The open nature of forests in northern Victoria and the southern Riverina afford some good bushwalking opportunities. It is best to avoid summer when maximum temperatures can exceed 40 degrees C. The box-ironbark country around Bendigo (see photo) is at its best during the Spring when wattles and wildflowers are in bloom.
Bushwalking Links
Bushwalking in North-eastern Victoria
Bushwalking
in
Northern Victoria and Southern NSW
Great bushwalks in the Murray Valley...
1. Terrick Terrick National Park (full day, 15km)
Terrick Terrick National Park is about an hour to the west of Echuca. There is a short walking track from the picnic ground to the top of Terrick Terrick (Mitiamo Rock). Due to the park-like nature of the vegetation, a cross-country circuit of this Park can be walked in the late Spring, when the everlasting daisies are at their peak and before the hot weather of summer sets in. A circuit walk could take in native wells and the summits of the two main peaks. Great views of the flat surrounding countryside can be obtained from the granitic outcrops. A map is included in the leaflet available from the pamphlet box at the main entrance to the Park but you should purchase a 1:50,000 topographic map in advance. Camping is permitted in the picnic ground at the base of Mt. Terrick Terrick. Good birding opportunities abound.Day walk (15km): start at the base of Mt Terrick Terrick (Mitiamo Rock), climb the rock and then walk in a north-easterly direction; change direction west and cross the north-south road which runs through the park. Then follow Rogers Track and Allan Track back to the starting point.
2. Port of Echuca and Victoria Park Bushland (half day)
A half-day walk from Echuca's Port area through Victoria Park bushland and back alongside the Murray River is always interesting. There are some interesting billabongs and the fenced Murray Pines Sandhill area to explore. Red gums line the Murray, Black Box predominates on the clay flats and Murray Pine is the dominant tree of the sandhills. The shrub with fine leaves which grows along the river banks is Cherry Ballart (Exocarpus) and it is semi-parasitic on the eucalypts. Silver Wattle is common on the sandhill and Golddust Wattle is scattered over the clay flats. Much of the grass is native. Obtain a map of Victoria Park from the Visitor Information Centre so that you can explore this area without getting lost. The walk could start and end at the Port of Echuca. You may prefer to jog or ride a bicycle around the "Scenic Drive".Another interesting short walk is to follow the Campaspe River downstream from near Echuca Cemetery to its confluence with the Murray. When the rivers are low, the remains of an old weir may be seen in the Campaspe. Darters and other waterbirds are frequent visitors to this section of river. The track continues to Wharparilla Drive but you may prefer to retrace your steps back to your starting point.
3. Echuca Regional Park (day, 13km)
Echuca Regional Park is a good location for a 13km or 14km day walk.Kiln Loop Track runs alongside the Murray from just north of Cape Horn Vineyard to Galaway Track, which meets Stewarts Bridge (Echuca-Nathalia) Road near the 12km peg on Stewarts Bridge Road; it can be followed by motorists and bush walkers and gives access to many good camping sites.
Here are some track notes on a one-way 15km walk in the park. Prior permission from the owners of Cape Horn Vineyard is necessary if you are start or finish the walk on their property. There is a caravan park 11.34km from Stewarts Bridge.
Drive from Echuca via Bangerang Road and, where the bitumen ends, turn left onto Stewarts Bridge (Echuca-Nathalia) Road. If prior permission has been obtained from the vineyard owners, leave some cars at Cape Horn Vineyard. Otherwise, leave cars on public land alongside cape Horn Track. All walkers need to be conveyed four per vehicle toward Barmah. Shortly beyond 12km from Stewarts Bridge, take a dirt track to the right for a few hundred metres and leave remaining cars out of sight from the road.
0km. Walk back along this track or overland to Stewarts Bridge Road, cross this road and cut across to Kiln Track.
1.4km Turnoff to Galaway Track. You can take a minor left track and then walk cross country to the north-west (using a compass) until the riverside Kiln Loop Track is reached
If you keep to Galaway Track rather than walking overland, turn left onto Kiln Loop Track (3km)
4.5km Tree with cross
5.8km Clearing and camp area
6.7km Red Gum; maze of tracks; the minor tracks lead to the Murray River,
7.6km Trees with large white painted circles; ignore Kalkunda Track and remain on Kiln Loop Track
8.2km 1744 sign on tree
8.8km Track to river with cliff bank across river.
