Coopers Creek - Horseshoe Bend Tunnel Walk
The Thomson River Diversion Tunnel, commonly known as the Horseshoe Bend Tunnel, is located about 4km south-west of the historical Walhalla township. The tunnel. was blasted through a ridge of land known as the Stockriders Spur, around which the river formed its characteristic horseshoe bend.
Diversion tunnels facilitated alluvial gold mining along the former courses of rivers. Once completed in 1912, the river flowed through the 220 metre long tunnel, leaving the riverbed to be sluiced for alluvial gold. Horseshoe Bend Tunnel is of historical, archaeological. and social significance to Victoria. The tunnel is one of the last and longest diversion tunnels constructed for the winning of gold in Victoria. The walk offers views of both the entrance and exits of the tunnel.
This is a 4.3km return scenic forest walk down to the beautiful Thomson River and historic Horseshoe Bend Tunnel. The walk includes occasional steps, short steep hills, formed track, sign posted and no experience is required. This walk includes river crossings which can vary. Always check local river heights when planning your trip.
About this walk
Situated a short drive from the towns of Walhalla and Rawson and just off Coopers Creek Road is the Horseshoe Bend Tunnel Walk.
From the carpark, a formed walking track winds downhill through a picturesque forest of mountain ash, stringybarks and ferns to the Thomson River 700m below. You will find bench seats situated along this track, which provide a welcome rest stop on the uphill return.
Once at the river, turn right and take a short 200m walk downstream which will bring you to the outlet of the Horseshoe Bend Tunnel. The tunnel was built in 1912 to divert water from the river to allow miners to look for gold along the bends in the riverbed, including the distinctive 'horseshoe' shaped bend that gave the area its name. Stop and read the interpretive signs for the incredible story behind the construction of the tunnel.
Return the way you came and follow the river upstream, taking time to enjoy scenic views over the river and through to surrounding forest. After walking 900m, you will arrive at a series of stepping stones where you can cross the river. Take caution during the wetter months as this crossing may be underwater and unable to be used. If the crossing is underwater, walkers are advised not to proceed beyond this point and return the way they came. Always check local river heights when planning your trip.
The walk can be shortened to about 2km if you don?t visit the upstream tunnel.
Reaching the tunnel
After this crossing, continue for approximately 300m where you will arrive at a second river crossing. A short walk after will bring you to the inlet to the Horseshoe Bend Tunnel. Marvel at the engineering feat it took to build the tunnel and at the natural beauty of the area. Water still flows through the tunnel to this day.
Return the way you came, resting at the benches on the uphill return walk. Picnic tables near the bottom of the walking track or back at the carpark are ideally situated to enjoy some lunch while taking in the serene yet spectacular Gippsland forest.
How to get there
From the Tyers-Walhalla Rd, take the turn-off for Walhalla (Walhalla Rd) and follow this for 4.5km until you reach a sharp left-hand hairpin turn. This is where you need to veer right onto Coopers Creek Rd. Follow for around 350m and cross the bridge before turning left and following the signs to the car park (Horseshoe Bend Picnic Area, Coopers Creek) where you can start the walk down towards the Thomson River.
Horseshoe Bend Tunnel Walk Map
Access for Dogs:
Dogs are permitted on leash.
Location
Coopers Creek Road, Coopers Creek 3825 Map
