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CLELAND : PIONEER WOMEN’S TRAIL MIREEN – BIRIEE – CRAFERS – BEELA Circuit : 2 hours, 9 km |
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PIONEERS
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Drive to the parking lot just up from Eagle on the Hill, and set off down and right to join the Mireen Track. The track starts with a short steep descent followed by a short steep ascent; this could be avoided by walking a little way up the road and entering the next Park gate.
The start of the track is indicated by a special sign.
There is also some history. I'm a little proud of my walking achievements, but you have to hand it to these women! Did they return the following day? And did they do this once a week?
The Mireen Track is a delight to walk along: well-made and nearly level with views over the valley below. I thought I was probably enjoying it more than the Pioneer Women would have.
The track then joins the Biriee Track for a short distance before branching off to the right past Seventh Fall. The numbered Falls in the Park are spread over the tributaries of the main stream. Next to this Fall, the path goes up very steeply: a short ‘down on all fours’ climb. Now how did the Pioneer Women negotiate this with their long skirts and heavy loads?
Beyond this climb, the track ascends through attractive gum tree country ...
... and even more!
I walked the short Roclin Loop at the top, before emerging at Crafers.
Following down Mount Street we find the historic Church of the Epiphany, built in 1878, open for reflection.
Now following back along Shurdington Road, alongside the noisy Freeway, we come to this Radio Tower. Admittedly this is no great sight, but such visible landmarks help one's navigation when walking in the Park.
We finally leave the road (which surely must have been part of the Mount Barker Road before the Freeway was built), and re-enter Cleland Park along the Beela Track.
I was lamenting to myself that this track was far less interesting than the Mireen Track ...
... when suddenly a big grey kangaroo came bounding up the road towards me. We passed the time of day together for a few moments before he continued up past me.
Further along the track there is this wonderful panorama across the Park. It certainly is an amazing Park.
So back to the Mount Barker Road and the car.
In fact, I believe that the Pioneer Women's Trail follows along the Beela Track: this is confirmed by several signs along the way. This means that the printed map of the Park is in error. It also solves the problem of the Pioneer Women struggling up past the waterfall! |
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SUGARLOAF
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PIONEERS
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