Campaspe History Trail
The Campaspe History Trail explores the fascinating history and heritage of Campaspe Shire, from the mighty Murray River and Echuca's paddlesteamer era to gold mining, farming, military history and the development of the region's country towns.
Campaspe Shire is steeped in Indigenous history and is home to Dja Dja Wurrung, Taungurung and Yorta Yorta peoples. We respect and acknowledge their unique Aboriginal cultural heritage and pay our respects to their ancestors, descendants and emerging leaders as the Traditional Owners of this country.
The trail is spread across Campaspe Shire rather than following a single walking route, so use the Campaspe History Trail map to plan a driving itinerary through the region.
Campaspe History Trail Map
Echuca - Aquatic Reserve
This picturesque location beside the river was a place where Indigenous people performed Corroborees for thousands of years. Today it is a lovely setting for events and community gatherings and provides views towards Echuca's historic river precinct.
Port of Echuca Discovery Centre
Take a glimpse at what life in Echuca was like during the 1870s. Interactive exhibits immerse visitors in the sights and sounds of old Echuca within the historic Port precinct. Guided tours provide an insight into the history of the river port, while other heritage experiences are also available.
Historic Echuca Wharf & Port
The imposing Echuca Port and Wharf precinct is an outstanding living monument to the Murray River trade of the late 1800s. Echuca Wharf and the railway created a major trade route to Melbourne and played an important role in the rapid economic growth and development of the Australian colonies.
Echuca - Billabong Carriages
Travel through the heart of historic Echuca aboard a vintage horse-drawn carriage. Listen to the Clydesdale horses clip-clop through the streets while passing many of the beautiful historic buildings of the Port precinct.
Echuca - Murray River Paddlesteamers
A visit to Echuca would be incomplete without experiencing the Murray River aboard a historic paddlesteamer. Cruises provide a chance to see the river, towering river red gums and historic port from the water, with a range of sightseeing and dining experiences available.
Echuca Paddlesteamers
Step aboard an authentic steam-powered paddlesteamer and experience part of Echuca's riverboat history. The PS Pevensey, which featured in the television series All the Rivers Run, operates cruises from the historic port and provides an opportunity to discover what life and work aboard a paddlesteamer was like.
Echuca Historical Society Museum
Located within Echuca's original police station and cell complex, the museum contains a large collection of artefacts relating to the history of Echuca and the surrounding district. Step inside an old jail cell and discover the people, events and industries that shaped the local area.
Echuca - Great Aussie Beer Shed & Heritage Farm Museum
Explore a huge collection of Australiana ranging from beer memorabilia to agricultural machinery, historic carriages, vintage cars and everyday objects from Australia's past. The displays offer an entertaining look at farming, machinery and social history.
Tongala War Memorials
Tongala has a collection of memorials honouring servicemen who served with the Australian Light Horse during the First World War and the 3rd Cavalry Regiment during the Vietnam War.
The town also has the National Avenue of Honour for Armoured Corps servicemen who served in Vietnam. While exploring the memorials, look out for Tongala's colourful street murals and traditional town square.
Stanhope Settlement Stories
Discover the story of former Prime Minister Sir John "Black Jack" McEwen, who farmed in the area as part of the Soldier Settlement Scheme before entering politics.
At McEwen Place there is also a mural commemorating the Australians who lost their lives aboard the Montevideo Maru during World War II. Across the road, a timeline painted on a red brick wall depicts the history of the Stanhope settlement.
Kyabram - Hazelman's Cottage
Situated within Kyabram Fauna Park, Hazelman's Cottage is an early slab-wall cottage furnished with memorabilia from times gone by.
The heritage display also includes a blacksmith's shop and machinery shed, providing an insight into early rural life while visitors explore the fauna park.
Kyabram Town Hall
This grand historic building hosts changing art and history exhibitions. One of its stories explores the Kyabram Reform Movement, which had a significant impact on Victorian politics after Federation.
A large mosaic mural, photographs, stories and satirical cartoons from Punch dating from 1902-03 help tell the story.
Whroo & Balaclava Mine
The village of Whroo developed around Balaclava Hill after gold was discovered in 1853.
Explore the historic reserve and its gold-mining relics, including the spectacular Balaclava open-cut mine, Whroo Cemetery, puddling machines and other traces of the former goldfields settlement.
Rushworth Museum
Rushworth is a historic gold-rush town whose National Trust-classified streetscape retains much of the character of the 1850s gold era.
The Rushworth Museum occupies the former Mechanics Institute and contains items relating to local history. Heritage plaques and historical markers around Rushworth provide further opportunities to explore the town's past.
Colbinabbin Silo Art Trail
Take a country drive to Colbinabbin and see the imposing painted silos which depict stories from the town's farming history.
The artworks feature local subjects including the famous Colbinabbin Tractor Pull, agricultural life, the former railway and other events and people that have shaped the community.
Rochester Sports Museum
A must for sporting enthusiasts, Rochester Sports Museum contains an extensive collection of Australian sporting memorabilia.
The displays cover many sports and include objects connected with famous Australian sporting personalities, providing plenty of opportunities to rediscover memorable moments from sporting history.
Rochester Historical & Pioneer Society Museum
Step back in time and learn how farms operated, how the district developed and which families helped shape Rochester.
The museum collection includes land records, old newspapers, honour rolls, photographs, maps and artefacts dating back to the late 1800s. Rochester also has many historic buildings to discover around the town.
Lockington & District Living Heritage Complex
Discover what it took to settle as a farmer and raise a family in early rural Australia.
The extensive local history collection is housed around the former O'Brien Stores and includes vintage tractors, farming machinery, historic buildings and artefacts. The complex is also home to a statue of champion shearer Kevin Sarre.
Torrumbarry Weir
The Torrumbarry Weir Interpretive Centre tells the story of the construction of the weir and the importance of the Murray River for irrigation.
Explore the heritage displays, see the weir and lock chamber and learn how the river has been managed while maintaining passage for boats and native fish.
Gunbower Heritage Trail
The Gunbower Heritage River Trail explores more than 150 years of history around Gunbower Island.
The trail passes through Gunbower National Park and tells stories of Indigenous heritage, forest families, timber cutting, river transport, paddlesteamers and the changing use of the floodplain.
Historic sites and interpretive signs throughout the area provide an insight into the people who lived and worked in the Gunbower forests.
