Just led an MJOC trip to Sheepyard flat. For those that haven't been there, the turn off is just past Merrijig (near Mansfield) then 18 Kms dirt to the Howqua river. It was hot and dusty, but the river was the spot to cool off with a few ales!
On Saturday we headed past Fry's Flat, Tobacco Flat and followed Steiners Rd to the bitumen at Howqua Inlet. A couple of low range hills, but fairly easy, then down to the Kevington Pub for a counter lunch - great pub!!
WE returned to Jamieson, took the Licola Rd, then turned off at Granny's Flat campground, forded the river, then some VERY steep climbs which would be extremely exciting in the wet!!! We followed Master Track until it joined with Mitchells, then back on to Steiners, and back down Howqua Hills to Sheepyard. A lot of VERY steep and long uphill to mountain tops, then the same downhill, low 1st.
Sunday we went and walked the tunnel (built in 1884) complete with 5 foot roof, knee hign water, even a bat!. Then a look at Fry's hut and a walk to the chimney where they tried to extract gold in the 1880's, but with little luck. The chimney is still complete.
On the way home we stopped at the Cheviot railway tunnel near Yea, which is 200mts long, built from brick in 1888 from local clay, and still does not have a crack in it! Sensational.
Any Vics heading to the area who want some details, let ne know.....
Sheepyard Flat
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