9.8km Another track goes to the right
12.3km Echuca-Nathalia Road ~ walk parallel to river 13km Shackells Folly Bridge ~ If the creek is dry, to save time and distance, cross the creek prior to the bridge and follow Cape Horn Track back to Cape Horn Vineyard.
15km Cape Horn Vineyard ~ enter through riverside gate
15.4km Afternoon tea/coffee/wine; some cars need to return drivers to cars parked in forest near the 12km post.Topographic maps: Barmah 2825-1-11:25,000 and Moama 7825-1-4 !:25,000 (VicMap). Note: do not purchase the NSW version of the Moama map (unless there is a later version to mine) because it only details the NSW side of the Murray River ~ VicMap's Moama map covers both sidfes of the border.
Echuca Regional Park: good venue for a day or half-day walk
4 Gulpa Island (full day, 16km)
The nearby Barmah/Moira/Gulpa Island forest offers flat bushwalks on flat country. Most of the trees of this swampy area are River Red Gum or box. The best bushwalking area of the forest is probably Gulpa Island. Obtain local maps and survey the area by vehicle to plan a walk. I have led a 16km walk from Cranes Bridge near Mathoura following seldom-used forest tracks to the Edwards River bridge (Millewa Forest Road also known as Tocumwal Road) but a car shuffle is needed; if you do this walk, stop off at the bird hide on the way back to Mathoura. Alternatively, walk from Cranes Bridge to Langmans Sandhill, avoiding the Gulpa Creek Road and using seldom-used winding tracks. Again, a car shuttle is required.5. Gulpa Creek Forest Walks Mathoura (3km each way)
On the northern edge of Mathoura, Cranes Bridge across Gulpa Creek is at the northern end of a well sign-posted system of short walking tracks alongside Gulpa Creek. The walk (number 2, 3) is clearly signposted, with access from the Cobb Highway north of the town (Cranes Bridge) or from the Picnic Point Road. There is also a short circuit walk (no 1 walk) off the Picnic Point Road in Mathoura.
Murray Valley Trail
Planning is well under way for a 1,800km trail linking a network of tracks across the Murray Valley. One section, which will stretch along the Murray River, was launched in Mathoura in early February 2007 and aims to link a number of existing trails. It is expected that a track will link the Reed Beds Bird Hide to both tracks along Gulpa Creek and tracks along the Murray River. Email the planners for more information.6 Barmah (half day)
"The Lakes Circuit" is a half-day walk that can be started, and ended, at the Dahnya Information Centre, Sandridge Road, or at the Barmah Lake Camping Ground. The track was improved and gravel applied to it in July 1997. It is possible to do full-day walks in the Barmah Forest but you should drive about the area first and study maps before setting out. Much of forest may be hard to negotiate when runners and swamps contain water.
7 Moira Forest (full day, 15km)
Forestry NSW has a great Forest Drive which leaves the Cobb Highway (a large sign has been erected) and follows Coolamon Road and Porters Creek Road to the Murray. The drive is then along a stretch of the Murray that has no banks (because the river is only a few thousand years old) back to Poverty Point Road. Alternatively continue on Narrows Road through Tarragon Lodge to the sealed Picnic Point Road.
A triangle makes a great bush walk starting and ending at Poverty Point Picnic Ground or at Kings Log Landing, but
- take a track on the north side of Warwick Creek and parallel to Poverty Point Road to avoid the dust from passing traffic;
- Cross Warwick Creek and follow Plains Road from Poverty Point Road to Porters Creek Road; and
- take the rarely-used Kings Landing Track from Porters Creek Road to Kings Log Landing to avoid traffic and to shorten the distance. Kings Log landing is a good camping spot but there are no facilities other than a table and fireplace. Follow the Murray back to the starting place.
