Our second activation for Sunday 19th November 2023 was the Big Tottington Nature Conservation Reserve VKFF-2047. Although the park has been activated in the past, this was the first time that Marija and I had visited Big Tottington.

The park is about 26 km southwest of St Arnaud and about 255 km northwest of the city of Melbourne.

Above:- Map showing the location of the Big Tottington NCR. Map c/o Google Maps.

On our way, we stopped briefly at the little settlement of Beazleys Bridge. It takes its name from William Beazley, a shepherd who worked on Tottington Run and lived in a hut by the bridge. (Blake 1978)

At Beazleys Bridge you can find a monument that commemorates the pioneers who settled in the district between 1850 and 1900. You can also view the memorial gates that commemorate those who served during WWI and WWII. (Monument Australia 2024)

Royal Mail Coaches once ran from St Arnaud to Stawell, stopping at Beazleys Bridge and Tottington.

Above:- Advertisement from the St Arnaud Mercury, Wed 10 Feb 1915. Image c/o Trove

One of our reasons for travelling down to this area south of St Arnaud was to visit the Tottington Woolshed and Homestead. Sadly we found that it was not open to the public and was on private property. We could just view the woolshed at a distance from the side of the road.

The brick and weatherboard homestead was also constructed during the 1840s. The woolshed of wooden construction was built in 1845. The woolshed, homestead and stone cottage are listed on the Victorian Heritage Database. (Heritage Victoria 2024)

The homestead and shearing shed were part of Tottington Station owned by Lawrence Rostron (b. 1800. d. 1877). It takes its name from Tottington in Lancashire, England. (Blake 1978)

Above:- Lawrence Rostron. Image c/o Andress Rostron Family Tree, http://www.ancestry.com.au

There is also a small cemetery on the property which is visible from the roadway.

One of the headstones is for Sarah Pritchard aged 57 years and her daughter Annie aged 21 years. In November 1892 they were driving home from a dance in a double-seater buggy and passed a burning tree that fell and crushed them both. Also killed was Frances King. (Trove 2024)

Above:- Article from The Age, Melbourne, Fri 11 Nov 1892. Image c/o Trove.

Another headstone is for 19-year-old George William Anderson who died in 1881. Anderson and his brother were driving cattle and during a thunderstorm, they sheltered underneath a tree. The cattle broke and the boys galloped after them, their horses colliding head-on, resulting in the death of George.

Above:- Article from The Argus, Melbourne, Wed 30 Mar 1881. Image c/o Trove

Feeling a little disappointed that we couldn’t get to see the homestead or the shearing shed, we headed to the Big Tottington Nature Conservation Reserve.

Big Tottington is about 1,867 hectares in size and was established on the 26th day of February 2002. (CAPAD 2022)

Above:- An aerial view showing the boundaries of the Big Tottington NCR. Image c/o Google Earth.

We ran the Yaesu FT857, 40 watts, and the 20/40/80m linked dipole for this activation.

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3UAO/p (Croajingolong National Park VKFF-0119)
2. VK3OAK
3. VK3PF
4. VK3KAI
5. VK3SQ
6. VK2BD
7. VK2EXA
8. VK3MCK
9. VK3CAT
10. VK3APC
11. VK5FANA
12. VK3ZPF/p (Budj Bim National Park VKFF-0345)
13. VK3JW/p (Budj Bim National Park VKFF-0345)

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3UAO/p (Croajingolong National Park VKFF-0119)
2. VK3OAK
3. VK3PF
4. VK3KAI
5. VK3SQ
6. VK2BD
7. VK2EXA
8. VK3MCK
9. VK3CAT
10. VK3APC
11. VK5FANA
12. VK7XX
13. VK1AO
14. VK3ZPF/p (Budj Bim National Park VKFF-0345)
15. VK3JW/p (Budj Bim National Park VKFF-0345)
16. VK2IO/m
17. VK3ZS
18. VK3DAC
19. VK4FE/3
20. VK3MCA
21. VK1DI
22. VK2YK
23. VK5GA
24. VK3SG
25. VK5NM
26. VK3APJ
27. VK2DG
28. VK7ALH
29. VK5LEX
30. VK3ZSC
31. VK7HBR
32. VK2SKI
33. VK5IS
34. VK3PI
35. VK3GRX
36. VK1CHW
37. VK3TDX
38. VK7EE

I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

1. VK7XX
2. VK7HBR
3. VK1AO
4. VK2MET
5. VK4EMP
6. VK4TI
7. VK4NH
8. VK4DXA
9. VK7ZA
10. VK7EE

We packed up and headed to Murtoa where we planned on visiting the Stick shed and activating a couple of silos.

Along the way, we stopped to have a look at the site for the old Lallat Plains School which operated from 1876 to 1980.

References.

