Disappointment Reference Area

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This article does not cite any references or sources. (October 2006) Please help improve this article by adding citations to reliable sources. Unverifiable material may be challenged and removed.

The quality of this article or section may be compromised by wording which promotes the subject in a subjective manner without imparting real information. You can help Wikipedia by removing peacock terms or finding content which backs the claims.

Disappointment Reference Area is a large state forest in Central Highlands of the Australian state of Victoria, adjoining Kinglake National Park. The name originates from the disappointment of explorers Hamilton Hume and William Hovell when they could not see, as they had hoped, Port Phillip Bay and the southern Ocean's Bass Strait from the peak of this long-extinct volcano. Ironically, it is the mist of those very waters which obscured the view and on a clear day all can be clearly seen. The indigenous name for the district seems lost. Repleat with native and foreign wildlife this managed forest is now largely wilderness with limited forestry and recreational activity.

[edit] Geography

The sparkling Clonbinane Weir located in the West of the park supplies the district with reticulated water of unrivaled purity, like bottled water on tap.

There is a labyrinthine network of scenic bushwalking and trailriding tracks interconnecting the plateau and spurs and reefs.

Strath Creek Falls in the north plummets down a stone wall into a deep ravine and has good access by road for all classes of vehicle; but be prepared for an energetic walk to catch the best views. Nearby, the Aboriginal Sacred Site IRAMU a stunning vista across the ranges is also known as the Valley of a Thousand Hills is worthy of endless contemplation. Every season, cloud, or movement of the sun affords a different mood.

Treeferns crowd the creeks in the center of the park and the temperatures cool under the canopy of towering ancient gums. Lyrebirds, parrots, eagles, wallaby, echidna, wombats, kangaroo, sugargliders, possums, and numerous other species are frequently seen throughout the district so care needs to be take when driving, especially at night as most marsupials are nocturnal.

[edit] History

This park has many historical sites and the district was densely populated in the goldmining heyday of the late 19th century. During the Second World War, detention camps were built in the forest for citizens and visitors of ethnic origin; many of those interned subsequently settled freely in the district due to its charm.

There is also likely much untapped archeological treasure hidden in the forest as little is known of the aboriginal period due to the intensity of invasion by foreigners seeking easy profit.

[edit] Status

There is universal will to protect the forest heritage and protection of its assets is a major concern of the Government of Victoria, local residents and councils, the environment and business lobbies alike. There is pressure to extend the national park across the zone to preserve it better but this is controversial as it would restrict access to the amenity.