Swan Hill River Precinct Heritage Walk
The Swan Hill River Precinct is one of the city's most popular attractions. The trail allows visitors and residents to enjoy the beauty of the Murray River. Abundant facilities are available along the trail, tourist attractions, barbeques, sound shell, wetlands, the Little Murray River, the Pioneer Settlement and much more.
The walk/ride can be started from anywhere along its length, and completed as a whole or in sections.
Interpretative signs are marked on the map. Other stories provide insight into the people and events that shaped our history, reminding us what a vital role the river plays in our past and future. 4.5km (one way).
Swan Hill River Precinct Heritage Walk Map
1. River Road
This winding road that stretches for kilometres along the Murray River and captures magnificent views of both the natural environment and agricultural landscape.
2. Native Birds
(Interpretative Sign)
3. Milloo Street Wetlands
This effective treatment system removes storm water pollutants, ultimately improving the water quality that is discharged into the Murray River. This dynamic ecosystem now provides valuable habitat for a diverse range of fauna including Water Fowls, Grebes, Ducks, Cormorants and Frogs.
4. Murray Cod
(Interpretative Sign)
Bike and Walking Track
The Riverfront Track is a 4.5km track stretching from the Milloo Street Wetlands through to the Pental Island Bridge. There are two options for a coffee break along this track. See the Gem Riverboat before entering the Art Gallery Carpark. You can then pass by the Burke and Wills accommodation lodges onto the Little Murray. The final section is a natural bush track known as the David Ellemor Trail. This section of the track is not maintained by the Swan Hill Rural City Council and may be subject to erosion, fallen trees and other obstacles, proceed with care and at your own risk.
5. River Red Gums
(Interpretative Sign)
6. Naming Swan Hill
(Interpretative Sign)
7. Swan Hill Skate Park
The skate park was initially constructed in the year 2000 following a Melbourne company, "Ice It", specifications and designs.
8. Swan Hill Lift Bridge
Originally navigated by a punt, the river at Swan Hill was finally crossed by a bridge in 1896. Originally the middle span was cranklifted by hand.
9. Swan Hill Wharf
(Interpretative Sign)
10. Customs House
(Interpretative Sign)
11. Murray River or 'Milloo'
The Murray River was one of the most important navigation routes for early inland explorers. Today it provides water for millions of Australians and supports a vast agricultural industry along its length.
12. 10 Steps
The 10 Steps is a great place to launch a canoe, sit and watch the many bird species or to relax and cast a line.
13. Riverside Park
Swan Hill Riverside Park offers visitors and residents a wide range of facilities. Toilets, playgrounds, fitness equipment, sound shell, barbecues, walking tracks, bike tracks, rotunda, and much more.
14. Railway Turntable
A railway turntable or wheelhouse is a device for turning railroad rolling stock. The Swan Hill turntable is possibly the only serviceable country turntable in Australia.
15. Early Pioneers
(Interpretative Sign)
16. Swan Hill Pioneer Settlement
The Swan Hill Folk Museum opened in 1966 to depict the lives and experiences of settlers in the region between 1830-1930. Probably the most famous visitor was Queen Elizabeth II in 1970, who suggested that the name be changed to Pioneer Settlement. Rich in faithfully restored buildings and artefacts, the museum is witness to the challenges and resourcefulness of life in a typical rural township and the significance of Aboriginal culture to our land.
17. PS Gem
Built in 1876 in Moama, the PS Gem carried thousands of passengers during her career. In 1882 the boat was cut in half and lengthened 40ft (12m), making her the largest passenger vessel on the river, with a saloon, smoking rooms and ladies room with a piano. Sunk in 1948 and later raised, her final voyage was
in 1963 as she was towed to Swan Hill to become the major exhibit of the new Folk Museum.
18. Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery
The gallery was first established in 1966 and was originally located on the Paddlesteamer Gem. In 1987, a purpose-built gallery was created to house the growing permanent collection. The architecture was inspired by the form of the traditional Australian woolshed, and it features red gum beams and locally hand-made mud bricks. In 1997 the gallery was extended to create new display areas, allowing recognition of local artists exhibitions.
19. The David Ellemor Trail
This trail celebrates the work of Swan Hill's leading revegetation specialist. The trail demonstrates how the Mallee meets the river.
20. "River Cooba or Eumong"
(Interpretative Sign)
21. Wamba Wamba and Wadi Wadi Food Sources
(Interpretative Sign)
22. Sandhill Vegetation Community
(Interpretative Sign)
23. Native Fish of the Lower Murray
(Interpretative Sign)
24. Wamba Wamba and Wadi Wadi Occupation
(Interpretative Sign)
25. River Oak's Oak Trees
Edward Pye built a log cabin on this spot and lived here with his wife Margaret & their eight children. These oak trees were planted by Edward in 1876.
Location
River Road, Swan Hill 3585 View Map
Web Links
→ Swan Hill River Precinct Heritage Walk Brochure (PDF)