1. ALAN MARSHALL’S…MY PEOPLE. (1955). Argus. [online] 23 Jul. Available at: https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/71669456?searchTerm=tottington%20station [Accessed 21 Feb. 2024].
2. ‌Dcceew.gov.au. (2023). Collaborative Australian Protected Areas Database (CAPAD) 2022 – DCCEEW. [online] Available at: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/land/nrs/science/capad/2022 [Accessed 21 Feb. 2024].‌
3. Leslie James Blake, 1978, Place Names of Victoria.
4. ‌monumentaustralia.org.au. (n.d.). Pioneers of Beazleys Bridge | Monument Australia. [online] Available at: https://monumentaustralia.org.au/themes/landscape/settlement/display/101105-pioneers-of-beazleys-bridge [Accessed 21 Feb. 2024].
5. ‌monumentaustralia.org.au. (n.d.). Memorial Gates | Monument Australia. [online] Available at: https://monumentaustralia.org.au/themes/conflict/multiple/display/30314-beazleys-bridge-memorial-gates [Accessed 21 Feb. 2024].‌
6. vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au. (n.d.). VHD. [online] Available at: https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/1084 [Accessed 21 Feb. 2024].‌‌

It was now Sunday 19th November 2023 and day three of our trip around Victoria. Marija and I headed down the main street of St Arnaud for some cooked breakfast and coffee.

We then visited the St Arnaud History Mosaic Wall, a large mosaic that portrays the history of St Arnaud and its community. The mosaic is the work of a local artist Sally Pritchard. The panels were completed in the St Arnaud Neighbourhood House and were transported by members of the St Arnaud Mens Shed to the wall. It took eight days for the entire mosaic to be mounted to the wall. The Wall was unveiled on the 15th day of March 2017. (St Arnaud Neighbourhood House 2024)

We then drove down to the old St Arnaud Railway Station. We were very fortunate, because as we arrived, a gentleman who is involved in the Art Gallery at the station had arrived to do some work, asked if we would like to have a look inside. It was normally closed at that time.

We then headed to our first activation for the day, the St Arnaud Regional Park VKFF-0977 and the St Arnaud silo VK-STD3.

The St Arnaud silos are located alongside the railway line between McMahon Street and Victoria Street.

The St Arnaud silos are part of the Australian Silo Art Trail. They were the 38th set of silos to be painted in Australia and are the work of Ktorney Art, aka, Kyle Torney. The images on the silo tell the story of three pioneers of St Arnaud. and are officially the 38th set of silos to be completed in Australia. (Australian Silo Art Trail 2024)

The St Arnaud Regional Park is about 957 hectares in size and consists of four township blocks within St Arnaud, along with two small cultural and historic reserves, a bushland reserve, and the Wax Garden which is 28 hectares in size. (Grampians Point 2024)

We operated from the end of Kell Road and ran the Yaesu FT857, 40 watts, and the 20/40/80m linked dipole, supported by the 7-metre heavy-duty squid pole. I used the special event callsign of VI10VKFF for this activation.

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3CEO
2. VK3UAO/p (Lind National Park VKFF-0287)
3. VK2IO/p (Micalong Swamp Flora Reserve VKFF-3067)
4. VK5FANA
5. VK3PF
6. VK3KAI
7. VK3SQ
8. VK2BD
9. VK3GJG
10. VK1CHW

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3CEO
2. VK3UAO/p (Lind National Park VKFF-0287)
3. VK2IO/p (Micalong Swamp Flora Reserve VKFF-3067)
4. VK5FANA
5. VK3PF
6. VK3KAI
7. VK3SQ
8. VK2BD
9. VK3GJG
10. VK1CHW
11. VK3AWA
12. VK2RK
13. VK2ACR
14. VK7SW

Following the activation we paid a visit to the old Francis Xavier’s boarding college run by the Sisters of Mercy at St Arnaud. The college opened in 1903 and closed in 1986. It is now a private residence. (Flickr 2024)

Our next stop was the Church of the Immaculate Conception in St Arnaud. The foundation stone was laid on the 8th day of April 1906. (Australia’s Christian Heritage 2024)

We also stopped to admire the St Arnaud Liberty Hall built in 1928.

It was then off to our next activation of the day, the Big Tottington Nature Conservation Reserve.

References.

1. denisbin (2022). St Arnaud. Francis Xavier’s boarding college run by the Sisters of Mercy opened in 1903. Closed in 1986. Now a private residence. [online] Flickr. Available at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/82134796@N03/51906457116 [Accessed 20 Feb. 2024].
2. Design, U.W. (n.d.). Immaculate Conception Catholic Church | Churches Australia. [online] http://www.churchesaustralia.org. Available at: https://www.churchesaustralia.org/list-of-churches/locations/victoria/n-s-towns/directory/22-immaculate-conception-catholic-church [Accessed 20 Feb. 2024].
3. ‌‌stanhi. (n.d.). Engage Mosaic Wall 2017. [online] Available at: https://stanhi.wixsite.com/stanhi/engage-mosaic-wall-2017 [Accessed 20 Feb. 2024].
4. ‌Point, H. (2019). St Arnaud Regional Park – Flora, Fauna, Camping & Picnic Spots Map, VIC. [online] Grampians Point. Available at: https://www.grampianspoint.com.au/attractions/st-arnaud-regional-park/ [Accessed 20 Feb. 2024].
5. ‌www.australiansiloarttrail.com. (n.d.). St Arnaud Silo Art. [online] Available at: https://www.australiansiloarttrail.com/st-arnaud [Accessed 20 Feb. 2024].‌

After packing up at Hard Hills, Marija and I decided to squeeze in another park before we headed back to the motel at St Arnaud. It was approaching dusk and there were lots of kangaroos and wallabies on the roads.

