On Mount Juliet at Sunrise
Published in Healesville and Yarra Glen Guardian, Saturday 19th January 1935, page 1
By W. N.
A Feast of Color and Panoramic Views
Away back in the early ‘eighties a party of tourists, with guide, assembled one summer afternoon at the Watt’s Bridge hotel, Fernshaw. They were equipped with light camping outfit. The inevitable “flask,” in case of “snake bite,” was included. Their desire was to reach the top of Mount Juliet before dusk, anticipating a glorious sunrise on the morrow. Moving off, a number of less venturesome souls farewell them in true bush fashion. Crossing the Watt’s bridge, they were soon lost to view.
Turning off to the left of the road before coming to Mr. Leeder’s old home at Maytown, a mile from Fernshaw, they entered upon a buggy track which led up to the home of the forest ranger, Mr. Hook, not far distant from the foot of the mount. Having had a refreshing cup of tea with this fine old family, they started off in high spirits on their long and arduous journey. As each spur was climbed beautiful bush glades became unfolded. Pausing now and again for a breather, they were charmed by the stillness of nature in their eyrie surroundings. Two-thirds of the way up they rested at an icy cold spring which flowed from beneath the roots of a large tree, Not seeing a snake so far, a portion of the antidote was broken down with some clear, sparkling water, which gave them more courage to negotiate the steepest pinch ahead.
On reaching the top a cairn (erected by the surveyors when the track up the mount was first surveyed) was left till the morning to climb. As darkness was setting in a snack and a few whiffs of the briar were enjoyed. Rugs were then unrolled, and sleep came quickly.
Awaking at sunrise in a rarefied air 3650 feet up, a most beautiful scenic setting from the top of the cairn was encountered. To watch the sun’s rays playing on the top of Mt. Monda and surrounding peaks was a revelation. It was fairyland in its true significance. One moment a beautiful amber shade, and the next a deep purple. To say they were spellbound is putting it mildly. During the midst of the display they seemed to be in a world of their own.
The morning was bright and clear, with no haze to mar the vision. At this stage everything assumed a cycloramic aspect. Away to the south Melbourne, the shipping in the bay, the You Yangs, Mount Macedon and other distant features were easily recognised, while a fine view of the country near at hand—the Acheron and the ranges and valleys on all sides—were noted. Looking on the mounts of Monda and St. Leonard’s was just a beautiful stereoscopic picture. It left them indelibly impressed.
Descending, a halt was made at the spring. Banishing all thoughts of reptiles existing in this glorious Eden, they finished the potion. It took the chill out of the water, proving its efficacy in counteracting another danger.
On reaching the hotel they received quite an ovation, and spent many happy moments relating their most charming and romantic adventure.
