200+ hikers flow though Gooseneck & Brady Swamps as part of Grampians Serra Terror trek
The view toward Mt Abrupt at the start of day 1
Over the June long weekend, a couple of us NGT’ers took the challenge of tackling the Grampians Serra Terror trek which raises funds for the Dunkeld community. 80km of walking through peaks and flats of the Southern Grampians across two days made for amazing views, access to some great country and team bonding over blister treatments, food strategies and shared aches and pains.
What made this year’s edition particularly special was the route, which after a first day starting with Mt Abrupt (as abrupt as ever), on day 2 then wound past the recent earthworks at Gooseneck Swamp and along the edge of Brady Swamp. It was a great moment to look out and see a line of walkers snake their way across the dry bed of Gooseneck, which in a month or two should start receiving water.
The route was designed by local landholder Doug Craig who has been instrumental in both the Gooseneck and Brady Swamp restorations. Hopefully the pain will have faded by the time we next see him, and a polite conversation can be had!
Congrats to Dunkeld for the amazing show of community spirit, and making all of us neighbours feel welcome.
Cheers,
Jonathan
Hikers cross Gooseneck Swamp
Weary walkers, but at least the swamp was dry!
[hr]
