The walk this coming Friday is exploratory in nature. As such, it might be included in our walks programme, or be a ‘one-off’ walk. Whatever the case, I think the area will be new to many of us, and worth checking out.
The walk: Findon Creek, and the middle reaches of Darebin Creek, Epping. We will be walking on paths that for much of the time are adjacent to both of the creeks. There are some stands of very old eucalyptus trees, especially along Findon Creek.
Terrain, grade and distance: Mostly shared sealed footpaths, with an easy grade and covering, at a guess, about 7km.
Meet either at the car-pooling point alongside the Diamond Valley Sports Complex, off Civic Drive, Greensborough at 9.00 a.m. or at the start of the walk, in Dalton Rd, close to the corner of McDonalds Rd and Dalton Rd, Epping (Melway 182 C10) at 9.30 a.m.
To reach the start of the walk:
If coming from Eltham /Greensborough, drive to McDonalds Rd, South Morang, using either Yan Yean Rd and Kurrak Dve, or the Western Ring Road and Plenty Rd. Travel West along McDonalds Rd. There are a couple of tricky intersections along the way. The first is at Bush Blvd, which you will pass and which is on the left, and then Ferres Blvd, where McDonalds Rd veers left past South Morang Rail Station. Continue along McDonalds Rd, past both Pindari Ave on the left, and Greenbrook Dve, also on the left. A further 1km brings you to a roundabout. Turn right here into Dalton Rd, and park in Dalton Rd (there are houses on the left, and a creek reserve on the right)
Post walk: Kathy has suggested that we have early lunch at Dosa Hut, an eatery that specialises in South Indian food, and located at Shop R10, 415 McDonalds Rd, Mill Park, Westfield Plenty Valley (tel 8418 3579). This is at the western end of this linear complex of shops, close to the cinemas. So, as we are coming from Epping, it will be the first turn into the shops on the right. The cafe is in an open area just before the main shopping mall. The menu can be found at dosahut.net.au, then at View Dosa Hut Plenty Valley menu.
If you would like to join the group for lunch, let me know by Thursday, 5pm, 31 October, via email: stutterd45@gmail.com, or mobile: 0419 093 214. If you are not lunching, then there is no need to contact me; make a decision to walk on Friday morning, or whenever.
I hope to see you on the walk,
Tony