Our plan was to activate the St Arnaud H35 Bushland Reserve, however, we encountered several fallen trees on the track leading into the park and this resulted in no access to the park.

So we headed to the St Arnaud I53 Bushland Reserve VKFF-4263. The park is about 5 km east of St Arnaud and about 236 km northwest of the city of Melbourne.

Above:- Map showing the location of the St Arnaud I53 Bushland Reserve. Map c/o Google Maps.

The park is about 14 hectares in size and was established on the 24th day of August 1982. (CAPAD 2022)

Parks Victoria has a page for this park but it contains no information about the park other than a park boundary image.

Above:- An aerial view of the park with St Arnaud in the background. Image c/o Google Maps.

We accessed the park via a dirt track which led into the park running off the Wimmera Highway. We ran the Yaesu FT857, 40 watts, and the 20/40/80m linked dipole for this activation.

Above:- An aerial view of the park showing our operating spot. Image c/o Google Maps.

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK5NM
2. VK2PBC
3. VK3CA
4. VK2EXA
5. VK5FANA
6. VK3PF
7. VK3KAI
8. VK2LQ
9. VK2PCT
10. VK4NH
11. VK4DXA
12. VK2DL
13. VK2IMP
14. VK2IO/p (VK2/ SW-027)

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK5NM
2. VK2PBC
3. VK3CA
4. VK2EXA
5. VK5FANA
6. VK3PF
7. VK3KAI
8. VK2LQ
9. VK2PCT
10. VK4NH
11. VK4DXA
12. VK2DL
13. VK2IMP
14. VK3AMO
15. VK7AAE
16. VK1AO
17. VK2MET
18. VK2IO/p (VK2/ SW-027)
19. VK4EMP
20. VK4TI
21. VK2GWB
22. VK2EG
23. VK2VRJ
24. VK3ABQ
25. VK7DW
26. VK7HBR
27. VK3YV
28. VK3KAS
29. VK5TQ
30. VK4SMA
31. VK3CWF
32. VK3UAO
33. VK3GRX
34. VK3NP
35. VK3SPG
36. VK5LNX
37. VK3SO
38. VK3ANL
39. VK3GB
40. VK3ZK
41. VK2BIO/p

I worked the following stations on 80m SSB:-

1. VK3PF
2. VK3KAI
3. VK3NP
4. VK2VRJ
5. VK2IO/m
6. VK3CWF
7. VK3CA

References.

1. Dcceew.gov.au. (2023). Collaborative Australian Protected Areas Database (CAPAD) 2022 – DCCEEW. [online] Available at: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/land/nrs/science/capad/2022 [Accessed 20 Feb. 2024].‌

Our next activation for Saturday 18th November 2023 was the Hard Hills Nature Conservation Reserve VKFF-2106. The park is about 9 km northeast (by road) of St Arnaud and about 242 km northwest of the city of Melbourne.

Above:- Map showing the location of the Hard Hills NCR. Map c/o Google Maps.

After leaving the Redbank Nature Conservation Reserve, Marija and I travelled north on the Sunraysia Highway and soon reached the little town of Stuart Mill. Stuart Mill is an old gold-mining town that was gazetted in 1865. (Victorian Places 2024)

Opposite the Stuart Mill Recreation Reserve is the Stuart Mill Hall. It contains several information boards regarding those who served their country and who came from Stuart Mill.

We left Stuart Mill and drove to St Peter’s Anglican church, known as the Pebble Church. This extremely interesting Gothic-style church is registered with the Heritage Council of Victoria. It was designed by prominent Melbourne architect Leonard Terry and was built between 1869 and 1870 using stones collected from the hill opposite the church.

We then drove into St Arnaud and enjoyed a very nice evening meal at the Farmers Arms Hotel.

We then headed out to the Hard Hills Nature Conservation Reserve. The park is about 32 hectares and was established on the 24th day of August 1982. (CAPAD 2022) Parks Victoria has a page for this park but it contains no information about the park other than a boundary image. A number of vulernable plants are located in the park including Pamaderris and Daddy Longlegs Orchid. The Hard Hills Spider Orchid can also be found in the reserve. (St Arnaud Field Naturalists 2019)

Above:- An aerial view of the park with St Arnaud in the background. Image c/o Google Maps.

The park is located in the Hard Hills area which takes its name from the gold rush days when ten hills located in the area that were difficult for the fossickers to sink their holes or shafts. (Blake 1977)

We access the park via Bray Road and we set up in the southeastern corner of the park. We ran the Yaesu FT857, 40 watts, and the 20/40/80m linked dipole.

Above:- An aerial view of the Hard Hills NCR showing our operating spot. Image c/o Google Earth.

