Boho - The Old Weir and Creek Walk
Take this 2.2km walk through the woodlands of the beautiful Honeysuckle Creek valley to discover a special place secreted away in the foothills of the Central Victorian Uplands - The Old Weir.
This idyllic walk will take you along Honeysuckle Creek above the confluence with Harrys Creek and upstream of a weir prettily spanning a narrow ravine. It follows Honeysuckle Creek Water Frontage Crown Land while also tracking the remains of an historic pipeline that used to provide for the water supply of Violet Town and surrounds.
Enter Railway Reserve approximately 5km from Violet Town. The entry is not easy to spot, so look on the Harrys Creek Road roadside for a Railway Reserve Project sign provided by Warrenbayne Boho Land Protection Group Inc. The reserve is immediately south of some houses located at 475 Harrys Creek Road, Boho.
Park down in the Reserve to start, then cross the first Honeysuckle Creek ford of the walk to begin the short ascent to The Old Weir.
The weir itself was built in 1906. It is a lovely spot for all sorts of outdoor activity and contemplation, but don't just stop here. Walking upstream as far as the second ford will take you past tumbling cascades beneath a riparian woodland canopy. The winding waterway spills, bubbles and gushes through rocky crevices, across granite sheets and over tree falls as it makes its way toward the Goulburn River.
The walk will vary considerably according to the season. Water flows can be high after sustained rainfall - it may not be possible to cross the fords. Winter may result in slippery slopes along the way. Spring sees lush green grasses and wildflowers can be found. Summer can be very hot and dry. Autumn delivers fungal displays. Pick your day.
Map of Walk Route:
Interactive map
Points of Interest:
1. Entry sign
Entry is approx 5km from Violet Town and a bit difficult to spot. The only sign that serves as a marker is courtesy of Warrenbayne Boho Land Protection Group Inc. They have been doing good work on site.
2. First ford
After driving into the Reserve, park at the bottom of the circuit where there is room for a small number of cars. If there is too much water flowing in Honeysuckle Creek ford below you, walk up Harrys Creek to cross the lesser flow using rocks.
3. Weir Wall historic photo
A 1912 postcard of the weir wall was sold in Violet Town.
4. Weir wall
You can walk onto a concrete platform above the weir wall. Be careful here.
5. Remnant fencing
Discarded and remnant fencing is a common hazard on public land. Railway Reserve is no exception. Because of the uneven ground and steep slope around the weir. Be careful even when you can see it.
6. The weir
The views across the weir are just lovely.
7. Fungi
Where it is damp there will be fungi, like these Fairy Bonnets crowded together and thriving amongst moss and rotting wood.
8. Honeysuckle waters enter the weir
With one cascade after another, it is a joy to walk upstream anticipating what lies beyond the next bend in the creek.
9. Small weir
Coming around one bend you will find a small weir banking pools of water above and releasing a gush into tumbling cascades below.
10. Second ford
The creek threads its way down a gully of grassy riparian woodland. Begin your return on the opposite side by crossing the second ford. There are plenty of rocks to use as stepping stones here as well. At this point a gully enters from the left and there is a fence across the creek. It is very easy to cross the creek here and start on the return leg on the other side of the creek.
11. Follow the pipe
There is room to walk alongside the disused Violet Town water supply pipeline beside the weir.
12. Back at the weir wall
From the weir wall ascend the hill to your left by following the old fence line. The fence has been downed in several places, making it easy to cross.
13. View across Harrys Creek
You will get to the fence line of the adjacent private land as you near the top. Follow this fence back toward the first ford or another Harrys Creek crossing. The views across the gully are fine.
Access for Dogs:
Dogs are permitted on leash but it is not an easy walk with a dog on leash.
Review:
This is a lovely walk past the weir and then following the delightful Honeysuckle Creek. It is an adventure type walk with the tracks being quite indistinct. Basically you need to follow the creek, cross the ford and return on the other side of the creek.
There are some sections which seem like they are electric fences but you can easily get past these sections. Cattle have access to this area and you will probably come across a few on the walk.
Photos:
Location
475 Harrys Creek Road, Boho 3669 Map
Web Links
→ The Old Weir and creek walk, Boho (Walking Maps)
