Stuart Mill - Kara Kara National Park
Kara Kara National Park features mainly steep, forested terrain and is an ideal place to experience what the forests of Central Victoria were like before the gold rushes. The rocky ridge tops in the park offer fine views for bushwalkers and four-wheel-drive tourers, and there are ample opportunities for hiking in the steep and rugged terrain. The Upper Teddington Reservoir is a peaceful place for picnics and camping.
Things to See and Do
Walking
The area offers ample opportunities for bushwalking and exploring the Box Ironbark habitats.
Redbank Nature Conservation Reserve and Percydale Historic Area offer some steep and challenging tracks with excellent views of the surrounding landscape from high points.
The rocky ridge tops in Kara Kara National Park also offer fine views for bushwalkers. There are many walk options for all abilities.
For example take a scenic walk from the Teddington Campground:
Upper Teddington Reservoir Walk - 2.6km return, flat
Walk to the dam wall from the campground around the eastern edge of Upper Teddington Reservoir and return the same way. At times the reservoir is a haven for many different waterbird species including the endangered Freckled Duck.
Teddington Hut Walk- 2.6km return, flat
Stroll along Teddington Road from the campground to historic Teddington Hut and return the same way. This walk also follows Strathfillan Creek which is lined with some very large trees. These often attract flocks of noisy White Cockatoos. Please don't enter the Hut if the site is occupied.
Cycling
The roads in and around Kara Kara National Park are suited to both cycling and mountain bike riding. The lower areas in the north and east of the park and the area immediately around Upper Teddington Reservoir are most suited to cycling. The rougher roads and steep terrain elsewhere in the park are more suited to mountain bike riding. A mountain bike touring route follows Centre Road along a north-south ridge of the park, with other shorter rides off this route. The St Arnaud Range Cycling tracks brochure is available from the Visitor Information Centres in St Arnaud and Avoca.
Remember to only ride on open roads and look out for other road users. Bikes are not permitted on walking tracks.
Four wheel driving
The whole Kara Kara National Park's road network is suited to touring in four wheel drive vehicles and on trail bikes. Popular routes for individuals and organised four wheel drive groups are along Centre Road, which traverses the north-south length of the park and offers many vantage points across the landscape, and the Mount Separation Road in the east of the park. It is suited only to four wheel drive vehicles with high clearance.
Redbank Nature Conservation Reserve and Percydale Historic Area also have some interesting and challenging tracks, of which many are four wheel drive only. Make sure you are aware of conditions and seasonal road closures and have the experience to use these tracks.
Camping and picnicking
The banks of Upper Teddington Reservoir provide a pleasant spot for camping and picnics. Toilets, picnic tables and fireplaces are provided and the campground is accessible for caravans. Camp only in the designated campground. Dispersed camping is available north of Stuart Mill Gap Road, except within 500m of the Rostron and West of England picnic areas. Campers in this zone may use gas or liquid fuel stoves, but not campfires.
Drinking water is not provided in the park, so please bring your own.
Teddington Camping Area
The banks of the Upper Teddington Reservoir provide a pleasant venue for camping and picnics. Camp only in designated camping areas and at least 40m from the reservoir. Facilities include, flushing toilets, wood barbeques and picnic tables. Visitors are required to bring their own drinking water and firewood. There are only a small number of fireplaces so please come prepared to use gas instead. Currently no fees apply.
Teddington Hut
Teddington Hut was originally constructed by the State Rivers and Works Commission around 1955. It was used to provide temporary accommodation for employees to carry out erosion works associated with the Teddington Reservoir Catchment. Today the hut and adjoining campsite is a popular spot for large groups to gather and camp.
The camping area has basic facilities including, pit toilets, wood BBQ, and picnic table. Teddington Hut also has a fireplace in it. Visitors are required to bring their own drinking water and firewood.
Fishing and boating
Upper Teddington Reservoir is popular for fishing with Brown Trout and Redfin commonly caught. A Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence is required.
Only non-powered or electric boats can be launched in Upper Teddington Reservoir. Car parking is not permitted around the edge of Upper Teddington Reservoir.
Lower Teddington Reservoir is outside of the park and is managed by the Stuart Mill Water Supply Committee. Fishing and canoeing are permitted at this reservoir, but swimming, power boating and camping are not. However check current signage as local rules are subject to change.
Prospecting
Recreational prospecting is permitted in designated areas. Prospectors must hold a current Miner's Right. Please fill in any holes.
Scenic drives
The 50km Centre Road Nature Drive starts from the Wimmera Highway just out of St Arnaud and passes through Kara Kara National Park. Four-wheel drive vehicles are recommended from Rostron-Stuart Mill Road south to Redbank. The West of England Lookout provides magnificent views of the surrounding countryside and Grampians National Park.
For a shorter and more leisurely two-wheel drive tour, start the scenic drive at St Arnaud and visit the Wax Garden in St Arnaud Regional Park. Continue through to Rostron Picnic Area for a pleasant picnic stop. Exit via Thwaites Road to the Sunraysia Highway.
Four-wheel driving and trail bike riding
The southern section of the park has a variety of 4WD and trail bike opportunities. Please keep to signed vehicle access tracks and respect road closures when applicable. Also some tracks are permanently closed except for management purposes only. Normal road rules apply.
History
Little is known about Aboriginal occupation of the park. However, Aboriginal sites found in the park include scarred trees, mounds and stone artefact scatters.
In the 1840s European squatters took up land in the area. Stock grazing continued in some areas until 1995 and sheepyards built from bush timbers remain in some parts of the park.
Alluvial and shallow reef mining for gold commenced during the 1860's and a number of significant sites can be found around the park.
The park has also been an important source of timber. Logs were supplied to local timber mills, and used for fence posts, palings and firewood. Harvested species include yellow gum, grey box and red ironbark.
The Teddington Reservoirs were constructed to supply water to the town of St Arnaud, with No. 1 completed in 1900 and No. 2 in 1929. The reservoir system was downgraded in 1947 and they now only supply nearby Stuart Mill. Many structures remain, including catch drains, weirs and concrete lining of part of Strathfillan Creek.
Kara Kara National Park holds many relics from the past, offering an insight into the early uses of the land. The Upper Teddington Reservoir and a series of works including catch drains, rock bars, weirs and diversion drains in the upper Strathfillan Creek catchment, constructed from 1898, are evidence of this area's role in supplying water to the Stuart Mill and St Arnaud communities for 50 years
There are also several historic features associated with early gold mining and forestry work. As you wonder through the park, look out for charcoal pits, forest camp areas, puddlers, batteries, mines, water races and diggings
Getting there
Kara Kara National Park is 200km north-west of Melbourne. Main access to the park is from the Sunraysia Highway to the east. At Stuart Mill, follow the signs to Teddington Campground.
St Arnaud Regional Park to the north is easily accessible from the town of St Arnaud.
There are also many nature conservationa reserves in the area, including Stuart Mill, adjoining in the north-east, Dalyenong further east, Redbank and Landsborough Hill to the south and Big Tottington to the west.
Location
385 Teddington Road, Stuart Mill 3477 Map
Web Links
→ Kara Kara National Park (Parks Victoria)
→ Kara Kara National Park - Visitor Guide (PDF)
