Ross Creek and Bungal State Forests FS0027 DSE Ballarat ISSN 1440 - 2262

January 2012 Ross Creek and Bungal State Forests FS0027 DSE Ballarat ISSN 1440 - 2262

Ross Creek and Bungal State Forests This walk provides an insight into the mining Ross Creek State Forest is located close to history as well as native forest species of the Ballarat. Walking trails, picnic areas and forest area. The trail follows the path of the water roads can all be accessed within this forest area races constructed by Thomas Boden in the which has a rich mining history dating back to 1860’s to provide water for gold sluicing areas the Gold Rush era. adjacent to Smythesdale. During spring, many wildflower species can be found within the forest Bungal State Forest is located between the area. Forest tree species that can also be found townships of Meredith and Ballarat. Two along the walk include Messmate ( Eucalyptus camping and picnic areas can be found within obliqua ), Broad-leaved Peppermint Eucalyptus this area, both located in tranquil settings on the dives ), Narrow-leaved Peppermint (Eucalyptus banks of the Moorabool River. radiata ), Swamp Gum ( Eucalyptus ovata), and Manna Gum (Eucalyptus viminalis ). The walk is Getting there easily accessible for self-guided walking or the Ross Creek State Forest is located 19km south Woady Yaloak Historical Society conducts west of Ballarat, and can be accessed from guided tours of the area. An information board Smythesdale or Ross Creek. Take the at the start of the walk provides more Smythesdale – Sebastopol Road to Ross Creek information on the history of the area. where directional signage will lead you to the State Forest Road. Alternatively, travel to Trail Bike Visitor Area Smythesdale from the Glenelg Highway to The Ross Creek Trail Bike Visitor Area provides access the forest area from the west. facilities for a trail bike staging area within the Bungal State Forest is located south east of State Forest. Please refer to the Trail Bike Ballarat. From Mount Egerton, camping and Forest note for more information on the DSE website. picnic areas can be accessed from the Egerton – Ballark Rd. Picnic and Camping Areas In the vicinity of Bungal State Forest, two Walking Trails camping areas can be found on the Moorabool River, 30km south east of Ballarat. The Boden’s Water Race township of Meredith is located nearby to the Boden’s Water Race walk in the south. Ross Creek State Forest can be accessed from Wade’s Lane, off the Hunts Bridge Picnic and Camping Area State Forest Road. This picturesque, camping site is located right beside the west branch of the Moorabool River. Grade of Walk: Grade 2 Nearby are several forest areas, including Mt Distance: 5.1km Doran and Lal Lal State Forests. This campsite Time: 2.5 hours return provides a good base for exploring the forests Gradient: Flat and townships of the nearby area. BBQs and Quality of Path: Formed path picnic tables are on site, however no toilets or Quality of Markings: Clearly sign posted drinking water are provided. Please be mindful Steps: No steps to ensure sustainable camping practices are Experience required: No experience required followed and help to preserve the ongoing quality of water courses and streams. Smythesdale was formerly a gold-mining township founded during the Gold Rush era.

Ross Creek and Bungal State Forests FS0027

Koolaroo Track Picnic and Camping Area waterways, and tracks. Dig a 15cm hole Koolaroo Track Camping Area is located on the and bury your waste and toilet paper. east branch of the Moorabool River in the • Protect water quality – wash up at least 50 Bungal State Forest. This quiet pocket of native metres away from streams and avoid using forest is bordered by Bungal Creek and soap (use gritty sand and a scourer Moorabool River East Branch. Wildflowers are instead). abundant in spring, and small natural rock pools • There is no rubbish collection service, so are ideal for swimming in summer. The same please take your rubbish home. If you have facilities are found at this site as at Hunts the misfortune to come across other Bridge. Dry weather access only for 2WD people’s rubbish, do the bush a favour and vehicles into this site. take it with you. • Firewood collection from the ground is Fires permitted for cooking and warmth whilst Take care with fire –Campfire safety is your camping or picnicking. Firewood is in short responsibility. No fires, including barbecues may supply in some areas so please use it be lit on a day of Total Fire Ban. Use existing sparingly and be conservative. fireplaces rather than create your own. Never • All native plants and animals are protected. leave fires unattended. Ensure fires are safe Do not cut down standing trees or damage and that they are completely extinguished when vegetation. you leave.Observe all fire regulations and Total • Firewood collection for domestic use is only Fire Ban Days. Ross Creek and Bungal State available from specified designated Forests are in the Central Total Fire Ban collection areas within the forest. Please District. It is your responsibility to know if it is a visit http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/forests or day of Total Fire Ban. If in doubt call the contact your local DSE office for more Victorian Bushfire Information Line 1800 240 information regarding firewood collection. 667. For more information please refer to DSE • Trail bikes and other motor vehicles must be brochure – Campfire Safety or visit the DSE registered and riders/drivers must be website. licensed. All motor vehicles must stay on Be fire ready, stay safe. formed roads open to the public. Be aware of the forecast Fire Danger Rating for this • Bikes and horses are not permitted on area when planning your trip. Plan to leave early on walking tracks. hot, dry and windy days, as these conditions may • Dogs must be under direct control at all cause the closure of some parks/forests areas for public safety. Parks and forests will be closed on times and are expected to be kept on a Code Red Fire Danger Rating days. leash in picnic and camping areas or when near other visitors. For update information on fires in Victoria or general Please enjoy your time in the forests. Visit fire safety advice, please call the Victoria Bushfire “Things to see and do in Victoria’s State Information Line on 1800 240 667 or listen to a local Forests” on the DSE website at ABC/ACE radio station or visit www.CFA.vic.gov.au. http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/recreation-and- tourism for more forest notes and activity ideas. Looking after our forests Forests are special places, but to remain so For more information they need your help. To protect the environment The Department of Sustainability and Environment (DSE) we need to ‘tread lightly’ in the bush to minimise is responsible for managing Victoria's State Forest. For our impact and preserve it for future visits and further information contact DSE’s Customer Service enjoyment. Here are some basic guidelines you Centre on 136 186 (TTY: 1800 122 969) or visit DSE’s should follow while enjoying the forest: website at http://www.dse.vic.gov.au/forests • Camp at least 20m away from streams and This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria waterways and its officers do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw • When toilets are provided, please use them. of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes If no toilet is provided, choose a spot at and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information least 100 metres from campsites, in this publication.

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