From a barrier which prevents traffic from continuing south along Narrows Road, it is possible to walk south along the Murray to Moira Lake. At the end of the road, a narrow track through reeds away from the river reveals a great view of Moira Lake. If ever an old bridge over Moira Creek is replaced, it will be possible to walk all the way to Barmah Town.
8. Whipstick Forest: Old Tom's Circuit (half day; 6.3km)
The Whipstick and Kamarooka Forest are located north of Bendigo and west of Elmore and now form part of the Greater Bendigo National Park.
Old Tom's Circuit starts from Shadbolt's Picnic Ground at the base of Whipstick (or Flagstaff) Hill (alongside Neilborough Road) and which leads to Old Tom's Mine, is usually sensational in the spring, when colourful wildflowers (e.g. Baeckia) blanket the ground. For those interested in wildflowers, this walk is comparable to what Western Australia has to offer. Those interested in orchids should not be disappointed. But avoid this area in the heat of summer and in autumn when the March flies may be irritating.
9. Kamarooka Forest (full day, 15-21km)
Mulga Dam is shown on most maps of Kamarooka Forest. It is a good starting point for a walk but there are no facilities there apart from a picnic table. 21km may be a bit too long for most, so it may be better to cut off about 5km and start the walk where it crosses Campbell Road (near some old distillery dams). The walking track is marked with posts, which can be followed in a southerly direction to Black Rock Flat. There are some old tracks winding off from the trail: be sure to explore the rocks near the end of the trail. As some vital posts are missing, especially where the walking track follows roads for short distances, it is worth using a good topo map and using a vehicle before setting out to check those sections which follow roads. A car shuttle is required.
Kamarooka Forest (K Stockwell)10. Mt Sugarloaf Nature Conservation Reserve
The relatively open forests of nearby Wellsford Forest and forests on the western side of Lake Eppalock are suitable for cross-country walking. Some of Wellsford Forest is now part of Bendigo Regional Park. The most scenic and diverse section of this forest is to the east, the Mt Sugarloaf NCR. It can be incorporated into a day or half-day walk.11 Mt Ida, Heathcote-Graytown National Park (full day)
Near Heathcote, an hour south of Echuca, is Mt Ida, now part of the Heathcote-Graytown National Park. It is a good idea to obtain maps of this area and to plan a circuit taking in the former Mt Ida Flora Reserve and the Dargile Ironbark Forest to the east (both have been incorporated into the new National Park). The Whroo area is also popular with bush walkers but much of the ground is uneven as a result of gold mining.12 Pine Falls-Wenhams, Warby Range State Park
The Warby Range is a few hours drive to the east but there are some great walks there. There is a great walking circuit which starts from the Pine Falls Picnic Ground (off Thoona Road). A pamphlet is usually available from a box near the start of the walk. This area is best visited in spring. It is hot and dry in summer and by autumn the waterfalls have dried up. The V.N.P.A. is but one bushwalking group to offer walks in the Warbys. I have taken groups from the nature circuit to Wenhams camp ground via Black Springs. As this is a one-way 17km walk, car shuttle is involved. The Friends Circuit, which starts and ends at Wenhams, is a sensational walk, especially in spring.13 Killawarra Forest, Warby Range State Park
Another great walking spot is the Killawarra Forest, north of the Warbys and recently incorporated into the park. A walk could include the wildflower circuit which commences and ends at "Old Camp" picnic area in the heart of this magnificent ironbark forest. Spring is the best time of year to walk in this forest.14 O'Keeffe Rail Trail
The course of a dismantled railway can be followed from Axedale west to the outskirts of Bendigo. Walkers will need a car shuttle. En route, it is worth spending some time exploring the Bendigo Field Naturalist Club's reserve. Cyclists should be able to complete much of the trail and return in a day. Before setting out, collect a map and brochure from the Bendigo Tourist Information Centre.15 Bendigo Bushland Trail
A trail links Bendigo to its surrounding bushland. Blue and gold signposts depicting an Echidna mark the route. Part of the trail is in urban areas. Collect a map and brochure from the Bendigo Tourist Information Centre.16 Mt Alexander
There are some short walking tracks on Mt Alexander. Use a topo map to help plan a walk around the mountain.