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK5LA
2. VK5KAW
3. VK3VIN
4. VK3MCA
5. VK2IO/m
6. VK1AO
7. VK2MET
8. VK3PF
9. VK3KAI
10. VK4EW
11. VK5FR/p (Poolgarra Conservation Reserve VKFF-1742)

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK5LA
2. VK5KAW
3. VK3VIN
4. VK3MCA
5. VK2IO/m
6. VK1AO
7. VK2MET
8. VK3PF
9. VK3KAI
10. VK4EW
11. VK7HBR
12. VK3MIJ
13. VK2EXA
14. VK3EJ
15. VK5DW
16. VK5FR/p (Poolgarra Conservation Reserve VKFF-1742)
17. VK2CDB
18. VK4NH
19. VK4DXA
20. VK3UAO
21. VK4SMA
22. ZL4NVW/p
23. VK3NP
24. VK5FANA
25. VK3ANL

I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

1. VK4SMA
2. F1BLL
3. IW2NXI

I worked the following stations on 80m SSB:-

1. Vk2EXA
2. Vk3PF
3. VK3KAI
4. VK3UAO
5. VK3YY
6. VK2DG
7. VK5MK
8. VK3PWG
9. VK7ID
10. VK2DG
11. ZL2STR
12. VK5ARZ
13. VK4EMP
14. VK4TI
15. VK3SPG
16. VK3AMO
17. VK1DI
18. VK2CGH
19. VK3SO
20. VK1KAZ
21. VK2DL
22. VK3YV
23. VK3CA
24. VK3KAS
25. VK2VRJ
26. VK7AAE
27. VK3HO
28. VK5NM
29. VK2MFW
30. VK5DDD
31. VK2PBC

References.

1. http://www.victorianplaces.com.au. (n.d.). Stuart Mill | Victorian Places. [online] Available at: https://www.victorianplaces.com.au/stuart-mill [Accessed 20 Feb. 2024].
2. ‌Dcceew.gov.au. (2023). Collaborative Australian Protected Areas Database (CAPAD) 2022 – DCCEEW. [online] Available at: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/land/nrs/science/capad/2022 [Accessed 20 Feb. 2024].‌
3. Hughes, A. (2019). It’s not over yet! [online] starnaudfieldnats. Available at: https://www.starnaudfieldnats.org.au/single-post/2019/11/06/its-not-over-yet [Accessed 20 Feb. 2024].‌
4. Leslie James Blake, 1977, Place Names of Victoria.‌

Some of the latest QSL cards to arrive for VK5MAZ and VK5PAS.

After leaving the Kara Kara National Park, Marija and I headed to our next park activation, the Redbank Nature Conservation Reserve VKFF-2180. The park is located about 204 km north of the city of Melbourne.

This was the first time that Marija and I had activated the park for the World Wide Flora Fauna (WWFF) program.

Above:- Map showing the location of the Redbank NCR. Map c/o Google Maps.

In 1860 gold was discovered in the area which is now known as Redbank. This resulted in about 2,000 people flooding into the Redbank district. In 1861 the town of Redbank was surveyed. The actual origin of the name is uncertain, but it possibly takes its name from a mine earthworks as there is red clay soil in the area. By 1861 the discovery of gold in other parts of Victoria resulted in a major reduction of Redbank’s population.  (Victorian Places 2024)

One of the surviving historic buildings in the district is the Shamrock and Thistle Hotel which was built in 1861. (Victorian Places 2024)

Other historic buildings in the little town include the former St Paul Anglican church that was built c. 1900.

The Redbank NCR is about 1,202 hectares in size and was established on the 26th day of February 2002. (CAPAD 2022)

The park’s northwestern boundary abuts the Kara Kara National Park.

Above: An aerial view of the park. Image c/o Google Maps.

Marija and I travelled a short distance south out of the town of Redbank along High Street and then took Boundary Road.

We ran the Yaesu FT857, 40 watts, and the 20/40/80m linked dipole for this activation.

Above:- An aerial view of the park showing our operating spot. Image c/o Google Earth.

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3BEL/p
2. VK3APJ
3. VK3PWG
4. VK3MCK
5. VK5CZ
6. VK4NH
7. VK4DXA
8. VK3PF
9. VK3KAI
10. VK5HS
11. VK3TKK/p (Clinkers Hill Bushland Reserve VKFF-4288)

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3BEL/p
2. VK3APJ
3. VK3PWG
4. VK3MCK
5. VK5CZ
6. VK4NH
7. VK4DXA
8. VK3PF
9. VK3KAI
10. VK5HS
11. VK3SQ
12. VK2BD
13. VK3CJN
14. VK3CEO
15. VK3DAC
16. VK4FE/3
17. VK2LEE
18. VK2IO/m
19. VK3ZMD
20. VK3SG
21. Vk1AO
22. VK2MET
23. VK5OUI
24. VK2EXA
25. VK3SO
26. VK3CLD
27. VK3CRG
28. VK3LOC/m
29. VK3TKK/p (Clinkers Hill Bushland Reserve VKFF-4288)
30. VK3BWS
31. VK4EW
32. VK7IAN
33. VK2HAK
34. VK2CB
35. VK3CA
36. VK3TDX
37. VK4HAT

I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

1. VK4HAT
2. VK4NH
3. VK4DXA
4. ZL1TM
5. VK4SMA
6. VK3TKK/p (Clinkers Hill Bushland Reserve VKFF-4288)
7. VK5HS
8. VK4EW
9. F1BLL

References.

