Swifts Creek Town Walks
A 20 minute drive from Omeo along the Great Alpine Road, this pretty little town sits at the confluence of the Tambo River and Swifts Creek. The first Australians knew the area as Bun Jirrah Gingee Munjie - 'Big kangaroos go to that place', but it was gold that drove European settlement at Swifts Creek from the 1850s. The lush, fertile Tambo Valley and heavily forested surrounding hills also attracted pastoralists and loggers and today these industries remain the lifeblood of the town. The flatness of the valley and the picturesque
waterways offer easy and enjoyable walking experiences to suit most ages and levels of fitness.
The Poets Walk
1.2km (20-30 minutes)
Grade 2. Natural Surface
A River's Mark, a poem by the late Swifts Creek artist, John Butler, inspired the creation of this Poet's Walk. Start at the Great Alpine Road bridge and follow the trail along Swifts
Creek to its junction with the Tambo River, then along the Tambo River ending at the bridge at McMillan Street.
Town to Sheltons Lane
1.2km (15 minutes one way)
Grade 1. No previous walking experience required
A great little walk to stretch the legs after a long drive. Follow the path running parallel to the Great Alpine Road from the McMillan St intersection to Sheltons Lane. The stately avenue of Plane Trees was planted by members of the Swifts Creek Country Women's Association in 1934 to mark the Centenary of Victoria. From the McMillan St intersection, head south east towards Ensay, and enjoy the sweeping views of the river flats and the high forested ridges of the hills above the Tambo Valley. Pause for a rest on the Mosaic Seat near Sheltons Lane, created by Great Alpine Gallery Artists with the help of children from Swifts Creek Primary School.
Caravan Park to McLarty's Gate
2km (20-25 minutes return)
Grade 2. Natural Surface
Popular with locals, this walk begins at the caravan park at the McMillan Street bridge over the Tambo River and continues for one kilometre to the farm gate across the road.
This quiet country lane, with its rustic wooden fences and pleasant views of the surrounding farmland, hugs the course of the river. It is shaded by a number of magnificent, mature eucalyptus trees, predominantly Yellow Box. In the early hours of the morning or evening, especially during cooler months, keep a look out for the Platypus - Ornithorhynchus anatinus - which forage for worms and aquatic insects in and along the banks of the river.
Location
Great Alpine Way, Swifts Creek 3896 Map
Web Links
→ Swifts Creek Town Walks Brochure and Map (PDF)
