13/05/2026. Mt Allan area/Mullocky Stream to Parera. Grade 3. Combined. Leaders: Sylvie Watts and Carolyn Pridham.
On a beautiful day 43 persons, being the Trampers and the Hikers, headed into the Mt Allan Taioma area.
We all parked at the entrance to Keith Garroway’s padlocked gate car park.
From here we all walked down to have morning tea under the large viaduct, it was an early morning tea.
Once packed up we were on a journey to connect with Keith who had at all times a satellite connection with the train prior to going through the tunnel to Parera where his wonderful house is situated.
Once through the tunnel we stopped and looked at the Garroway memorial site where all their memories have been installed. It was such an awesome quiet time with the Taieri River meandering through.
Lunchtime at Keith house was find a seat, park your bum, have your cuppa and lunch while thinking how grand it is to be here surrounded with a magic quietness in a place with awesome views.
Sadly, pigs have done so much damage on the road and also around the house lawns. Many of the trampers and hikers tried to put the lawn back to as normal as possible. It was like filling in a jigsaw.
Once on the return journey out Keith said the train would be coming back and we all hoped we would see it go over the large viaduct. We were not disappointed and it was just a magic moment to wave to all the persons in the carriages.
A huge Thankyou to Keith Garroway, to my buddy Carolyn for counting heads and all those who participated in our day out.
PS. You are not allowed to be on the railway line unless you have permission!!!
It is Private Property on Garroway’s!!! Please tell your friends.
Distance: 9.9 km, Total ascent: 192 m
Total time: 4h 24m
Moving time: 2h 46m Statistics Jane
Richard Garraway, Stationmaster at Parera 1936 – 1945
Link to background information and earlier tramps and hikes in the same area.