Laanecoorie - Canoe Trail
The Laanecoorie Canoe Trail is a picturesque self-guided paddling experience on the Loddon River, featuring magnificent river red gums, secluded sandy beaches, historic landmarks and opportunities to observe native wildlife.
Starting from the boat ramp near the historic Janevale Bridge, the trail offers two routes that can be explored separately.
Families can enjoy a shorter paddle upstream towards Laanecoorie Reservoir or explore the winding river downstream, where the water passes through naturally formed channels and secluded stretches of river.
Canoe Trail:
Starting Point: Boat ramp near Janevale Bridge on Tarnagulla-Laanecoorie Road
Activity: Canoeing and kayaking
There are two routes available.
Downstream Route:
- Distance: 3.5 km return
- Time: Approximately 1 hour return
- Features: Winding river channels, secluded beaches, river red gums and opportunities to observe wildlife
There are small beaches where paddlers can stop and enjoy a picnic or simply appreciate the peaceful surroundings.
Upstream Route:
- Distance: 2.5 km return
- Time: Approximately 45 minutes return
- Features: Janevale Bridge, river red gums and views towards the Laanecoorie Reservoir dam wall
Paddlers must remain well clear of the dam wall and turn around before the marked danger boundary.
The two routes can be completed separately, allowing families to select a distance appropriate to their experience and available time.
Janevale Bridge:
One of the distinctive features of the trail is the historic Janevale Bridge.
Designed by Sir John Monash and completed in 1911, the reinforced concrete bridge is an important example of early twentieth-century engineering.
The bridge replaced an earlier crossing destroyed during the devastating floods of 1909.
Paddling underneath the bridge provides an interesting perspective on this local landmark.
Natural Environment:
The Loddon River is lined with mature river red gums and other native vegetation.
The riverbank environment provides habitat for:
- Waterbirds and other native birds
- Possums and sugar gliders
- Lizards and other reptiles
- Fish
- Rakali, also known as native water rats
- Platypus, which may occasionally be present in suitable river habitat
Some trees have extensive exposed root systems, while older trunks contain hollows used by birds and mammals.
Fallen branches and submerged logs also provide important habitat for fish and aquatic animals.
History:
Laanecoorie has a long history associated with the Loddon River.
The Dja Dja Wurrung people have longstanding cultural connections to the waterways and surrounding landscape.
European settlement brought grazing, gold prospecting and the development of irrigation infrastructure.
Laanecoorie Weir was completed in 1891 as part of Victoria's early irrigation development.
The floods of 1909 damaged the weir and destroyed the earlier river bridge, leading to the construction of the present Janevale Bridge.
The canoe trail provides an opportunity to appreciate this history while exploring the river environment.
Trail Map:
Download the official Laanecoorie Canoe Trail Map and Information Brochure.
The brochure identifies both paddling routes, the boat ramp, picnic opportunities and the danger boundaries near the weir and dam wall.
Safety:
Although parts of the river are generally gentle, there can be currents, shallow sections, submerged branches and other obstacles.
The official visitor information also mentions gentle rapids.
Important precautions include:
- Wear an appropriate life jacket
- Use the designated boat ramp
- Do not paddle during floods
- Stay clear of the upstream dam wall and downstream weir
- Do not pass yellow boundary buoys
- Watch for submerged timber and river debris
- Check current river flows and weather conditions
- Check for blue-green algae warnings
- Avoid paddling alone
- Carry drinking water, sun protection and suitable footwear
- Let someone know your plans and expected return time
Facilities:
The nearby Laanecoorie River Recreation Reserve provides:
- Boat ramp
- Canoe and kayak launching facilities
- Car parking
- Public toilets
- Picnic tables
- Wood-fired barbecues
- Water taps
- Short-term camping area
- Fishing opportunities
- Access to the Laanecoorie River Trail
Review:
The Laanecoorie Canoe Trail offers a lovely combination of river scenery, wildlife and local history.
One of its most appealing features is the choice of two paddling routes, allowing visitors to select a shorter trip towards Laanecoorie Reservoir or a slightly longer journey downstream.
The historic Janevale Bridge adds interest to the surroundings, while the river red gums and secluded beaches create opportunities to stop and appreciate the natural environment.
The downstream route is particularly attractive for visitors interested in exploring the river's winding channels and discovering quiet places along the banks.
Families can also combine a paddle with a picnic or the nearby Laanecoorie River Trail, making it possible to enjoy several outdoor activities in the same location.
This is a worthwhile experience for families with appropriate kayaking or canoeing skills, provided they check river conditions and remain clear of the weir and dam wall.
Location
Tarnagulla-Laanecoorie Road, Laanecoorie 3463 View Map
Web Links
→ www.bendigoregion.com.au/visit-loddon-valley/laanecoorie-canoe-trail
