A day in Murray Valley Regional & National Parks - Gulpa Island Drive

This scenic drive takes you through the towering river red gum forests in the northern part of Murray Valley National Park and Regional Park. These forests are the traditional Country for Aboriginal people, so keep your eyes peeled for middens (sites where the remains of meals accumulated over time), oven mounds and scarred trees, where bark and wood was removed to make canoes, coolamons (carrying bowls/dishes) and shields.

Bring your bikes, kayaks, binoculars and walking shoes because there is so much to see and do along the way, you will want to be prepared for an amazing day of adventure and enjoying the great Australian bush.

Stop 1:

Grab a coffee for the drive and purchase some picnic supplies or takeaway food items from one of the local cafes before you depart for your day the Parks. See what is open and on offer here. Make sure you also bring plenty of water as drinking water is not easily accessible in the park.

Stop 2:

Head to Mathoura, located 40km north of Echuca, which is the gateway to the Parks. You may want to wander down the charming main street and learn of the town’s pioneering history on the Mathoura Heritage Trail.

Stop 3:

From Mathoura, head to the Gulpa Creek Walk Cross Crane’s Bridge at the northern end of town and turn right to reach the walking track. The 5km return walk is a Grade 3 trail and an easy, flat walk alongside the creek. If you’re feeling energetic, when you get to the end of the track you can cross the wooden bridge and stroll along Poley’s loop for a further 1.5km before turning back. Gulpa Creek is also a great kayaking spot.

Stop 4:

Having seen and heard many birds along the Gulpa Creek Walk, you might like to pay a visit to Reeds Bird Hide. Take a stroll along the boardwalk to the hide and use the bird panels to help you with your birdwatching.

Stop 5:

By now you are probably getting hungry! The Edward River Bridge picnic area is a beautiful spot to enjoy lunch. It has picnic tables and BBQs and is located in among the towering gums, alongside the river. There are some nice quiet fishing spots nearby, as well as the Edward River canoe and kayak trail for those who can BYO water vessel!

Edward River Image Credit: Rob Mulally

Stop 6:

Head back home via the Cobb Highway toward Moama. You will pass 5 Mile Moama, which is a fantastic picnic spot to put on your itinerary for another day. It is also the start of the world class 5 Mile mountain bike trail, which is suitable for the whole family, and an ideal spot to launch a boat, kayak or canoe.

Stop 7:

After a big day exploring, the last thing you probably feel like is cooking! Head to one of the local pubs or clubs for a dinner tonight, some of which have been around since the pioneering days! See what is open and on offer here.

For maps, park information and all further details, visit the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service website.

Travelling to Echuca Moama from Ballarat? Why not make a day of it and visit some of the interesting towns, attractions and local businesses along the way.

Stop 1: Smeaton
Approx. 30 mins from Ballarat

• Grab a coffee to enjoy while wandering Anderson’s Mill, a historic five story bluestone building and water wheel set on the banks of Birch’s Creek.
• If you just can’t wait to get the to river to wet a line, head over to the Tuki Trout Farm where you’re guaranteed to catch a rainbow trout. The perfect fishing warm up for adults and children of all experience levels.

 
Anderson's Mill, Smeaton: Parks Victoria

Maldon Streetscape image: Visit Victoria

Stop 2: Maldon
Approx. 35 minutes from Smeaton

• Named by the National Trust as ‘the most intact heritage streetscape’, a wander down the main street of Maldon is a must. Search for treasures in the boutique stores and grab a bite to eat in one of the historic café buildings. If you have time, you could venture further afield and take in one of the bush walks or nature trails, or ride the Victorian Goldfields Steam Railway.

Stop 3: Bendigo
Approx. 30 mins from Maldon

• Tour the Central Deborah Gold Mine, take a ride on the Vintage Talking Tram or grab a bite to eat from one of the many cafes and restaurants. If you’re feeling adventurous, walk or ride a section of the O’Keefe Rail Trail or explore the Greater Bendigo National Park.
• As you leave Bendigo, stop in at Bendigo Pottery, Australia's oldest working pottery, where you can try making a pot on a wheel, take part in some clay play, view a demonstration and visit the museum and gallery.

Bendigo Pottery image: Visit Victoria

Stop 4: Silo Art at Colbinabbin and Rochester

• Choose to visit both silos on your way in to Echuca Moama, or select one to visit now and one on your way home to Ballarat. The Colbinabbin silos were painted in April 2020 by artist, Tim Bowtell, and tell the story of the railway and its significance in the Colbinabbin district. The Rochester GrainCorp silos were painted in 2018 by mural artist, Jimmy D’Vate and feature an Azure King Fisher and Squirrel Glider. See the Campaspe Art Trail map for other art experiences and attractions in and around Echuca Moama.
• To visit both: Drive towards Colbinabbin (approx. 45 minutes from Bendigo) to view its silos, then journey towards Rochester (approx. 25 minutes from Colbinabbin).
• Detour: Wine lovers may like to take a detour from Colbinabbin through the Heathcote Wine region

Stop 5: Echuca Moama
Approx. 20 minutes from Rochester

• Grab some food, coffee and supplies in town before heading to your accommodation for the night. Visit the Visitor Information Centre at 2 Heygarth Street or view our itineraries and trails to help you explore the towns, parks, forests, and other attractions of the region.

Port of Echuca image: Visit Victoria