Jo-Anne Kasch, right, and Rae Rogers, owner of The Stables, are preparing for the Bicentennial National Trail anniversary trek.
By Kath Gannaway
A THREE-DAY trek in November will mark the 20th anniversary of the official opening of the Bicentennial National Trail.
The Alexandra and District Horseman’s Association (ADHA) is planning the trek from Donnelly’s Weir on the outskirts of Healesville to Gallipoli Park in Marysville.
ADHA member and trek organiser Jo-Anne Kasch of Narbethong said the trek would celebrate the trail and bring back memories for those who were at the official opening at Toolangi in November 1988 by legendary bushman R.M. Williams.
The Bicentennial National Trail is the longest marked, non-motorised multi-use trail in the world.
Its 5,330 kilometres of trails link Healesville in the south to Cooktown in the north taking walkers and riders, on horseback and bike, through some of the country’s most magnificent and challenging valleys and mountains.
Ms Kasch said the ADHA wanted people to join them to share a little of the adventure and enjoy riding a trail through history.
“The tracks will include tall mountain ash forests, deep fern-filled gullies and beautiful mountain springs,” she said, painting a picture of bush trekking at its best.
The ride is open to riders who are self-reliant with a packhorse and those who want to use a back-up vehicle.
The three-day trek will muster at The Stables near Donnelly’s Weir on Saturday, November 1.
The itinerary includes two nights of what the ADHA is promising as unique entertainment, wonderful campfires, a three day guided tour through some of Victoria’s spectacular mountain scenery and, of course, something extra to remember the experience, a commemorative cap.
For more information contact Ms Kasch on 5963 7264 or email to jkasch1@bigpond.com.
Entry for the ride closes on 21 October and participants must be members of the Australian Trail Horse Riders’ Association.
