Tuesday, 2 October 2012

Mother Brown's Bonnet via Woodvine Nature Reserve 2012

This was a good day with fine weather, in a new area. This was an old farm that was given to the Crown by Mr Herbert Ernest “Ernie” Shaw in 1998. Mr Shaw died in 2005. Woodvine was declared a reserve in 2001

The farm has 377 hectares or about 932 acres and protects native species of plants & animals that have been driven out of nearby cleared areas. Although left to Parks & Wildlife, it is looked after by the Friends of Woodvine Reserve who keep out invasive introduced plants, and maintain the buildings. The farm was original settled by Mr. Shaw's ancestors in 1861.

The walk leaves the farm and crosses the remains of a paddock to enter open forest. It then travels up across a clear space, before finally reaching Mother Brown's Bonnet. I have no idea where that name came from.

Coming back to the farm after lunch, we wandered around the farm buildings & house. The house is locked so you're limited to looking through the windows. There's another, similar, farm not too far away.

We had about 13 walkers and covered 8.33km in 3:50

Click here to download GPX file

The Farm

From the paddock near the rear

Past what looks like and old seed drill


A little bit of moisture, but not bad

Track turns a little bit sandy


Entering forest

This maybe lunch or Morning Tea, I think both were at the same spot

Getting close to our destination

Clear zone near the top

Gordon contemplating the top

The view

Back at the farm

Outdoor oven, I wonder where the large sandstone blocks came from.

Flowers in old garden in front of house. Notice green occupant.


Neighbouring property. I don't know if the two are connected.