1. Dcceew.gov.au. (2023). Collaborative Australian Protected Areas Database (CAPAD) 2022 – DCCEEW. [online] Available at: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/land/nrs/science/capad/2022 [Accessed 18 Feb. 2024].‌
2. http://www.victorianplaces.com.au. (n.d.). Redbank | Victorian Places. [online] Available at: https://www.victorianplaces.com.au/redbank [Accessed 18 Feb. 2024].‌

After packing up at the West of England Fire Tower summit, Marija and I headed to our next activation for Saturday 18th November 2023, the West of England Range summit VK3/ VW-013 which is located in the Kara Kara National Park VKFF-0629.

This was the first time that we had activated this summit.

Above:- Map showing the location of the West of England Range summit. Map c/o Google Maps.

We needed to travel south through the Kara Kara National Park across the West of England Range to reach the summit. It took us a little longer than we expected. The track was quite rough in parts but no challenge for the Toyota Hi-Lux 4WD.

We stopped every now and again to admire some of the beautiful wildflowers and the occasional view through the forest.

The West of England Range summit qualifies for the Summits On The Air (SOTA) program and is worth 2 points. The summit is 617 metres above sea level. It has been activated a total of 13 times. (SOTA 2024)

Above:- An aerial view of the West of England Range summit. Image c/o Google Maps.

Marija and I parked on the side of Centre Track and walked a little way to the west and found a fallen log which acted as ‘our shack’ for this activation. We ran the Yaesu FT857, 40 watts, and the 20/40/80m linked dipole.

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3PF
2. VK3KAI
3. VK2EXA
4. VK3SQ
5. VK2BD
6. VK7XX
7. VK2KYO
8. VK3APJ
9. VK3ZPF
10. VK3BBB
11. VK2CCP
12. VK3TKK/p (Castlemaine H80 Bushland Reserve VKFF-4283)
13. VK3MTT
14. VK5MK
15. VK1CHW
16. VK1AO
17. VK2MET
18. VK3SQ
19. VK3FRC
20. VK3DAC
21. VK2JES
22. VK2XD
23. VK3TDX
24. VK3SX
25. VK5CZ
26. VK3YV
27. VK3NAD
28. VK5NM
29. VK5TQ
30. VK2IO/p (SOTA VK2/ SW-034)
31. VK3TKK/p (Diamond Gully H8A Bushland Reserve VKFF-4284)

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK3PF
2. VK3KAI
3. VK2EXA
4. VK3SQ
5. VK2BD
6. VK7XX
7. VK2KYO
8. VK3APJ
9. VK3ZPF
10. VK3BBB
11. VK2CCP
12. VK3MTT
13. VK2IO/m
14. VK2DG
15. VK3CJN
16. VK3TKK/p (Castlemaine H80 Bushland Reserve VKFF-4283)
17. VK3GTV
18. VK2XD
19. VK2IO/p (SOTA VK2/ SW-034)
20. VK3GRX
21. VK3CAT
22. VK3TKK/p (Diamond Gully H8A Bushland Reserve VKFF-4284)
23. VK3SX
24. VK5HS
25. VK5VST
26. VK5NM
27. VK5TQ
28. VK5ZBR
29. VK3ZS
30. VK3SO

I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

1. VK6XN
2. VK1AO
3. VK2MET
4. VK6LMK
5. VK4MGO/p (Silo VK-MRK4)
6. VK4MUD
7. VK4SMA
8. VK4EMP
9. VK4TI
10. VK4GUE
11. KG5CIK
12. VK4FO
13. VK4EH
14. ZL1TM

References.

1. http://www.sotadata.org.uk. (n.d.). Sotadata3. [online] Available at: https://www.sotadata.org.uk/en/summit/VK3/VW-013 [Accessed 17 Feb. 2024].‌

It was now day two of our trip, Saturday 18th November 2023. We had spent a very enjoyable night in St Arnaud and it was time to get stuck into another day of activities. Marija and I headed down the main street of St Arnaud and had a magnificent cooked breakfast at The Shire Cafe which is located in the old Kara Kara Shire Hall.

Kara Kara is an aboriginal word believed to mean gold and quartz. (Victorian Places 2024) The Shire Offices which are now the cafe, were built in 1902 and served as the administration centre of the Kara Kara Shire until 1996. The Federation era building contained the council chambers, a public office and smaller offices for the Shire Secretary and President. (Aussie Towns 2024)

In January 1855 gold was discovered at a sandy knoll which was called Bakery Hill, on the northern outskirts of St Arnaud. The goldfields became known as New Bendigo. (Victorian Places 2024) 

The township of St Arnaud was surveyed in 1856 and is named after Jacques Leroy de Saint-Arnaud (b. 1798. d. 1854), a French soldier and Marshal of France. He served as French Minister of War until the Crimean War when he became Commander-in-chief of the Army of the East and fought alongside the British as the Commander-in-Chief. (Aussie Towns 2024)

Above:- Jacques Leroy de Saint Arnaud. Image c/o Wikipedia.

Below is a very informative video on the township of St Arnaud and its gold mining history.

