July Outing - A different section of Mt French, Hidden Valley

     

Mt French

Time:  8:00 am, July 21^st Saturday 
             
Meeting Place: Mt French Road.  Park along the road near the National Park access gate on the LEFT going up the mountain and before the sharp right-hand bend right up on top. There used to be a shed in there. 
               
Activities: This month we are exploring a hidden valley on Mt French – very close to the road but hidden from most tourists. We will check it out by walking leisurely around it, on rather flat ground, and looking in. So, most folk can make this one. The area is noted for interesting scenery, plants and birds. There are cliffs, rock slabs, big trees, rock holes, waterfalls, shrubs and probably wildflowers (Hoveas, Jacksonias, Dodoneas and Leptospermums). We won’t be walking far, so morning tea and lunch can be left in the car.  
We may also take a short tour into the vine scrub via the access track on the south near where we park the cars (the other side of the road from the Hidden Valley).  There are some very big trees in there and it has been ages since we last visited.   
                
Level of Fitness: Our leader assures us that all levels of fitness are catered for. Just be ready for some bush bashing as there is no formal track. The more energetic members can scramble down into these gorges quite easily.
              
What to bring: Cameras, binoculars, identification books, sunscreen & insect repellent. Lots. of morning tea and lunch, chairs and picnic tables.
              
Directions: Come along Mt French Road (that starts at the Dugandan Pub) and keep climbing until you come to a grid, near the old “clearing”, and then up a rise to the meeting spot.
        
Upon Arrival: Please register in the Attendance Book and pay your $2 per person participant fee. 
           
Facilities: The closest facilities are at the car park at Mt French.
              

Clean Boots:  Give your boots/shoes a clean and disinfect before coming as the local grasstrees suffered some phytophthora die back a few years ago - and it is good practice anyway.