Walking in Blackhill Reserve, near Kyneton, Victoria

Kyneton is situated in the Macedon Ranges, not far from Melbourne and I have enjoyed several holidays there. I've visited many of the interesting sites in the town, including the old Bakery, and the lovely old bluestone churches, schools and other buildings. However, it was only recently that some friends and I discovered Blackhill Reserve. What a surprise it was! Nestled among farms in the hills, it is not far to drive, but it opens up a different world altogether.

We found that there are two entrances: the main one at the front where picnic tables and information hoardings welcome visitors, and one on the eastern side, where there is a small notice-board, as shown in the photo. On my map it seemed to me as if that was the way to approach it, so we actually entered through the 'back door' after driving along narrow, dusty unmade roads. We later discovered that the approach to the main entrance is easier to find and has more space for parking.

The route we chose was fine as it made the Reserve seem more remote and mysterious. As we parked the car, we looked across to see sheep grazing peacefully in the shadows and in the far distance kangaroos nibbled the grass or hopped lazily from one patch of grass to another.

The dirt track wound between tall gumtrees, giving a varied vista of farms, blue dams and somnolent sheep. Then we noticed huge, moss-covered boulders towering above us. Some were perched very precariously, while others seemed to be emerging from the earth as if they were eggs about to hatch.

The way was quite long and sometimes steep and rocky. It seemed eerie and mysterious, reminding us of Ned Kelly country. One of us trod on a dry twig and in the stillness it sounded as loud as a gunshot. Then in the distance we heard subdued voices gradually growing closer. We wondered if we should try and take cover, but they surely would have heard us blundering over the crackling twigs that littered the ground. Then we rounded a boulder and there were walkers, just like us, coming from the opposite direction. The spell was broken. Soon they were followed by a jogging enthusiast who, as he passed down the track, hot and sweaty, panted a breathless, "Good day." And we had thought we had the whole world out here to ourselves! We reached a sign that announced 'The Monolith', and decided that must have been the biggest boulder.

Eventually our legs grew tired and sat on some smaller rocks to share our refreshment before turning back. On the way down the hill we spotted various wildflowers: Billy Buttons and Eggs-and-Bacon and thought that in Spring there might even be Nodding Greenhoods and other tiny ground orchids. Back at the car, we followed the map more carefully this time and actually found the main entrance, but we thought that the route we had chosen had been more interesting and full of small, delightful discoveries. If ever you find yourself in Kyneton, do visit the unspoiled bushland of Blackhill Reserve.