Nyah-Vinifera Park
The 1370ha Nyah Vinifera Park, on the floodplains of the Murray River, is perfect for recreational activities and provides great opportunities to enjoy the magnificent Murray River and the River Red Gum forests.
These majestic forests of pristine nature include century old red gums, beautiful billabongs and lagoons, all alongside the banks of the Murray River. A key feature of these reserves is the track which acts as the 'spine' of the forest, with distinct features branching off the track along the way.
The features include wonderful camping sites, fishing spots, watering holes as well as key Aboriginal historical sites from the Wadi Wadi people such as canoe trees, middens and burial grounds.
Enjoying the Park
The park offers a wide range of popular activities including camping, fishing, boating, four wheel driving, trail bike riding and walking.
Camping
Dispersed vehicle-based camping is available throughout the park with direct access to the Murray River. Camps must be at least 20 metres from the Murray River water line.
Fishing
The river is a breeding ground for native fish species such as Murray Cod and Golden Perch. A current NSW Freshwater Recreation Fishing Licence is required for the Murray River. A Victorian Recreational Fishing Licence is required for fishing in waters south of the Murray River.
Boating
The river here is suitable for small fishing boats with a shallow draft. This part of the river is not suitable for water skiing due to snags and reefs.
Swimming
Swimming is popular throughout the warmer months at the many sandy beaches. Cold water, submerged logs and strong currents exist in the Murray River. Diving or jumping into the water can be dangerous.
Four Wheel Driving
Four Wheel Driving is permitted within the park. Vehicles must be registered and remain on formed tracks.
Trail bike riding
Trail bike riding is permitted within the park. Vehicles must remain on formed tracks at all times. Riders must be licensed and vehicles registered and roadworthy. Recreation registration is permitted.
Flooding in Nyah-Vinifera Park
High river flows along the Murray River in recent years have spilled water into parts of Nyah-Vinifera Park to water River Red Gums and connect the river to wetlands and creeks.
River Red Gums respond to environmental watering with flushes of new growth and regeneration of understorey vegetation. Where environmental watering has not occurred trees show signs of leaf size reduction, canopy thinning and die back.
Flooding also encourages native fish to spawn in the higher river flows and, with water flowing into the wetlands, they become important nurseries for the species.
Where possible, environmental water delivery is combined with high river flows to produce significant improvements to the health of the park, as well as a return of waterbirds and frogs.
Being a natural wetland, Nyah-Vinifera Park retains floodwater for many months following inundation. During flooding, visitor access is limited, often for long periods.
History
Many sites along the river remind us of the river's important history - old sawmills, punt landings and sites associated with the riverboat era.
The Takasuka levee bank is an example of early water diversion to grow rice. Jo Takasuka (pronounced Ta-kaska) was born in Matsuama, Japan in 1868 and came to Melbourne in 1905. In 1906 he was granted 300 acres of Murray River floodplain to pioneer the Australian rice industry. Seed from the Takasuka rice crops was used to breed the rice still grown in Australia today.
Before European settlement, most of the River Red Gums were huge old forest giants, with the floodplain covered in tall reeds called Cumbungi. Box trees on the edge of the floodplain were prized as posts. Many trees were cut for building and fuel for the steam powered water pumping station, paddle steamers and the local hospital boilers.
Access for Dogs:
Dogs are permitted in the park but must be kept on a lead at all times.
How to Get There
Access to Nyah-Vinifera Park is via River Road off the Murray Valley Highway between Wood Wood and Vinifera. Two-wheel drive access is only available when dry.
Note: Photos from Parks Victoria
Location
River Road, Nyah 3594 Map
Web Links
→ Nyah-Vinifera Park (Parks Victoria)
→ Nyah-Vinifera Park - Visitor Guide (PDF)
