Avoca - Pyrenees Trip
The Pyrenees State Forest is located 220kms north west of Melbourne, west of Avoca. Rugged mountain ranges with spectacular views, the Pyrenees are fine examples of natural and cultural history. European settlement began in the 1840s. Most of the Pyrenees was prospected and mined after gold was discovered in October 1854. In December of that year Fiddlers Creek was worked by Chinese and Cornish settlers. Around most of the Pyrenees, especially Percydale, there are relics of Chinese gardens, mines, pudding machines and slate quarries. Slate from Percydale was used to pave the footpaths of Collins St, Melbourne until 1960.
Itinerary: We will meet in Avoca at 9am and head into the Pyrenees visiting old gold mining areas and sites of scenic value. There will be brief visits to some wineries enabling one to select a local vintage for around the campfire. The camp will be in the nearby bushlands. Avoca is 71kms from Ballarat – take the Western Hwy and turn off at the Sunraysia Hwy. The meeting place is the carpark near the public toilets in the centre of Avoca.
Note for those that wish to just do a 1 day trip (either the Saturday or Sunday), please contact the trip leaders.
Fuel: full tank ex-Ballarat (or Avoca) should suffice
Trip Standard: Medium – bring your snatchem strap and shackles
Food & water: Bring all your own food and drinking water. Wine may be purchased at wineries to be visited.
Clothing: It may rain and it can get very cold where we are going, so please bring appropriate clothing. There may be some walking – nothing too lengthy – in parts this may be slippery so good soled shoes are recommended. The nights can be very cold – please ensure that your bedding is adequate.
Communications: the convoy will be using UHF, channel 10.
Please come with a sense of humour.
Trip Leaders: Phill & Jane Collyer
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