The RiverConnect area has traditionally covered the river frontages of Kaiela (the Goulburn River), the Broken River and the forest floodplain areas adjacent to the Shepparton-Mooroopna urban zones. The area includes the major wetlands of Gemmill’s and Reedy Swamps and a large number of reserves.
Providing access to the river environment is the Yanha Gurtji Shared Path network.
In addition, there are two river access points, two vehicle bridges over the Goulburn River and a network of unsealed roads and paths through the forests.
Arcadia
- Arcadia Native Fish Hatchery
Featuring an all-weather shelter with an enclosed exhibition space, toilets and showers, the centre includes displays and information about our iconic Murray cod and how Vic Fisheries grow them at Arcadia.Home to Australia's newest BIG THING - Codfrey - the Giant Murray Cod, measuring in at 16 metres.
Bunbartha
- Loch Garry Wildlife Reserve
A 680-hectare wetland on the lower Goulburn River floodplain about 20 kms north of Shepparton. The wetland incorporates a former course of the Goulburn River and is more than two metres deep at its deepest point. It is surrounded by shallow wetlands, riverine forest and sand ridges. When full, the wetland provides important habitat for frogs, fish, turtles and thousands of waterbirds, including ducks, grebes, cormorants, darters, ibis and spoonbills. Two camping areas available within the Lower Goulburn National Park, no facilities at these sites. Access for canoe and kayaking.
Congupna
- Pony Paddock Park
For the past twenty years the Congupna Tallygaroopna Landcare Group has worked in conjunction with the Victorian Department of Education in restoring the site of the former pony paddock adjacent to the Congupna Primary School. The result of much dedication and many volunteer hours is a beautiful place for visitors to enjoy a fabulous showcase of local flora.
Merrigum
- Dunyak Moira Fishing Lagoons
Meaning fishing lake in Yorta Yorta language, Dunyak Moira is a creative partnership of Goulburn Valley Water and Burnanga Indigenous Fishing Club Inc. Located 20min drive west of Shepparton, two unused water storage reservoirs have been transformed into a community space and catch and release site. The lagoons are now home to over a hundred native fish, as well as ducks, numerous birds and other wildlife.
Mooroopna
- 1. Gemmill Swamp Wildlife Reserve
Featuring a high value wetland area across approximately 170 hectares, the area sees visitation by many native birds. Accessible via the back of Mooroopna 1st Scout Hall on Echuca Rd, or an unsealed path on the northern side of McFarlane Road, the constructed bioremediation wetland treats Mooroopna’s stormwater before it enters Gemmill Swamp. - 2. JA Douglas Park
Bordering Gemmill’s Swamp, the park is located on Echuca Road and provides connections to various walking paths. - 3. Kaieltheban Park
Accessible via Archer Street, this area was a favoured camping and fishing site for the Kaieltheban tribe, part of the Yorta Yorta Nation Family Group. - 4. Chinamans Gardens
This site was where Mooroopna and surrounding residents purchased vegetable produce from a former market garden established by Ah Wong, a Chinese immigrant. Accessible off McLennan Street, the area boasts views of the Goulburn River and is a wonderful location for fishing and picnics. - 5. The Flats
Home to many Aboriginal families after the Cummeragunja Walk Off in 1939, The Flats is a culturally significant area within the Shepparton Regional Park. Stories are shared through interpretive signage on the unsealed path, accessible by foot from the Shared Path along the midland highway, or via the car park on McLennan Street. - 6. KidsTown
An Adventure Playground designed to entertain, stimulate and educate children in a bushland setting. More information and opening hours: https://kidstown.org.au/
Murchison
- Goulburn River Lookout
Next to the Murchison Bridge along Stevenson St is a lookout and vibrant walk along the Goulburn river. The area features Murchison public gardens, playground facilities and public toilets to the west of the Murchison Historical Society building - Goulburn River Aboriginal Protectorate Station
The central station of the Goulburn River Aboriginal Protectorate District at what is now Murchison, operated from 1840 until 1853, and is a significant post-contact Aboriginal site on the Goulburn River.
