Great Day Trips

 

Gunbower
Gunbower is best known as the gateway to the largest inland island in Australia.
Gunbower Island is more then 50km in length, stretching from Koondrook in the west to Torrumbarry Weir in the east.  Kangaroos, possums, emus and goanna abound the island, sharing space with 160 species of birds. Gunbower State Forest is home to magnificent river redgum and box forests. Gunbower is a haven for those who enjoy camping, fishing, boating, bushwalking and bird-watching.

 

Torrumbarry
Torrumbarry is a peaceful oasis set between Echuca and Gunbower. It is also a place of great significance and with a tremendous history. The completion of the new weir in 1996 saw the establishment of an interpretive centre. Stop by and discover who threw the tomato which caused a strike during the building of the new weir, who was Miss Torrumbarry Lock in 1954, and how fish climb ladders. The original trestle weir and lock chamber is now heritage-listed. Torrumbarry is a popular spot for fishing and camping, as well as water-skiing.

 

Lockington
Lockington is situated 30 minutes drive south-west of Echuca. Named in 1836 for Alexander the Great’s favourite concubine, the vibrant, small town is surrounded by irrigated farming country. The thriving dairy area is known for its beautifully landscaped channels.

Take a walk through the channel network in the middle of town and be sure to look out for the ‘Lock Ness’ yabby, a giant yabby which can be pulled up from the depths of a channel. Take a trip down memory lane at the Lockington and District Living Heritage Complex, a local history museum which is home to sculpture of Lockington’s favourite son and shearing champion, the late Kevin Sarre. For a tour phone (03) 5488 2215.

 

Tongala
The agricultural township of Tongala boasts having the best milkshakes in Australia. Tongala’s flagship is the dairy industry, as one of the world’s most productive areas, and home to the Golden Cow Dairy Centre. At the Golden Cow, visitors can witness milking demonstrations and cuddle a calf. As you wander around the town, be sure to take a look at wall murals located throughout the town’s centre and outside the Nestlé factory. Take a pleasant stroll and discover the Adventure of Honour. Just 15 minutes from Echuca, the dairy country surrounding Tongala is pretty as a picture and well worth a visit.

 

Rochester
The enchanting town of Rochester is home to a number of attractions and was the birthplace of one of Australia’s greatest cycling heroes, Sir Hubert ‘Oppy’ Opperman. A statue of the late cyclist and politician has pride of place in the town. A museum dedicated to Oppy is often the finishing point of cycling races. Take a walk through history on one of the many walking tracks Rochester has to offer, including the Historical Plaque Trail and Cemetery Walk, or pack a picnic and enjoy the Campaspe River.

 

Kyabram
The growing rural town of Kyabram is a major producer of fruit, and dairy products and is situated just 25 minutes from Echuca. The town’s star attraction is the Kyabram Fauna Park, which is world-renowned for its breeding and conservation of native Australian animals, birds and reptiles who call the park home. A café, playground, barbecues and a tourist information centre make the park a relaxed place to visit. For an evening out, the Kyabram Club offers fine dining, as well as some great local and nationally recognized entertainers.

 

Rushworth
“Gold & Ironbark” town Rushworth is nestled amid the world’s largest Box Ironbark forest, and boasts an authentic National Trust classified heritage streetscape. This unique district is a showcase of Victoria’s early gold rush and timber industry history. The historic Whroo township, now deserted, was once a thriving village that developed around the base of Victoria’s largest open-cut gold mine at Balaclava Hill.
Waranga Basin is a mecca for water sports, fishing & recreation with caravan, camping, and boat ramp facilities available. The “liquid gold – Shiraz” is produced from grapes grown on ancient Cambrian soils along the Colbinabbin Range where cellar doors are rapidly emerging.
Try a spot of wine tasting and savor the flavour of this emerging wine region.

 

Girgarre
The small township of Girgarre recently established the Girgarre Community Farmers Market, held on the 2nd Sunday morning of the month. Like a traditional Farmers Market, the Girgarre Market provides a variety of seasonal produce, home made and locally grown products from the region.
The Girgarre Community welcomes visitors to enjoy the variety of local fruit, vegetables and gourmet produce on offer. Produce includes gourmet biscuits, local cheeses, country style bread from the local bakery, home made sauces, pickles and a wide variety of plants.

Cadell Fault
The Cadell Fault is a ridge running from Echuca to Deniliquin, close to Barmah and Mathoura. It was formed when the land was thrust upwards by earthquakes, tens of thousands or years ago.

This uplifted section of land diverted the Murray River’s western flow, with the new western wall of earth holding back water in flood times, to create the new flood plains and a complex system of lakes and creeks, including the Moira and Barmah lakes.

The Cobb Highway runs along the uplifted portion, some 15 metres above land east of the fault, making it possible in some places to look directly over the canopy of trees growing on the lower level.

Barmah-Millewa Forest
The collectively-known Barmah-Millewa Forest covers some 70,000 hectares and contains the world’s biggest single stand River Redgum. Frequent flooding over the millennia has created a vast mosaic of swamps and lagoons, known as the Barmah-Millewa Wetlands. These have been recognised under the Ramsar Convention as “wetlands of international significance.” They are also one of the Murray Darling Commission’s “sites of ecological significance.” The area is home to hundreds of species of birds, animals, plants and trees. Mathoura has arguably the best access in the region to the Murray River, with good dry weather roads and no high banks.

The Forest is a vital part of this region and sustainable forest management, coupled with the sensible and balanced multiple use of the forest is extremely important to the continued success of the region and its communities.

Bird Observatory
The recently constructed Gulpa Creek Reed Beds Bird Observatory is located approximately 4km down Picnic Point Road. This world class observation facility provides accessible viewing of exceptional birdlife and the magnificent Gulpa Creek Reed Beds. For many years, bird enthusiasts have been returning to the area to explore the unique birdlife forest.

Kingfisher Cruises
Enjoy a unique two-hour cruise through an area of international importance in the world's largest Red Gum Forest. Experience a different aspect of the Murray River along the Barmah Choke. Marvel at the 256 bird species & 56 mammals in their natural environment.

Departs Barmah Lakes Day Visitors Area Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday & Sunday. Daily during Victorian Holidays.

Guided Tours
Explore the forest on a guided tour with an experienced local tour guide. Learn the hidden secrets of this spectacular ancient forest and the history of the original town of Redbank.

Heritage Walk
The Mathoura Heritage Walk takes people on a wander through time, sharing knowledge about the township’s significant historical sites. Brochures are available from the Visitors Centre.