Lara By Train and Serendip Sanctuary Walk
About this event
A pleasant day out to Lara by train to visit a scenic linear trail with significant indigenous vegetation, lush groundcovers, flowering native shrubs and trees plus a wildlife sanctuary set in open grassy woodlands and wetlands.
GRADE | LENGTH | TYPE: An easy 9 to 12km walk. The 9km option is available by opting out of two walks within Serendip Sanctuary.
MEETING TIME | LOCATION: In the front carriage of the Waurn Ponds V/Line train departing Southern Cross Railway Station at 10:30am or meet the group en route by arrangement with the event leader.
MAP REFERENCE: Melway map 43 grid E9; Google map https://goo.gl/maps/bCGTVY7pXX72.
DISTANCE | TIME FROM GPO: The walk commences and concludes at Lara Railway Station which is 58 km from the city and takes 45 minutes by train.
FOOD: Pack food for lunch and snacks. At least 1 litre of water should be carried.
APPAREL | FOOTWEAR: Wear a hat and clothing to meet the forecast weather conditions and footwear suitable for walking along concrete, asphalt and unsealed paths.
ACTIVITY DESCRIPTION:
Our day commences with a pleasant journey by V/Line train, quickly leaving the city behind and passing through the open spaces of the western plains before arriving at Lara Railway Station.
Two key features of this walk are Lara’s Kevin Hoffman Walk and Serendip Sanctuary.
Kevin Hoffman Walk is a passive, scenic linear trail with significant indigenous vegetation, lush ground covers, flowering native shrubs and trees set along the eastern bank of the tranquil Hovells Creek.
Serendip Sanctuary is a wildlife sanctuary set in the open grassy woodlands and wetlands that are typical of Victoria’s volcanic western plains. The park offers an ideal setting to view some of our more special native animals. The sanctuary has an extensive breeding program which provides an opportunity to view rare and threatened species such as brolgas, Australian bustards and magpie geese. Over 150 species of birdlife common to the western plains of Victoria live in or visit the parklands. Birds can be seen within metres of the viewing areas preening, feeding, incubating eggs and rearing young.
The picnic area at Serendip Sanctuary will provide an ideal setting to enjoy our lunch break.
Two walks within Serendip Sanctuary may be opted out of by arrangement with the group leader on the day for anyone who would prefer to complete a shorter 9km walk for the day.
To complete our walk we will take a more direct route back to Lara Railway Station through quiet residential streets and sporting grounds. Trains depart Lara Railway Station every 40 minutes for the 45 minute journey back to the city.
FURTHER INFORMATION:
http://www.friendsofkevinhoffmanwalk.com.au/
http://parkweb.vic.gov.au/explore/parks/serendip-wetlands-education-facility
LEADER | BOOKING: Peter Tocknell. | by Thursday 13th September. Email the Leader if you have any questions. Members can access leader contact details under the Members->Leader Contacts tab when logged in to the website.