- Doctor's Swamp Wildlife Reserve
Located along the Murchison Rail Trail, a 200-hectare red gum swamp near Murchison, is one of the most pristine red gum swamps in Victoria. This wetland supports a diverse range of native wetland plants and provides essential habitat for water-birds.
Tatura
- Cussen Park (images featured)
Featuring constructed wetlands, bird hides, observation decks, a registered flying fox colony and well developed paths and signs allowing people to closely observe wildlife.
Experience the Hear and There Sound Walk, an innovative audio tour experience supported by interpretive signage guiding you through the wetland ecosystem. Learn about the many bird species through the Birds of Cussen Park booklet, produced by local resident Jacob Dedman. - Lake Bartlett
Offers constructed wetland and reserve in central Tatura, home to many various woodland and wetland birds.
Toolamba
- Daunts Bend
A 1.9 km walk begins at the roundabout near the Primary School, includes gravel footpaths, dirt or sealed road shoulders. Camping area available within Shepparton Regional Park, no facilities at this site. - Toolamba Boat Ramp
Gravel boat ramp with 2WD all weather access to the river, for canoeing or kayaking. Follow Rutherford Rd and turn right at the end.
Shepparton
- 7. Dainton's Bridge
Named after James Henry Dainton, the first engineer to build a bridge over the Goulburn River, this site features a boat ramp and informal trailer parking. - 8. Goulburn River Anabranch
Prior to 1969, the Goulburn River used to flow through Monash Park. It was redirected during the construction of Dainton’s bridge and the Anabranch exists today as the remaining portion of the river. This space is a good place to spot freshwater turtles sunning themselves on logs. - 9. Stuarts Reserve
Located along the Boulevard, Stuarts Reserve includes access to unsealed shared paths via an unsealed car park. The site features a fenced playground, views of the Goulburn River and a steep unsealed loop walking track. - 10. Cudgee Park
Featuring native grasses, artwork and river views, this area follows the river on the Shared Path Network along the Boulevard. - 11. Jordans Bend
In the heart of Shepparton and home to the endangered Squirrel Glider, this area is bursting with nectar-filled Silver Wattles and other important remnant vegetation. Entry is via the unsealed car park onto the Shared Pathway. - 12. Boulevard Bush Reserve
Originally part of the Wanganui Estate, and later owned by the Tassicker family, the reserve is of high environmental and historical value. Containing a unique section of River Red Gum woodland and accessible via the Shared Path Network, follow an unsealed path with interpretive signage to learn about native plant and animal species found in the reserve. - 13. Shepparton Weir/Fishway
The Weir was constructed to provide a reliable river height for urban water extraction and the Fishway acts like a ladder enabling fish to travel up and downstream. - 14. Reedy Swamp Wildlife Reserve
Providing habitat and breeding sites for a large number of waterbirds, Reedy Swamp is the most southern point of the Lower Goulburn National Park. This area features 130 hectares of wetland, an outdoor classroom and unsealed paths. - 15. Victoria Park Lake Precinct
Transformed into an attractive environmentally sustainable public open space, the lake includes a functioning constructed wetland that filters stormwater. The area is home to many animals, whilst being in close proximity to the Shepparton Art Museum, Kaiela Arts Gallery, Aquamoves, and various recreational playgrounds. - 16. The Confluence
Only accessible via the sealed Shared Path Network, the confluence is the point where the Broken River flows into the Goulburn River. - 17. Kalinga Park
Offering connections to many places in the Shared Path Network, Kalinga Park has direct access to the Australian Botanic Gardens Shepparton over the Broken River Bridge with sealed tracks suitable for recreation. - 18. Australian Botanic Gardens Shepparton
These magnificent gardens have been cultivated from the former Kialla Landfill site to a showcase of native plants that celebrate the history and diversity of the region. Accessible via the Riverview Drive Car Park or over the Broken River Bridge, unsealed paths explore the area supported by interpretive signage and resting areas. - 19. Jackson Park
Nestled off Broken River Drive, Jackson Park offers a manicured setting in close proximity to stunning walks along the Broken River. - 20. Raftery Bend
A beautiful stretch of bushland with access to the Goulburn River at a number of bends. Entry via the northern end of Raftery road.
