Approx 60 min drive from Werribee to Bostock Reservoir via Ballan Road directly to Bacchus Marsh, then via the Western Freeway to Ballan. Turn left at the Geelong-Ballan Rd freeway exit and head southwards on Geelong-Ballan Rd for approx. 2.5 kms, cross the railway and at a road bend, turn right into Shaws Rd. Follow Shaws Rd (bitumen then gravel) which ends at the reservoir carpark. Toilets and tables exist here.
The track is mostly flat with some mild undulations, but some sections will involve walking between pine trees, over tree roots, dodging pinecones plus up and down a few slight embankments. The north section involves walking through two sections of reeds, grass and clover plus crossing a small stream (about 70cm wide) but it will be muddy on either side. Walking poles and/or fellow walkers could assist in this section.
Bring water, snacks, lunch, sturdy walking shoes/boots you are prepared to get muddy, raincoat, hat, insect repellent, first aid kit & snake bite bandages. Bring something to sit on as there are no seats along the way.
From the carpark, we cross the southern dam wall with an optional 250m bush bash through some denser pine forest. After viewing the (dry) spillway, we take a pleasant path through more pine trees. We follow the shoreline for about 1km before more tracks through pine and eucalypt forest to the north-west shoreline.
We work our way for about 200m between pine trees or along the sloping reservoir side until we come to a suitable crossing point. A short hike through low reeds, grass and clover reaches the opposite north side. We follow the track between pine trees and a fence line for some way before descending a gentle slope.
This section involves following an animal trail through approx. 1.25m high reeds and grass, then crossing a small stream (about 70cm wide) but it is likely to be muddy on either side. NB. Bring those walking poles. Note: If this stream proves impassable, we will turn back again but with some additional tracks for variety.
From here we walk through the grass up a gentle slope to a gap in the tree line, then follow the track around the northern shoreline as it meanders through shady pine plantation and along another fence line, passing occasional blackberry bushes. The track becomes gravellier as it goes across the northern dam wall and for the last 500m back to the carpark. Many sections will offer good views of Bostock Reservoir.
After the walk, option to stop at the mineral spring just outside the park (bring some empty bottles) plus an option to visit an open café in Ballan for some hot beverages, snacks and chats before driving home again.