17 Great Dividing Trail
The Great Dividing Trail is a community-developed 260km public walking trail following the top of the Great Dividing Range from Bacchus Marsh to Bendigo, allowing walkers to enjoy central Victoria's unique combination of gold rush heritage and bushland. Created by a community-owned organisation, the Great Dividing Trail Association (GDTA), the Trail links the old gold rush towns at the heart of Victoria, as well as the forests, hills and lakes, straddling the Great Dividing Range. The Trail's spokes include four major tracks, each of which can be completed in a day or less. The walking tracks in the vicinity of Daylesford and Hepburn Springs are particularly good.
18 Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Forest
Armed with good topographic maps, it is possible to undertake discovery walks in parts of the Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Forest. Avoid summer when it is likely to be hot. Parts of forest may be flooded from late winter to early summer. Access may be difficult during or following rain. Avoid wetland areas. The end of the forest closest to Echuca-Moama is slightly higher and less prone to flooding. Box Trees grow on slightly higher ground; native Callitris Pine is the dominant tree on sand hills. These areas tend to be more open, allowing cross country walking using a compass. Natural silt jetties alongside Gunbower Creek and the Murray are slightly higher than land away from them. Gunbower Island affords good bush walking possibilities. The Kate Malone Bend area of Perricoota Forest is particularly good, with sections of relatively undisturbed forest and secluded sandy riverside beaches. Note: locked gates prevent walkers from crossing Torrumbarry Weir between Perricoota Forest and the Torrumbarry kiosk/camping area.
Murray River, Gunbower Island (K Stockwell)19 Kanyapella Forest
Off the radar with walkers because it is not well known, Kanyapella Forest may be a suitable location for cross country walking. Much of the forest is of an open nature and it is possible to skirt around most wetlands. There are some channels and creeks which may prove to be obstacles when they contain water. A good topographic map is recommended. Large old trees line old roads whilst young Box trees are sprouting on areas which have been cleared in the past (see photo). Avoid the area during and following heavy rain or flooding.
Grassy Box Woodland, Kanyapella Reserve (K Stockwell)Designated walking tracks may besignposted and dilapidated picnic tables repaired, and a brochure distributed, sometime this year or next so that the public might enjoy this forest in increasing numbers.
It is possible to complete circuit walks using existing vehicular tracks. Cross country (compass bearing) walks are possible in places. When planning a day walk in the forest, it is best to cross the main drainage channel via Mitchell Road bridge or via a regulator near the end of Castle Road.
Here is a circuit walk. Drive from Echuca via Ogilvie Avenue and Mitchell Road and, shortly after the bitumen ends, at a large Kanyapella Sign, turn left into Tehan Road and immediately turn left along a dirt track. Leave some cars alongside this track at the edge of a grassy woodland where a fence separates them from Mitchell Road.
O km Park cars and follow the track to the raised Levee and walk along the levee toward the east
1.6km Turn left off the levee once a track alongside the main drain is reached.
2.1km Turn right at Mitchell Road and cross the drain (Warrigul Creek)
2.3km Turn right onto dirt track (take left fork)
4.1km Veer left
4.6km Once Warragul Track/Castle Track junction is reached head due east (off track, using a compass) (wetland).
6.3km Right at Murphy Road (head south along the eastern boundary of the reserve)
7km Right at Scott Road and immediately turn left and follow Kanyapella Track
10km Left at Scott Track and follow it along old fence line.
13km Follow the main drain back to Mitchell Road and then back to the cars (15km)
OR, if the drain is dry, cross the drain and take Levee 4 back to Tehan Road and the cars (15km)
OR walk alongside the main drain away from Mitchell Road and cross it on a regulator wall ~ return on the other side of the drain, taking Levee 4 back to the cars (17km).
End of Section Two
Northern Victoria and Southern Riverina Conservation and Environment Site
Section 1: Conservation News Section 5: Photo Gallery Section 2: Bushwalking Section 6: Bushland Reserves Section 3: Birding Section 7: Animals Section 4: Local Plants Section 8: Conservation Links Bonus: Short bush stories
