Campaspe Shire: River Heritage, Local History and Nature

In Campaspe Shire, river heritage, local history, gardens and trails through bushland and agricultural landscapes come together. The following examples show the different sides of the Shire.

River Heritage and History in Echuca

The Port of Echuca riverside precinct includes the Discovery Centre, operated by Campaspe Shire Council, a museum, historic buildings, equipment displays, demonstrations and rides on authentic paddle steamers. The historic precinct also offers steam-powered displays and guided tours. Paddle steamers depart daily from Echuca Wharf, and guided tours are also available daily. It’s worth checking the current timetable before setting out on a cruise.

A small section of the wharf remains as part of the recreated Port of Echuca tourist attraction. It serves as a lookout over the Murray River and the surrounding bushland. The site combines an account of the port’s history with views of the river and landscape.

Other local collections focus on different subjects: the Lockington & District Living Heritage Complex is a history museum and resource centre with exhibits from the district. These include a shearing shed, a blacksmith’s shop, a dairy shed, a historic classroom, a PMG hut and a Masonic lodge. The exhibits also include a restored tram, a pop-top caravan, locally built tractors and a steam wagon.

Townscapes, Sport and Gold History

Tongala has more than 30 murals in its central shopping area, and a walking tour of its award-winning street art is also available. In Stanhope, the Montevideo Maru mural in the town centre commemorates the victims of the greatest maritime disaster in Australian history. The Rochester Sports Museum displays memorabilia from recent sporting history, including items from Shane Warne, Adam Gilchrist, Merv Hughes, Greg Norman and Sharelle McMahon.

Whroo was established in 1853 as a village at the foot of Balaclava Hill, after more than 20,000 ounces of gold were discovered there. Today, the site is a ghost town with walking trails, history and a picnic area. The Balaclava Gold Mine is also in the Rushworth-Whroo area. It is closed to the public, but can be viewed from lookouts around the site. Check access information before your visit.

The Rushworth Easter Heritage Festival takes place every year on Easter Saturday. It showcases local businesses, tourism offerings, produce, crafts, and local talent and skills. Farmers’ markets are also held regularly in the Shire’s small towns and villages. Depending on the market, offerings may include fresh produce, preserves, local drinks, and arts and crafts from local growers, bakers and craftspeople; live music is also available. Dates and times vary from market to market.

Gardens and Outdoor Activities

The Gargarro Regional Botanic Gardens in Girgarre feature a four-hectare sensory garden with native plants. The plants are presented through five themes: taste, touch, sight, smell and sound. A water feature and lookout offer views of the natural garden landscape and information about the region’s plant life. The garden also reflects the dry landscapes of the Campaspe region. Girgarre is also home to a sound walk in a park-like setting.

Several trails offer options for different distances. The Campaspe River Walk in Echuca is a five-kilometre return route on a sealed path for walkers, joggers and cyclists. Banyule State Forest offers a six-kilometre return walk through a network of trails among the stately eucalypts typical of the area.

The five-kilometre Girgarre-Stanhope Rail Trail, described as family-friendly, connects Girgarre and Stanhope. At 19 kilometres, the Waranga Rail Trail is longer and connects Rushworth with Murchison; along the way, it passes Waranga Basin, bushland and farmland. The different distances and landscapes make it easier to choose a route to suit your preferred length and surroundings.

Water and open landscapes also shape the Shire’s destinations. Ghow (Kow) Swamp is a permanent wetland with impressive views and is popular with photographers. Gunbower Island is ideal for camping, canoeing, walking and birdwatching. Torrumbarry is a popular spot for water sports, fishing and camping. The Mount Hope Nature Conservation Reserve has seven small granite boulders suitable for climbing and abseiling.

In Echuca, TwistED Science offers interactive science experiences, including augmented-reality activities about water, a reaction test, ball runs and tubes, designing and testing paper planes, and a bubble-making room. Alongside the river heritage, the city also offers hands-on science experiences.

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