The St Arnaud Court House was constructed during the 1870s. The courthouse is built in what is known as the Victorian Free Classical style. It originally contained a single courtroom and three adjoining rooms. In 1882-1883 new rooms for the Judge, barristers and witnesses were added, along with a jury box and retiring room. A verandah and double entry were also added to the building. (Aussie Towns 2024)

The old Crowns Lands Office is now the Visitor Information Centre. The building was completed in 1876 and at the time was described as ‘a splendid foundation of Yawong Hill granite, four rooms and a hall six feet wide.’ (Aussie Towns 2024)

Adjacent to the old Fire Station is a historic cast rin post box which was built during the 1860s. There are only 200 of these historic post boxes remaining in Victoria. (Aussie Towns 2024)

And of course St Arnaud has a Bills Horse Trough. See my previous post about these.

The Botanical Hotel is located adjacent to King Georges Park. The site on which the hotel now stands was first occupied from 1857 and consisted of a rough building in slab and bark and was known as the Jones Family Hotel and Store. It was destroyed by fire in September 1905. The current hotel was designed by William G. Kell, a prolific local architect. The hotel was initially known as the Union, but soon became known as the Botanical Hotel.

The Town Hall’s foundation stone was laid by Cr. James Stewart on the 28th day of August 1869. The formal opening was celebrated with a grand ball, including dancing until 6am the following day. (Aussie Towns 2024)

St Arnaud contains several murals, the work of St Arnaud based artist, Kyle Torney. The murals tell local stories with intricate detail. (Australian Silo Art Trail 2024)

St Arnaud is one of my favourite towns. The main street has a magnificent feel and contains numerous historic buildings from the gold rush era.

The former Bank of New South Wales building can be found in the main street. The building has Esdt 1817 above its entry doors, the year the bank was established. The building itself was built in 1873 and underwent rennovations in 1888. (Sydney Morning Herald 2024)

The London Chartered Bank was constructed in a Victorian Domestic Gothic design. It was opened on the 5th day of February 1889. At its opening a reporter from the St Arnaud Mercury newspaper described the entry doors as being ‘of plate and coloured glass with lead lights’ which are ‘very artistic.’

The Old Victoria Inn was and is noted for its original bullnosed verandah and magnificent cast iron lacework. The old Inn still has the original horse and carriage entrance with cast iron gates. (Aussie Towns 2024)

The grain store was built in 1879 by Joseph Read, an early pioneer of the district and distinguished councillor.

Scots Church was built as the local Presbyterian Church and was designed by Charles Vickers. It features an impressive bell tower and spire. In 1977 following the union of the Presbyterian, Methodist and Congregational Churches, the church became the St. Arnaud Uniting Church. (Aussie Towns 2024)

The St Arnaud Masonic Temple was constructed in 1926, however the Freemasons had been operating in St Arnaud since 1870. The St Arnaud Stewart Lodge of Freemasons was named after James Stewart, a Scotsman and prominent St Arnaud citizen. Prior to the construction of the building, meetings were held in various locations. The Masonic Temple waas constructed by A.E.H. Preece, a prominent local builder. The architecture of the building and the facade has its origins symbolism of King Solomon’s Temple. (Aussie Towns 2024)

The St Arnauds Mechanics Institute was built in 1882. (Aussie Towns 2024)

A beautiful area in St Arnaud is the Queen Mary Botanic Gardens and King Georges Park. Marija and I enjoyed a beautiful stroll around the gardens on this glorious sunny morning in St Arnaud.

Victoria’s oldest Fire station can be found in St Arnaud. It dates from 1883 and is located on the corner of Napier and Inkerman Streets. The building includes the turnock’s residence. A turncock was employed to maintain the flow of water by adjusting the valves and controlling the flow of water. The original hand pulled ladder cart can be seen inside the station. (Aussie Towns 2024)

After spending a beautiful morning in St Arnaud, Marija and I headed to our first activation of the day, the Kara Kara National Park VKFF-0629 and the West of England Fire Tower summit VK3/ VW-016.

Above:- The Kara Kara National Park. Image c/o Google Earth.

The Kara Kara National Park is about 13,990 hectares (34,600 acres) in size and was established on the 30th day of October 2002. It was original known as the St Arnaud Range National Park. The park consists of forest and open woodlands and contains about 275 species of native plants. (Parks Victoria 2024)

The Kara Kara National Park is within the St Arnaud Box-Ironbark Region Important Bird Area, which was identified by BirdLife International due to its importance for Swift parrots and other woodland birds. (BirdLife 2024)

Other birds and animals that call the park home include Barking Owls, Powerful Owls, kookaburras, Crimson Rosellas, Swift Parrots, possums, Yellow-footed Antechinus, Squirrel Gliders, Brush-tailed Phascogale and bats.  (Parks Victoria 2024)

The West of England Fire Tower summit VK3/ VW-016 qualifies for the Summits On The Air (SOTA) program. It is 525 metres above sea level and is worth 2 points in the SOTA program. It has been activated a total of 20 times. It was first activated in March 2012 by Allen VK3HRA. (SOTA 2024)

Above:- An aerial view of the West of England Fire Tower summit. Image c/o Google Maps.

