Kyneton - Campaspe River Walk - Central

Kyneton - Campaspe River Walk

The Campaspe River Walk which stretches from the Kyneton Botanic Gardens to the bottom of Piper Street and beyond to the Racecourse is almost three kilometres long. It provides an interesting walk along the River and passes through the Sculpture Park near Quarry Reserve.

Visitors will find many information plaques at various points along the walk to assist in understanding the river's heritage:

Kyneton Botanical Gardens (Established 1858)
Railway weir
Old saleyard pig enclosure
Platypus habitat
Old swimming pool weirs
Greenway Lane Cobb & Co crossing
Footbridge to railway station (only buttresses remaining)
Sculpture Park either side of Piper Street Bridge featuring local sculptors' works. BBQ facilities are available here.

With settlement came planting of introduced trees such as willow, poplar, cypress, hawthorn, oak and elm. Willow has caused major damage to the river environs. Although the river may never return to its pre-settlement condition, a sustainable mix of exotic and re-established indigenous species has created a healthy pleasant environment.

The river is home to many species of fish - Redfin, Tench and Yellow Belly. These provide sport for anglers although it should be noted that a fishing license is required. The river is also home to water rats and many native birds such as black and wood ducks, various parrots, egrets and white ibis. It is also a known platypus habitat.

Map of Route:

History

It is believed that the original inhabitants, the Dja Dja Wurrung people named the river Yelka. Subsequently the river was re-named Campaspe in 1836 by Major Thomas Mitchell after Alexander the Great's favourite concubine. The river from the Botanical Gardens to the Racecourse has changed dramatically since settlement. Installation of various weirs supplied reliable water for fishing, swimming, steam rail use and general beautification of the river. During the dry season the river often ceases to flow.

The river plays an important part in providing a recreation area for local residents and tourists. It is a delightful place for a picnic, a gentle walk with your dog, a jog or some pleasant fishing.

Access for Dogs:

Dogs are permitted on-leash. There is an off-leash area at the western end of Clowes Street (green area on map).

Review:

A pleasant walk along the river which includes a sculpture park. The sculptures are quite interesting but the information boards for the sculptures are very dilapidated and impossible to read (they have been updated since this review).

We started the walk at Campaspe Place where the sculptures are located and after a short time reached the Barry Doyle Memorial Rotunda which has four tables and BBQs. Around this are four unshaded tables, water tap and more sculptures.

The track is made from a hard gravel surface and is suitable for walking or riding a bike. There are plenty of picnic tables along the way and some shaded seats are provided. Most of the way the river is on one side and houses are on the other. Little wooden bridges and weirs along the river help to retain interest for the kids.