HEALESVILLE - DONNELLY'S WEIR - MT ST LEONARD - MAROONDAH RESERVOIR

almost exactly a month ago we went out o healesville for a couple of nights. we went to the sanctuary for an afternoon (it was fab) and walked down to our b&b (rescuing a poor, orphaned blackbird chick on the way), then the next day did a 26km walk up to the top of mt st leonard and back via the reservoir. this post is just our walk in photos, not much commentary. you can see all the photos from the day here and a map here. it was a great day, and i'd totally go up the mountain again, despite how steep and exhausting it was in places!


us at the start!


morning view from the b&b


the mountain we're heading towards


db crossing an unexpected ford!


there was lots of evidence of the fires


thysanotus uberosus or common fringe-lily


path, shadow and regrowth


alas, it was only men with heavy machinery. but we shipped them anyway!


it got very steep towards the end, but it doesn't translate in the photo!


at one point, near the top of the hill, the vegetation suddenly changed, with long green grasses and ferns suddenly springing up below the trees.


view!


the view towards the city!


time for lunch and a nap


omg, db is the cutest thing i have EVER SEEN. :O :O :O


heading back down - this was the fire access road/firebreak along the ridge


more of the track


CREEPY BABY TREE. D:


back at donnelly's weir - i'm in ur water supply, melbs!


map of the bicentennial national trail (mainly for horses) - we've walked the first 8km of it! ;)


so random - an aqueduct in the middle of the bush


maroondah reservoir and dam from the lookout


from the dam wall


the reservoir park would be lovely for a picnic


valve houses (or SO THEY SAY) with boobs on top.


d contemplates the dam wall


juvenile crimson rosella, coming to steal your nuts!


sunset from the b&b

the climb up mt st leonard was much steeper and much slower than we expected, and as a result we had to ration our water (we are usually much more careful bringing extra water, and this was a timely reminder to continue being careful!) until we got back to civilisation. the views from the top were totally worth the climb, though. when we were up the lookout tower, a couple of walkers joined us having done part of a circular walk from down near the ford. maybe we'll try it next time we're out there, if we're feeling fit (they said it was quite a scramble in places). maroondah reservoir park also seems like a lovely place for a picnic and some short walks for those less keen on spending a day out getting sweaty and exhausted!