Wedderburn Tracks and Trails
There a number of walking tracks in the Wedderburn area including:
Wedderburn Reservoir Track
The Reservoir Track winds around the grounds of the caravan park before circling the reservoir and returning across the dam wall.
Gold mining operations required a reliable supply of water and the reservoir would have provided security of supply in the busy gold mining period of the late 1800's. In low rainfall areas catch drain reservoirs such as this one maximise flows into the dam. It was upgraded in the 1880's to provide fresh water for the town but today is used to water recreation facilities. Supply is augmented via a channel from Skinner's Flat Reservoir north of town.
The caravan park was formerly the crown reserve 'camp' during the gold rush and contains many exotic and native specimen trees that correspond to a garden established at the site as early as 1869. The area was declared a Public Gardens Reserve in 1934.
The track is quite short at only 1.1km and is ideal to tackle in combination with the
Nardoo Trail along the creek or as an easy, pleasant stroll on its own.
Things to see - The assemblage of species and design of the gardens at the caravan
park show style characteristics of Baron Von Mueller and William Guilfoyle who were instrumental in the design of many notable gardens in Victoria including the Royal Botanic Gardens in Melbourne. Over the years many trees have been lost to drought, old age and disease and have been removed, though the formal layout is still evident in the surviving specimens and cut stumps. Loddon Shire implemented works to improve the health of the remaining trees in 2008.
During the walk keep an eye out for fauna such as kangaroos, echidnas, lizards, frogs, water birds and a variety of bushland birds. Wildflowers provide a stunning display of colour in the right season.
As always in this region, keep your eyes peeled for any precious nuggets that may have been missed by all the fortune seekers that have trodden here before you.
This is a Grade 2 track; no bushwalking experience is required. The walk is an easy loop that may be completed in as little as 15 minutes but a more casual amble will provide a more enjoyable experience.
Wedderburn Nardoo Trail
The Nardoo Trail is a pleasant walk along either side of the Nardoo Creek, which runs through Wedderburn and joins the Korong Creek at the southern end of town.
Originally part of the Torpichen Station, the alluvial gullies were soon to change after gold was first discovered in 1852. The Post Office opened in 1856 as the town developed. Some of the world's largest nuggets have been found in the region, the most famous being the 'Hand of Faith' near Kingower and the 'Welcome Stranger' at Moliagul. Modern day prospectors still try their luck around Wedderburn with occasional nuggets being unearthed.
Today the town is much quieter than during the gold rush and offers a relaxing and
welcoming vibe. Take your time to walk the Nardoo and then wander about the
town to explore the culture and history of the area.
Starting at the travellers stop in Chapel St, walk around 600m north to Tantalla Street. Cross the creek and complete the 900m return loop via the eastern bank and Chapel Street back to the travellers stop. The loop walk will be around 1.5km. The track south to Godfrey St is 0.4km each way.
Things to see - The loop walk offers the opportunity to enjoy the peaceful environment of the Nardoo Creek, which has been completely transformed from its original state but enhanced by tree plantings over more recent years. The word Nardoo refers to the herbaceous fern Marsilea drummondii, a plant that has the appearance of a large clover and traditionally was prepared and eaten by the local aborigines. Nardoo is widespread across the continent and may be seen along the creek if water is present and often found after a flood.
If you wander away from the creek you may enjoy some of the old architectural styles evident in the houses and commercial buildings. Many of the buildings show their heritage adding to the goldfields charm of the township.
If you are seeking a longer walk you can turn right at Tantalla Street, right again into Hospital Street to join the Wedderburn Reservoir loop track that skirts bushland on the eastern edge of town.
This is a Grade 1 trail; no bushwalking experience is required. The walk can be done as a return linear trail or return via the trail on the opposite side of the creek.
Location
30 Chapel Street, Wedderburn 3518 Map
Web Links
→ Wedderburn Reservoir Track (PDF)
→ Wedderburn Nardoo Trail (PDF)
→ Wedderburn Blue Mallee Trail (PDF)
→ Wedderburn Queens Gully Trail (PDF)
