Kyneton mineral springs had a commercial bottling factory near this location. It only lasted for 4 or so years. Real mineral water is strongly flavoured, not like the weak stuff you can buy in the shops.

Spring rotunda.



Spring hand pump.



Unfortunately this shop was shut (it's not in Kyneton either)

Old chimney used in ore extraction.





Fungi



Small orchid

Old house with what appear to be steps leading to a below ground spa.



Close-up of steps.



Gnomes!

A mini-break way down south. The Leprena Track doesn't see much traffic nowadays.

Puddle on the Leprena track



Pushing bike around a puddle



Bigger puddles had a bypass track



The new Southport Lagoon track is routed along a series of small hills to avoid the damage done to the lower wetter areas.

These Black Cockatoos were spread around the area but all flew to this tree when we arrived.





The "dry" lagoon track

Imperial Hotel, Branxholm



Branxholm Briseis Walking Track
This newly developed track is along part of the 48Km water race from Ringarooma to Derby to the Briseis Tin Mine (hydraulic sluicing). The race construction commenced in January 1901 and was completed by March 31st 1902. It was constructed to convey water at a precise gradient of 4 feet per mile (1:1320). Three gangs of men, with approximately one hundred in each, simultaneously constructed each section over 15 months until they met. It took three weeks for the first release of water to travel the race and reach the mine at a rate of 24 million gallons daily.

This picture shows the channel the race was in. The race was constructed of wooden bottom and sides with a lighter timber roof. In cross section it was roughly square.



In order to meet the correct gradient, trestle raised sections were required in various location.



In the nearby town of Derby this tunnel was constructed in the late 1800's when three mining companies disagreed about disposal of mine tailings. One company drilled this tunnel under the other leases to wash tailings into the Cascade River. It took three years to drill.



Spider guarding it's eggs. Hard to get an idea of scale, but the egg sac is about 3/4 inch across.



Further to the east in the Blue Tiers vegetation has grown back after this area was extensively mined. This is the remains of a steam-powered stamper. It was originally housed in a large two-story building.

Some wildlife pics from a while ago. Lizard pics with an older, not so good camera.

Echidna living half-way up Mt Wellington at 750m ASL.









Wallabies take turns in crossing roads.



Emu in Melbourne Zoo

About 25 minutes from Hobart CBD.











Mould fruiting bodies