Groupe Romand du Victoria

With the end of winter and the arrival of spring, we all head off to the mountain country East of Melbourne with the hope of finding some snow. For as long as anyone can remember, we have met at the top of Mount Donna Buang (aboriginal name meaning 'sleeping giant'), the highest peak of the mountain ranges bordering the Yarra Valley and towering over Warburton, a picturesque little holiday resort nestling between the river and the mountains. The summit can be reached by a sealed road and, in most years, it is possible to drive to the top. However, if there is still some snow cover, cars may have to be left about 500 m. from the top and wheel chains may need to be carried.

On the way up or down, we recommend a stop at the Cement Creek turntable where the National Park people have built a forest gallery, which takes you on a short walk through some beautiful stands of temperate rainforest trees. Once at the summit, you should also climb the 21m high observation tower, from which, on clear days, a spectacular 360° view of the surrounding country can be had, as far as Mount Buller to the North-East, Western Port Bay to the South and Melbourne CBD to the West.

At the summit, there are composting toilets and a fairly large and enclosed picnic shelter, which we use as our dining area. Even on cold days and once we have got the fire going, with the flags of the Swiss cantons strung across the room and some Swiss music playing in the background, it is quite a congenial place to meet old friends and make new ones. There is also a toboggan slope, which is opened in the years when there is sufficient snow cover, otherwise there is a large playing area around the picnic shelter. So do not hesitate to bring your children along.

For the registration fee, participants get a glass (or two) of wine with the appetiser, one serve of 'cheese fondue, chocolate truffles, coffee or tea. We also supply cordial for the children. However, all other drinks must be brought along.

For 2010, details of this function are as follows :

where	Mount Donna Buang (Melway 612:S2)
when	Sunday 05/09/2010 from 11:30am
cost	members : $20.00 * non-members : $25.00 children (6-12) : $7.00 (members) /$10.00 (non-members)
what to bring	spirit burner, 'caquelon', set of forks, table, chairs; snowchains and toboggan if there is snow; some fire wood to stoke the homely fire which we maintain in the pot-bellied stove in the centre of the picnic shelter.
booking	This is essential and should reach us by Sunday 29/08/2010. For this, either ring Marianne Puccinelli on 95619595 (h)/0412443303 (m), or email your details to Marianne
payment	Send your cheque/money order, made payable to Groupe Romand du Victoria, to George Sand, PO Box 190, Chadstone Centre/Vic 3148 or you can also pay on the day.

To read more on some of our previous winter outings, click here

This information is correct as at 17/08/2010