Laanecoorie River Trail

As with many small goldfields towns, Laanecoorie was once a lively community with numerous businesses supporting a population drawn to the region by the lure of gold. Regular dances were held on moonlit nights. In such light revellers returning home in their gigs could find their way safely.

Laanecoorie means 'place of kangaroos' in local Dja Dja Wurrung language and was adopted as the name for this part of the original 'Simpson Run.' The 'Janevale' home was built on the western bank in 1840 and named after Simpson's wife Jane Charlotte Coghill.

Gold was discovered in the Laanecoorie area at 'Jones Creek' in 1853 attracting many people seeking their fortune. Today life in this little hamlet is much more sedate and visitors can enjoy the serenity as they meander along the trail through the River Redgums lining the banks of the Loddon River, from the historic Janevale Bridge, to the weir and spillway of the Laanecoorie Reservoir. The trail is an easy stroll of 1.2km and has several bench seats allowing users to rest and enjoy the sights, scents and sounds of the river environment. Returning via the attractive tree-lined Weir Road (1.2km) offers a different perspective with views over adjacent farmland testifying to the value of the fertile alluvial soils.

Laanecoorie River Trail Map

The 2.4km return Laanecoorie River Trail follows the Loddon River from Cain's Reserve (also known as Laanecoorie River Recreation Reserve) which has free camping, toilets, picnic tables, wood fire BBQs, water taps, boat ramp, canoe/kayak ramp and swimming and fishing opportunities to the Laanecoorie Reservoir Weir where there is also a picnic table. Camping rules are listed below.

You can either return along Weir Road (which is lined with shady gum trees on one side and passes Canola fields on the other side) or retrace your steps along the river. The path beside the river is quite stony and can get a bit uncomfortable in soft-soled shoes. There are regular seats beside the path.

Things to see
Before you set out, take some time to appreciate the elegance of the Janevale Bridge, a reinforced concrete structure designed and constructed by Sir John Monash and completed in 1911. It was the largest bridge of its kind built in Victoria before World War 1 and is a rare example of splayed trestle piers in reinforced concrete.

When we were here in Spring, there were hundreds of birds building nests under the bridge.

As you wander through the Floodplains Riparian Woodland on the banks of the Loddon River, notice the variety of shrubs, grasses, herbs, rushes and reeds that flourish in the absence of grazing animals. These plants and the riverine environment provide perfect habitat for a variety of fish, birds, reptiles, amphibians and mammals.

The Laanecoorie weir serves to regulate water flows used for irrigation and town supply further down the Loddon River. It was completed in 1891 and, though it has been reduced in capacity due to siltation over the years, provides a valuable storage and recreational facility.

On the return along Weir Road you may notice a change in the vegetation as Yellow Gum trees become dominant. Halfway along the walk the bottle-trunked tree with bright green foliage is a Kurrajong.

Laanecoorie River Reserve Camping

Camping rules and expected behaviour
This is a short term camping and picnic reserve.
The river reserve is for all visitors to enjoy and behaviour should reflect this.

If the Reserve is too crowded there is a similar short term spot along the river in Newbridge. Caravan and full camping facilities are available just 1.8km upstream at the Laanecoorie Lakeside Park (0354 357 303 - cross over the bridge and turn left at the next intersection).

Please note: No power is available however potable water comes out of the tap.
Call 000 for any emergency.

You are required to:

Please take home your rubbish.
Do not discharge grey water on any part of the reserve. There is a grey and black water 'dump point' located at Bridgewater.
Bring your own toilet paper.
Bring your own firewood. Collection from the reserve, and up or downstream is not permitted.
Only light fires within designated fireplaces, and naturally no fires on total fire ban days.
Ensure your dog is on a leash and under control whilst in the reserve, and clean up any poo your dog leaves behind.
Respect and not enter areas set aside for other purposes.
No loud noise including generators after 10pm.
Do not tie any ropes in trees or vandalise facilities.
Do not ride motorbikes on the reserve or along walking trails.
Keep the noise down as people live nearby and other campers have the right to enjoy the peace and quiet.
Enter the water carefully and identify hazards when swimming or canoeing or boating.
Don't put anything in the toilet that isn't toilet paper and the reason for it.
You camp at your own risk. It is not uncommon for tree limbs to fall.
Maximum stay 3 weeks in any 5 week period.

The Laanecoorie River Reserve Committee of Management maintain this area. Donations to help cover costs are appreciated.

Laanecoorie River Reserve Fishing

There is a sign on the site which displays the following text:

The Victorian Government wants you to enjoy fishing the Loddon River. We're also stocking a record number of Murray cod and golden perch, so there's more fish for families to catch.

Catch limits apply. To find out more obtain a recreational fishing guide at vfa.vic.gov.au/recguide or download the free Vic Fish App
Please use toilets and bins provided
Rec fishing licences required. Can be purchased from vfa.vic.gov.au/licence
Be safe by the water
To report illegal fishing call 13FISH (13 3474)
In case of emergency call 000
For more information visit the VFA at vfa.vic.gov.au

Location

1 Main Road, Laanecoorie 3463 Map

Web Links

→ Laanecoorie River Trail (PDF)