As the name implies, there is a fire tower at the summit.

There is a trig point at the summit, but it is in a poor state of repair and is lying on its side.

There are some very nice views to be enjoyed from the summit.

Conveniently there is a wooden table and benches at the summit. We ran the Yaesu FT857, 40 watts, and the 20/40/80 m linked dipole, supported by the 7-metre heavy-duty telescopic squid pole.

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK5HYZ/p (Lower Glenelg National Park VKFF-0296)
2. VK3UAO
3. VK2PKT
4. VK3UH
5. VK3PF
6. VK3KAI
7. VK3ZSC
8. VK3CLD/p (Kosciuszko National Park VKFF-0269)
9. VK2IO/m
10. VK3PI
11. VK3TKK/p (Castlemaine H84 Bushland Reserve VKFF-4289)

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK5HYZ/p (Lower Glenelg National Park VKFF-0296)
2. VK3UAO
3. VK2PKT
4. VK3UH
5. VK3PF
6. VK3KAI
7. VK3ZSC
8. VK3CLD/p (Kosciuszko National Park VKFF-0269)
9. VK2IO/m
10. VK3PI
11. VK2DG
12. VK3PWG
13. VK2KYO
14. VK5HS
15. VK3MIJ
16. VK2WG
17. VK3VIN
18. VK3DAC
19. VK3HEW
20. VK3TKK/p (Castlemaine H84 Bushland Reserve VKFF-4289)
21. VK3LTA
22. VK3DCQ
23. VK5DC
24. VK3LOC/m
25. VK7XX
26. VK1RF
27. VK2MK
28. VK4CEE
29. VK3CEO
30. VK7HBR
31. VK3TDX
32. VK5DW
33. VK3SO

I worked the following stations on 20m SSB:-

1. VK4NH
2. VK4DXA
3. VK7XX
4. ZL1KB
5. ZL2EF/p

References.

1. datazone.birdlife.org. (n.d.). BirdLife Data Zone. [online] Available at: https://datazone.birdlife.org/site/factsheet/st-arnaud-box-ironbark-region-iba-australia/text [Accessed 16 Feb. 2024].
2. ‌Francis, G. (n.d.). St Arnaud, VIC. [online] Aussie Towns. Available at: https://www.aussietowns.com.au/town/st-arnaud-vic [Accessed 16 Feb. 2024].
3. The Sydney Morning Herald. (2008). St Arnaud – Places to See. [online] Available at: https://www.smh.com.au/traveller/inspiration/st-arnaud-places-to-see-20081124-6foy.html [Accessed 16 Feb. 2024].
4. ‌www.australiansiloarttrail.com. (n.d.). St Arnaud Street Art Town. [online] Available at: https://www.australiansiloarttrail.com/st-arnaud-street-art-town [Accessed 16 Feb. 2024].
5. ‌www.parks.vic.gov.au. (n.d.). Kara Kara National Park. [online] Available at: https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/kara-kara-national-park [Accessed 16 Feb. 2024].
6. ‌‌www.sotadata.org.uk. (n.d.). Sotadata3. [online] Available at: https://www.sotadata.org.uk/en/summit/VK3/VW-016 [Accessed 16 Feb. 2024].
7. ‌www.victorianplaces.com.au. (n.d.). Kara Kara Shire | Victorian Places. [online] Available at: https://www.victorianplaces.com.au/kara-kara-shire [Accessed 16 Feb. 2024].‌

Following a very nice evening meal at Farmers Arms Hotel at St Arnaud, Marija and I headed to the Association Gully Bushland Reserve VKFF-4261. This would be our last activation for Friday 17th November 2023.

Above:- Map showing the location of Association Gully Bushland Reserve. Map c/o Google Maps.

The Association Gully Bushland Reserve is about 20 hectares in size and was established on the 26th day of February 2002. (CAPAD 2022)

Above:- An aerial view of the Association Gully Bushland Reserve. Image c/o Google Earth.

Gold was once mined in this area. Unfortunately Marija and I did not strike it rich during our visit.

Above:- An 1890’s mine map showing St Arnaud and Association Gully. Image c/o State Library Victoria.

We accessed the reserve via Grierson Road which runs north off the Wimmera Highway. Several dirt tracks pass through the park.

Above:- An aerial view of the reserve with the town of St Arnaud in the background. Image c/o Google Maps.

As it was dark by the time we reached the park, Marija and I decided to operate from the 4WD for this activation. We ran the Icom IC-7000, 100 watts, and the Codan 9350 antenna with the 1.5 metre stainless steel whip.

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK1AO
2. VK2MET
3. VK3UAO
4. VK4NH
5. VK4DXA
6. VK3PF
7. VK3KAI
8. VK3APJ
9. VK2RP
10. VK2BDR

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK1AO
2. VK2MET
3. VK3UAO
4. VK4NH
5. VK4DXA
6. VK3PF
7. VK3KAI
8. VK3APJ
9. VK2RP
10. VK2BDR
11. VK3CWF
12. VK6LMK
13. VK3AN
14. VK8AA
15. VK3SG
16. VK6XN
17. VK3SO
18. VK5FANA
19. VK5WWW
20. VK4HMI
21. VK5JDS
22. VK5HAA
23. VK3FSK
24. VK3SH
25. VK3STU
26. VK3NIK
27. VK7WUU
28. VK5DAD/m
29. VK5HS
30. VK2LQ
31. VK3CEO
32. VK3KMA
33. VK2FNEL
34. VK4BU
35. VK2DHN
36. VK4SMA
37. VK3MVK
38. KG8P
39. VK5DDD
40. VK1CHW
41. VK4FKRM
42. VK2BPL
43. VK1RF
44. VK2MK
45. VK4CEE
46. VK2JF
47. VK3ZK

References.

