Earlston - Shire Dam Swamp Nature Conservation Reserve Walk
A lovely walk around a Swampy Riparian Woodland of majestic River Red Gums.
The walk takes you around the perimeter of a Swampy Riparian Woodland bound by pasture. Navigation is easy using a combination of the partly ephemeral track and fence lines. The short last leg along Shire Dam Rd is also easy. This southern boundary dirt road sees very little traffic. The Reserve periphery to the east, north and west is relatively dry underfoot.
Shire Dam Swamp is a poorly drained depression crossed by a small waterway. This has created a swampy Riparian Woodland dominated by a stand of spectacular River Red Gums, with one dry corner of Grey Box woodland. There isn't much of a mid story. The ground layer is pooled and boggy during the wetter months. Tufted grasses provide a verdant carpet underneath the high canopy.
The noise of frogs can be loud. Frog spawn is to be discovered in every wet spot of any depth. Hollow inhabiting Corellas, Cockatoos, Galahs and Eastern Rosellas add to the cacophonic volume at times as well. Often without explanation, everything suddenly goes eerily quiet. The place is quite an experience for the senses.
Water birds such as Pacific Black Ducks, Wood Ducks, Herons and Swans are to be observed in deeper pools and ponds. There are very easily observable ponds and swamplands in the private land opposite the Reserve on Bridge Rd.
Note: A pleasant walk in its own right, it is best experienced in tandem with the contrasting Box Woodland Walk nearby.
Shire Dam Swamp Nature Conservation Reserve Walk Map
Interactive map
Points of Interest:
1. Parks Vic information sign
Conservation and protection are the principal reasons for the existence of the Reserve. Please pay attention to the restrictions.
2. Private swamp land
Opposite the Reserve is a lovely extension of the swamp on private land.
3. Roadside parking
Just north of the corner there is a parking bay beside a pretty pond. This is great place to start or finish your walk with a picnic.
4. Duck pond
A great place for water bird observation.
5. Enter the swamp
Heading north of the pondage takes you into the swamp proper. Tufted grasses mark wet bogs.
6. Swampy pools
Swampy pools occur throughout the interior of this River Red Gum Riparian Woodland.
7. The track
The track hugs the periphery of the Reserve. This is necessary, particularly in wetter months, for keeping walkers dry and away from soft ground.
8. Nature's art
There might not be any local gallery in this vicinity, but that is of no consequence. Nature's art is beautifully exhibited here in Shire Dam Swamp.
9. Bridged outlet
The swamp is drained by a creek running into an adjacent property. It is good to see stock exclusion fencing and revegetation in place.
10. Small weir
Water levels are maintained by a small weir across the draining waterway within the swamp. There are rocks to step over for crossing to the other side.
11. Meet the locals
As for any bush walk, look, listen, smell, take it quietly and slowly. You will be rewarded.
12. Hollow habitat
One of the unfortunate legacies of 200 years of cutting down trees is the reduction in tree hollows for wildlife. A Red Gum hollow can take 100 years to form. At least this stand has some to offer.
13. Fully surrounded
Despite the splendour of this grand stand of swamp River Red Gums, they remain an isolated fragment of what once was and needs to be again. Kilometres of pasture are on every side.
14. Frog spawn
The sound of frogs can be loud. Frog spawn is in abundance.
15. Illegal wood collection
Evidence of firewood collection isn't too hard to find despite its importance to the food chain and that it is illegal in Nature Conservation Reserves. This photo is from the dry SE Grey Box corner.
Access for Dogs:
Dogs are not permitted.
Location
Cnr Shire Dam Roas and Bridge Road, Earlston 3669 Map
Web Links
→ Swamp Walk, Earlston (Walking Maps)
