The RiverConnect area has traditionally covered the river frontages of Kaiela (the Goulburn River) and 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.
[insert updated RiverConnect Access Map – hover over map to see expanded descriptions below]
- 1. Gemmills Swamp Wildlife Reserve
Featuring a high value wetland area across approximately 170 hectares, the area sees visitation by many native birds. Accessible via an unsealed path on the Northern side of McFarlane Road, the constructed bioremediation wetland treats Mooroopna’s stormwater before it enters Gemmills Swamp. - 2. Douglass 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/ - 7. Daintons 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. - 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
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.