Bridgewater Tracks and Trails
The Bridgewater River Walk flanks the beautiful Loddon River in the town of Bridgewater-on-Loddon. The town is rich in history which can be discovered in a number of places along the trail.
Bridgewater was a crossing point to the goldfield diggings at Inglewood and a punt was used regularly by Cobb and Co. coaches to cross the river. Chinese market gardeners along the river supplied fresh vegetables to the miners and settlers. A permanent bridge was completed in 1863 and the first train arrived in 1876. By the late 1880's the region boasted a brewery, several hotels, a flour mill and four cheese and butter factories.
The weir downstream of the bridge was completed in 1884 and diverted water to the flour mill as well as supplying water for stock and domestic purposes to the surrounding area. The weir was constructed atop a basalt outcrop which extends downstream of the weir and produces Grade 3 rapids suitable for technical white water kayaking when flows are suitable.
Things to see
Heading north from the bridge on the eastern side will bring you to the swimming hole and fishing area which extends 90m upstream from the weir, and is marked by red buoys. On the foreshore of the swimming hole you will find a lovely grassy picnic area with a deck and bathing platform, toilets and BBQ.
Continue on to a short circuit trail around the island formed by the mill race and the Loddon River. On the island walk you will be treated to beautiful views of the cascading rapids, majestic River Red Gums, mossy basalt rocks and billabongs. You will also notice the still-operational flour mill on the high bank. The return walk including the island loop is approximately 2.1km.
South of the highway bridge on the eastern bank take a pleasant stroll along the foreshore of the Loddon which is deep and wide due to the weir downstream. The river here is commonly used by water skiers and contains one of only 5 slalom and jump facilities in the country that complies with international standards and hosts competitive events. The return walk to the caravan park is 1.9km. On the western bank you can stroll amongst the intricately carved wooden figures set into the foreshore. These were carved from pine trees removed from the botanic garden at Inglewood. A little further down you will pass the sites of the old brewery and the Bridgewater Mill Company Limited. The mill burned down in 1905 and was not rebuilt.
The Bullabul track from Bridgewater to Inglewood follows quiet country roads, railway service tracks and well-worn paths through attractive bushland.
The track starts in the pleasant surrounds of the Loddon River at Bridgewater and, at the Inglewood end, winds through the historic Morning Star Mine before terminating at the Town Hall. Mid way is a picturesque old timber bridge over the Bullabul Creek. The Bullabul rises in the foothills north of Dunolly and joins the Loddon River downstream of the basalt bar at Bridgewater.
Both Bridgewater and Inglewood are attractive towns with rich histories, interesting architecture and a warm country feel about them.
If possible take time to explore both towns to learn about the history and enjoy the attractions of the area. Good quality trails with excellent facilities may be found in both towns and offer an ideal way to experience them.
The distance of the trail is 13.4 km one way so if you have not arranged to be picked up at the other end you will need to be prepared to complete over 26km. A mountain bike is the ideal way to enjoy this trail but walking will allow plenty of time to appreciate the environment and attractions along the way.
Things to see
The track takes in a variety of environments from the riverine community of the Loddon River, through rural farmland, bushland reserve and the ephemeral Bullabul Creek.
Notice the changes in vegetation and the birds and animals living in each environment. Along the river and creek you may see galahs and cockatoos, ducks, egrets or rosellas. Farmland is more likely to attract magpies, ravens, or hawks while the bushland may bring tree creepers, honey eaters, pardalotes or robins. At the Inglewood end you will see stands of Mallee trees and tall Yellow gums.
The farmland will display a different character depending on the time of year, varying between lush green fields through fallow paddocks to dry crops or pasture in summer.
Location
Cnr Park Street and Main Street, Bridgewater 3516 Map
Web Links
→ Bridgewater River Walk (PDF)
→ Bullabul Track from Bridgewater to Inglewood (PDF)
