Bates Dam

Description

Starting our half day walk from your Beechworth accommodation or, if you are staying out of town, we will meet and set off from the gorgeous TINY café in Camp Street.

From town we will head towards the stunning Lake Sambell via the Chinese Gardens, which depending on the season, is a sea of colour. Deep reds, oranges and yellow hues in autumn or soft pink and white budding flowers in spring. Enjoy the peacefulness of being near water as we circle the lake and then make our way to Dingle Road and on to the State Forest of Stanley.

On entering the forest let your mind wander and allow yourself to breathe in the smell of eucalypts and feel the earth on which you are walking. The tracks are wide so spread out and enjoy the space, our walks are not a race and so you can relax and take it all in. Keep your camera ready because you may very well spot one of the locals going about their business; furry locals that is… like the black wallaby, wombat or even the elusive echidna!  There are also variety of native orchids and other wildflowers to enjoy (usually best seen during spring) but please remember that all plants in the forest are protected.

On reaching the picturesque Bates Dam we will rest for a while and enjoy some morning/afternoon tea at a picnic table. The dam contains quite clear water, particularly in the summer months, and you are welcome to dip your feet in and cool down. For photo junkies there is an old fireplace and odd bits of steel and other relics still lying around from the mining days that always make for interesting subjects.

After our well-earned break we will retrace our steps and head back to town feeling both energised from the walk and centred from the stillness of nature. If you are a bird lover keep an ear out for the crack of the Eastern Whipbird in spring and if you are lucky you may even spot a Yellow Tail Black Cockatoo on our walk back into town.

Take joy in the fact you have given yourself some precious down time… time to enjoy our stunning outdoors with an active body, still mind and peaceful soul. One step at a time.