Serpentine - Loddon River Canoe Trail
The Loddon River Canoe Trail at Serpentine is a self-guided paddling experience following a peaceful section of the Loddon River through a landscape of magnificent river red gums.
The trail follows a 4 km section of river downstream from the Bridgewater-Serpentine Road Public Boat Ramp, providing an opportunity to explore the natural environment, observe wildlife and learn about the history of the river.
The water is generally slow-moving under suitable conditions, making this an appealing experience for families with appropriate paddling experience and equipment.
Canoe Trail:
Distance: Approximately 8 km return
Time: Approximately 2 hours return
Starting Point: Public boat ramp on Bridgewater-Serpentine Road, Serpentine
Activity: Canoeing and kayaking
The route winds downstream through a landscape dominated by river red gums, some of which are hundreds of years old.
These enormous trees provide important habitat for birds, reptiles and mammals. Their branches and hollows support a variety of wildlife, while fallen timber provides shelter for aquatic animals.
The official trail information highlights features of the river environment and its cultural and natural history.
A yellow buoy marks the downstream turnaround point. Paddlers must turn around before the weir and return to the boat ramp.
Wildlife and Natural Features:
Keep an eye out for wildlife along the riverbanks and among the river red gums.
Animals and birds that may be encountered include:
- Rakali, also known as native water rats
- Sulphur-crested cockatoos
- Galahs
- Willie wagtails
- Little pied cormorants
- Little black cormorants
- Pacific black ducks
- Red-rumped parrots
The trees can survive for centuries and provide nesting places for a variety of birds and mammals.
Fallen branches and submerged logs also create valuable habitat for fish and other aquatic wildlife.
History and Cultural Heritage:
The Loddon River has been an important part of the traditional landscape of the Dja Dja Wurrung people for thousands of years.
River red gums, waterways and surrounding vegetation provided food, materials and habitat.
European exploration and settlement transformed the surrounding landscape during the nineteenth century, with pastoral activities and irrigation changing the river environment.
Major Thomas Mitchell explored the Loddon River plains in 1836. Serpentine Creek was named for its winding course, and the name was later adopted for a large pastoral run established in the 1840s.
The official trail brochure includes information about this history and encourages visitors to appreciate the cultural and environmental significance of the river.
Trail Map:
Download the official Loddon River Canoe Trail Map and Information Brochure.
The brochure identifies the launching point, river route, turnaround marker and safety information.
Safety:
River conditions can change, particularly following rainfall or changes in water flows.
Important precautions include:
- Wear an appropriate life jacket
- Do not paddle during flooding
- Avoid paddling alone
- Watch for submerged logs, branches and other obstacles
- Remain well clear of the downstream weir
- Do not paddle beyond the yellow turnaround buoy
- Check weather, fire danger ratings and blue-green algae alerts
- Carry drinking water, sun protection and suitable footwear
- Tell someone your intended route and return time
- Keep a mobile phone in a waterproof container
- Use the designated boat ramp to protect the riverbanks
The full return trail is approximately 8 km, so families with younger children may prefer to explore a shorter section before turning around.
Facilities:
- Public boat ramp
- Car parking at the launching area
- Toilet at the starting area
- Self-guided canoe and kayak route
- Downloadable trail map
- River red gum scenery
- Wildlife viewing opportunities
Other Canoe Trails:
Another paddling experience in the district is the Durham Ox - Serpentine Creek Canoe Trail.
This is a separate 5 km trail on Serpentine Creek, with a launching point on Whytcross Road at Durham Ox.
The Durham Ox trail features cultural and natural points of interest, including scar trees, historic sites and abundant birdlife.
Opening Hours:
Trail Information and Access
Cost:
Trail Access Information
Birthday Parties:
No dedicated birthday party facilities or packages are offered. This is a self-guided public paddling trail.
Review:
The Loddon River Canoe Trail provides an opportunity to explore a beautiful section of the Loddon River from a completely different perspective.
Rather than following a walking track beside the river, visitors can paddle beneath the spreading branches of river red gums and appreciate the scenery and wildlife from the water.
The combination of natural surroundings, cultural heritage and wildlife makes the trail particularly interesting.
The downloadable brochure adds another dimension to the experience by explaining some of the natural and historical features along the route.
The river red gums are a highlight, providing an impressive backdrop while offering opportunities to observe birdlife and other native animals.
For families with suitable paddling experience, this is an appealing outdoor adventure. However, the full return distance is substantial, so families with younger children may prefer a shorter paddle before turning around.
Care is essential around submerged obstacles and the downstream weir, and the trail should only be attempted when river conditions are suitable.
Location
1789 Bridgewater-Serpentine Road, Serpentine 3517 View Map
Web Links
→ www.bendigoregion.com.au/visit-loddon-valley/loddon-river-canoe-trail
