arboretum for two short circuit walks (1.60km) to explore the park and discover the important work it is doing.  BYO lunch, drinks etc.

Meet at the Seniors’ carpark, Fawckner Drive, at the earlier time of 9 am to facilitate signing in at our first session of the year and arrange car pooling. 

Please confirm your attendance by contacting by phone (text preferred) or email to Bev at least 3 days before the day, on 0447193244

*Car sharing is usually available for a small contribution. 

Wednesday April 2nd:  Nagambie - Tahbilk Winery Walkabout

Glen Chessells will be leading April’s outing in the grounds of Tahbilk Winery in Nagambie.  This will be a pleasant walk along 6km of trails and boardwalks, past billabongs and river flats.  The Wetlands support a wide variety of flora and fauna.  *A gold coin donation is requested at the entrance.  Enclosed footwear must be worn.  Bring water, headwear and binoculars (optional).

Lunch will take place at an eatery in Nagambie.

Meet at the U3A Car Park at 9.15, for a 9.30 start.
​
*Notify walk leader Glen Chessells on 0431201077 of your attendance at least 3 days beforehand.

Wednesday 5 March: Euroa - Seven Creeks and Arboretum

27/1/2025

 
​Wednesday March 5th: Euroa - Seven Creeks and Arboretum

Our first walk for 2025 will be a lovely stroll around Seven Creeks Circuit Trail (6.81km) in Euroa.  After an early lunch, we will head off to the Euroa Arboretum for 2 short circuit walks (1.60km) to explore the park and discover the important work it is doing.  BYO lunch, drinks etc.

Meet at the Seniors’ carpark, Fawckner Drive, at 9.30am - to depart by 9.30am.

Please confirm your attendance by contacting by phone (text preferred) or email to Bev. Thornell, at least 3 days before the day, on 0447193244 or email: [email protected].

*Car sharing is usually available for a small contribution. 

Bev Thornell

December's breakup and 'Thank you' to Julie at Goorambat

25/12/2024

 
On December 4, U3A Easy Walkers celebrated their end of year break-up at Goorambat Hotel.

Expecting a quiet country venue, we discovered we were sharing the Dining Room with over 40 CWA ladies! The noise level drove us out to the Outdoor Veranda, where it was much quieter. Seated out there in the fresh air, we enjoyed a lovely 2-course meal (with or without affogato).

​Bev. thanked Julie, our Convenor for the past four years, for her excellent organisation and leadership skills. We've all enjoyed a variety of walks in the N.E. Julie was happy to hand the reins over to Bev. Hopefully, next year will be as much fun as the past four years have been.

​Have a joyous and relaxing Christmas!
<<Previous

    Easy Bushwalking

    This is a group for those who have enjoyed 'Serious Bushwalking' in the past who now need to moderate their walks, but any member of U3A is welcome to join.  

    It is a very social group for anyone interested in exploring the amazing tracks, trails and lookouts within an easy to medium drive from Benalla.

    ​Even though the occasional weather glitch has challenged us over the past few years, the group has enjoyed many memorable times exploring our local area.

    Meeting on the first Wednesday of each month, the walks are  limited to 8kms, generally on well-defined tracks, occasionally with a short easy climb.

    The day's outing can include sites of historical or botanical interest and occasionally even a Winery!

    Even though the walks are labelled Easy Walks, it is important that participants be able to walk at a reasonable pace and be able to keep up with the group. Sturdy shoes are essential! You will also need to carry a small daypack with lunch, drinks, hat, wet weather gear, etc as needed. 

    Ride sharing is usually available at a small cost: $5 or $10.  

    Convenor

    Picture
    Bev Thornell 
    ​0447 193 244

    Meeting times

    1st Wednesday of the month from March.

    ​The meeting place is the car park behind the Benalla Seniors and Community Centre building in Fawckner Drive..

    Meeting times vary, according to the distance driven, but usually between  8.30 am to depart at 9.15 am, depending on distances covered,
     

    Please note -

    *It is important to notify the Convenor of attendees at least three days prior to the day:

    *Meeting times depend on the season and weather conditions or as determined by the walk leader.  
    Check the U3A Newsletter and confirm any details with the walk leader.

    Previous Convenor 

    Picture
    Julie McNeill
    Thank you, Julie, for co-convening Easy Walks with Glen Chesselss in 2021-2; then convening the group in 2023-4.  


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We acknowledge the traditional owners of the land on which we meet and pay our respects to their elders - past, present and emerging.
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