Lower Goulburn National Park (Kanyapella)
The Goulburn River is lined with River Red Gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) and is an important wildlife corridor linking the mountains of the Great Dividing Range to the Murray River. The river is highly scenic with its narrow strips of riparian vegetation along its meandering banks. The adjoining River Red Gum forests and woodlands provide a striking contrast to the adjacent farmland.
The Victorian Government created the Lower Goulburn National Park, along with other new and expanded parks, in June 2010 to protect and enhance the River Red Gum forests in Victoria.
Enjoying the Park:
The forests along the Goulburn River, particularly areas close to Shepparton, are popular for camping, fishing, canoeing, bushwalking and a variety of other recreational activities.
Canoeing - conditions for canoeing are enhanced by the summer releases of water from Lake Eildon.
Sightseeing and picnicking - enjoy many scenic views along the river from high river banks.
Swimming is popular, particularly near townships where the river is easily accessible.
Fishing - This stretch of the Goulburn is fairly shallow with plenty of snags, so preferred boating is by smaller craft. Steep banks predominately line the river, with sandbars and access points dotted throughout. Informal boat ramps are scattered along the river at popular access points.
Murray Cod, Golden Perch and Spiny Freshwater Crayfish are found in the river. A current Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence is required for fishing in waters south of the Murray River including the Goulburn River. A NSW Freshwater Recreation Fishing Licence is required for fishing in the Murray River.
River Red Gums:
River Red Gum forests have high natural, cultural and economic values. These forests are coming under increasing pressure from climate change, drought and reduced water flows in the northern rivers. Protecting this precious environment relies on balancing economic and recreational activities with preserving its natural beauty and values.
River Red Gums line the Goulburn River for most of its length. These iconic trees have been known to reach 45 metres and live for more than 500 years. The trees need periods of flooding and can survive inundation for months. Their seeds are washed onto higher ground during a flood and germinate and grow before the next flood reaches them. Hollows and broken branches provide nesting for galahs, cockatoos, cockatiels and various parrots, while fallen branches provide habitat for other animals.
Goulburn Heritage River:
The Goulburn Heritage River was declared in 1992 in recognition of it unique natural, recreational, scenic and cultural values. It is Victoria's second largest river in terms of length, catchment area and annual flows. River flows are highly regulated by two major storages - Lake Eildon and Goulburn Weir. The Goulburn Weir was the first major irrigation scheme in Australia. Major flooding now occurs once every ten years, while before regulation, flooding would have occurred at least every two years.
Location
Watson Road, Kanyapella 3564 Map
Web Links
→ Lower Goulburn National Park
→ Lower Goulburn National Park - Park note (PDF)
→ Reserves of northern Victoria and the southern Riverina