1. Dcceew.gov.au. (2023). Collaborative Australian Protected Areas Database (CAPAD) 2022 – DCCEEW. [online] Available at: https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/land/nrs/science/capad/2022.‌

Our final silo activation for Friday 17th November 2023 was the Marnoo silo VK-MRO3. Marno is located about 281 km northwest of the city of Melbourne.

Above:- Map showing the location of Marnoo in Victoria. Map c/o Google Maps.

It is believed that Marnoo is an aboriginal word meaning finger or hand. (Victorian Places 2024)

The first European settler to be credited as living at Marnoo and giving Marnoo its name is Martin Shanahan. Shanahan was born in Ireland in c. 1820. He emigrated to Australia. He worked as a shepherd for a squatter in the Western District of Victoria. The squatter could not pay Shanahan his wages so he offered him 1,000 breeding ewes in place of the money. Shanahan accepted the offer and he drove the mob of sheep into the Wimmera, following the Richardson River until he located suitable grazing land at the junction of the Wallaroo Creek and the Richardson River. The ewes commenced to lamb and as a result, Shanahan was forced to squat in the area. The Marno pastoral run comprising 34,650 acres was taken up in July 1845 by Martin Shanahan. In 1846 Shanahan was married in Melbourne to Judith Pound. Following his marriage he returned to Marnoo. Shanahan is recorded in the 1849 Squatters Directory as having 6,000 sheep on the property. The Marnoo homestead was located near the Richardson River and the Wallaroo Creek junction. Martin Shanahan died in June 1882 and is buried at the St Arnaud cemetery. In honour of Shanahan, you can find Shanahan Park in Park Road, Marnoo. (Port Philip 2024) (Victorian Places 2024)

Above:- Article from The Argus, Melbourne, Wed 14 Jun 1882. Image c/o Trove.

By 1873 the land in the Marnoo district became available for farm selections. Many of the settlers were Presbyterian. The first public public building constructed in 1875 was used for Presbyterian services and as a school. Prior to the extension of the railway line in 1909 from Rupanyup to Marnoo in 1909 there were very few buildings in the town. However following the arrival of the railway, Marnoo grew and had two general stores, a coffee palace and a public hall. The first store a Marnoo was established in 1909 by Coulton’s of Rupanyup. The Marnoo Hotel was built c. 1910 and was initially used as a Coffee Palace. A wine license was later issued and eventually a hotel license. The hotel burnt down on the 16th day of February 1957. In 1959 a new hotel was built and opened. In 1911 Marnoo’s population was 360 people. The Marnoo Police Station was opened on the 10th day of April 1927 with the first five Constables appointed being mounted police. (Victorian Places 2024)

Marnoo contains a ‘Bills Horse trough’. For more information on these please have a look at my previous post regarding the Werrimul Bushland Reserve.

In the main street of Marnoo, you can find a monument celebrating the centenary (1873-1973) of settlement in the Marnoo district.

The Marnoo silos are located between the Wimmera Highway and Station Street, near the old Marnoo railway station. The railway line closed in 1983. The Marnoo silos were built in 1941. The silos are listed on the Victorian Heritage Database. (Victorian Places 2024) (Vic Heritage Database 2024)

Marija and I parked on the Wimmera Highway and operated from the 4WD for this activation. We ran the Icom IC-7000, 100 watts, and the Codan 9350 antenna with the 1.5-metre stainless steel whip.

Above:- the activation zone at the Marnoo silo. Image c/o SiOTA website.

Marija worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK2IO/p (Trinkey State Conservation Area VKFF-1382)
2. VK3PF
3. VK5HS

I worked the following stations on 40m SSB:-

1. VK2IO/p (Trinkey State Conservation Area VKFF-1382)
2. VK3PF
3. VK5HS
4. VK5FANA
5. VK5FTOM
6. VK1AO
7. VK2MET
8. VK3UZI
9. VK3BPH
10. VK5MSA
11. VK5WF

We then headed off to St Arnaud where we booked into our accommodation, the Motel St Arnaud.

References.

1. Portphillipdistrict.info. (2024). Available at: https://www.portphillipdistrict.info/1849_Directory_17.htm [Accessed 16 Feb. 2024].
2. ‌vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au. (n.d.). VHD. [online] Available at: https://vhd.heritagecouncil.vic.gov.au/places/108178 [Accessed 16 Feb. 2024].
3. ‌www.victorianplaces.com.au. (n.d.). Marnoo | Victorian Places. [online] Available at: https://www.victorianplaces.com.au/marnoo [Accessed 15 Feb. 2024].‌