Swifts Creek Town Walks
A 20 minute drive from Omeo along the Great Alpine Road, this pretty little town sits at the confluence of the Tambo River and Swifts Creek. The first Australians knew the area as Bun Jirrah Gingee Munjie - 'Big kangaroos go to that place', but it was gold that drove European settlement at Swifts Creek from the 1850s. The lush, fertile Tambo Valley and heavily forested surrounding hills also attracted pastoralists and loggers and today these industries remain the lifeblood of the town. The flatness of the valley and the picturesque
waterways offer easy and enjoyable walking experiences to suit most ages and levels of fitness.
Swifts Creek Town Walks Map
The Poets Walk
1.2km (20-30 minutes)
Grade 2. Natural Surface
A River's Mark, a poem by the late Swifts Creek artist, John Butler, inspired the creation of this Poet's Walk. Start at the Great Alpine Road bridge and follow the trail along Swifts Creek to its junction with the Tambo River, then along the Tambo River ending at the bridge at McMillan Street.
The Poet's Walk is a 1km walk past six stanzas of a poem by John Butler inscribed on six cairns. Wind through native plants and birdlife following the looping Tambo River. It's right in the heart of town, and has seating, picnic areas and easy access.
My mark begins in landscapes high above the gathered plains
?Mongst granite boulders set and sealed by sands of their remains
It starts with granules in a line, else varied grades of silt define
My first marks on the pristine land.
I carve down through the marks of time and secrets open as I go
The footprints left from thousands years where other rivers once did flow
I raise old truths from earth?s great pit I polish gems with diamond grit
My sparkling mark upon the land.
With clamorous noise I carve the steeps and quieter flow along the deeps
I never cease my endless toil rumbling rocks and sifting soil
Flowing onwards to the sea in duty bound to gravity
I weave my mark upon the land.
I gurgle in the gullies? guts I clatter over stony walls
I bubble in the shady vales and tumble down in waterfalls
Until at last on the gentle plain I ripple through a wide domain
And craft my mark upon the land.
Though gentle I may seem to be when tempests rage and strengthen me
I gather energy enough to wreck the bridges, cave the bluff
Sweep fences, sheds and stock away and change the lives of all who stay
To grieve my scars upon the land.
If life be like a river our souls are as the land
Shaped and formed by forces which we may not understand
We pray misfortune?s ugly scars are soon ebbed on the tide
While all the marks of loving care are blest and sanctified.
Town to Sheltons Lane
1.2km (15 minutes one way)
Grade 1. No previous walking experience required
A great little walk to stretch the legs after a long drive. Follow the path running parallel to the Great Alpine Road from the McMillan St intersection to Sheltons Lane. The stately avenue of Plane Trees was planted by members of the Swifts Creek Country Women's Association in 1934 to mark the Centenary of Victoria. From the McMillan St intersection, head south east towards Ensay, and enjoy the sweeping views of the river flats and the high forested ridges of the hills above the Tambo Valley. Pause for a rest on the Mosaic Seat near Sheltons Lane, created by Great Alpine Gallery Artists with the help of children from Swifts Creek Primary School.
Caravan Park to McLarty's Gate
2km (20-25 minutes return)
Grade 2. Natural Surface
Popular with locals, this walk begins at the caravan park at the McMillan Street bridge over the Tambo River and continues for one kilometre to the farm gate across the road.
This quiet country lane, with its rustic wooden fences and pleasant views of the surrounding farmland, hugs the course of the river. It is shaded by a number of magnificent, mature eucalyptus trees, predominantly Yellow Box.
In the early hours of the morning or evening, especially during cooler months, keep a look out for the Platypus - Ornithorhynchus anatinus - which forage for worms and aquatic insects in and along the banks of the river.
Location
Great Alpine Way, Swifts Creek 3896 Map
Web Links
→ Swifts Creek Town Walks Brochure and Map (PDF)
→ Poets Walk Swifts Creek on Facebook
