Dimboola to Jeparit - Wimmera River Discovery Trail
The Wimmera River Discovery Trail follows the Wimmera River through floodplain woodlands, Mallee country and places of cultural and historical significance between Dimboola and Jeparit. The long-distance trail can be completed as one journey or divided into six sections using the road-accessible trailheads.
The route remains on the eastern side of the river and is suitable for walking and cycling, with mountain bikes recommended. Surfaces include gravel tracks, clay, sand, working-farm tracks and several steep or sandy gullies.
Distance: 55.9 km one way
Route: Linear trail divided into six sections
Start: Rear of Dimboola Library, 101 Lloyd Street, Dimboola
Finish: Jeparit Riverbank Precinct, beside Jeparit Riverview Holiday Park, 2 Peterson Avenue, Jeparit
Suitable for: Walking and cycling - mountain bikes recommended
Surface: Gravel, clay, sand and formed vehicle tracks, with creek gullies and floodplain crossings
Trail Sections:
1. Dimboola to Lochiel
Distance: 7.04 km
The trail begins behind Dimboola Library and follows existing tracks through Dimboola Common before crossing a deep gully and continuing to Swallows Hole. A newer gravel section then crosses working private farmland before the trail follows vehicle tracks towards Lochiel.
The route passes beneath the Western Highway through a normally dry river channel. This underpass may become impassable following heavy local rain or when the river is high. When flooded, begin or finish this section at the Lochiel trailhead.
2. Lochiel to Wundersitz Crossing
Distance: 5.08 km
Starting at the north-western end of the Lochiel Rest Area, this section follows mostly clay vehicle tracks through floodplain woodland dominated by Black Box and River Red Gums.
The trail passes beneath the Adelaide to Melbourne railway line and offers views of the railway bridge and river. Clay sections can become very boggy after rain, while sandy side gullies require care. Access points include Five Chain Road and Wundersitz Crossing on River Road.
3. Wundersitz Crossing to Ebenezer Mission Road
Distance: 10 km
This is one of the easiest sections, following a well-formed vehicle track through eucalypt woodland along the river corridor. It has fewer sandy areas, clay sections and gully crossings than the preceding stages.
Spears Crossing Road provides an intermediate access point. Ebenezer Mission is closed to the public. At Ebenezer Mission Road, continue east for approximately 1.5 km to reach the next trailhead rather than turning towards the Mission.
4. Ebenezer Mission Road to Antwerp
Distance: 9.15 km
The trail follows an anabranch back towards the Wimmera River and crosses it at a high point. The crossing may be impassable following heavy rain or flooding.
This section passes through a culturally and environmentally significant landscape. Remain on the marked trail and follow the directional posts carefully when approaching Antwerp, where the route detours around a deep gully.
Antwerp Campground marks approximately the halfway point of the trail.
5. Antwerp to Tarranyurk
Distance: 11.6 km
North of Antwerp, the trail passes the remains of a limestone hut and boiler associated with a former eucalyptus-oil distillery. Several distilleries operated beside the Wimmera River from the late nineteenth century, producing oil for medical, industrial and perfumery uses.
The remains of the Old Antwerp Weir lie between two challenging gullies. The timber-and-stone weir was constructed in 1903 and its pool later hosted Antwerp rowing regattas. Cyclists should dismount when negotiating the gullies.
6. Tarranyurk to Jeparit
Distance: 13 km
The river environment changes as the trail approaches Jeparit and Lake Hindmarsh, with dense Mallee vegetation giving way to higher and more exposed riverbanks.
The trail briefly reaches the Dimboola-Rainbow Road, where care is required around traffic. Near the Wimmera Mallee Pioneer Museum it joins the Edward Eyre Heritage River Walk, winding between tributaries and islands through Jeparit.
The trail finishes at the Jeparit Riverbank Precinct beside the holiday park, where picnic facilities, electric barbecues and toilets are available.
Facilities:
The facilities are:
- Toilets at Dimboola, Lochiel, Antwerp Campground and Jeparit
- Antwerp Campground with three tent platforms, picnic shelter, fire pit and toilet
- Picnic shelter, electric barbecues and toilets at the Jeparit Riverbank Precinct
- Multiple road-accessible trailheads for completing individual sections
- Directional markers and downloadable route maps
Important Information:
- The entire trail remains on the eastern side of the Wimmera River. Do not cross the river at any point.
- Several underpasses, anabranches and gullies may become impassable following rain or flooding.
- Clay tracks can become extremely boggy after rain.
- Part of Section 1 crosses working private farmland. Remain on the marked trail and respect farming operations.
- Ebenezer Mission is closed to the public.
- Check current trail, weather, flood and fire information before beginning the walk.
Access for Dogs:
Dogs are permitted only on public sections of the trail and must remain on a lead. Dogs cannot use the private-land section, and additional restrictions affect parts of Sections 1, 4 and 6. At Antwerp Campground, dogs must be kept on a short lead and remain under their owner's control.
Horse Riding:
Horse riding is permitted on selected public sections only. Horses cannot enter private-land sections or use some formed tracks. Consult the official horse-access maps before visiting.
Location:
The southern trailhead is behind Dimboola Library at 101 Lloyd Street, Dimboola. The northern trailhead is at the Jeparit Riverbank Precinct beside Jeparit Riverview Holiday Park at 2 Peterson Avenue, Jeparit.
Location
101 Lloyd Street, Dimboola 3419 View Map
Web Links
→ www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/Visit-Hindmarsh/Explore-our-Great-Outdoors/Wimmera-River-Discovery-Trail
→ Wimmera River Discovery Trail Brochure and User Guide
→ Wimmera River Discovery Trail Horse and Dog Access Information
