Tallangatta - Mitta Bridge to Old Tallangatta Walk
This appealing 4.0km High Country Rail Trail return walk embraces Mitta River views at the confluence with Lake Hume and the historic site of the flooded Old Tallangatta township.
Mitta Mitta is the aboriginal word for "meeting of the waters." This is the place. Whether the river is a dry season ribbon running under the bridge or awash from valley wall to valley wall as part of a full upper Lake Hume, it forms a lovely scene.
In 1956, Old Tallangatta township was submerged under the planned expansion of Lake Hume. The town was relocated to its current site west of here above the lake's high water mark.
This return walk along a section of the High Country Rail Trail connects two lookouts offering good views from each location. The Mitta River is crossed via the old railway bridge beside the Murray Valley Highway. The trail is sealed at first, then unsealed smooth gravel later. Mostly flat, gradients are short and mild. The walking is easy.
You can start the walk at either end. There is more car parking space at the Mitta Valley Lookout (which is closer to new Tallangatta). The Mitta Valley Lookout has an exposed picnic table. The Old Tallangatta Lookout has a few parking spaces, a sloping landscaped garden, sheltered picnic tables and informative signage with great historic photos of the old town included. There are no public toilets on this walk.
This is a shared pathway. Cyclists also use the High Country Rail Trail. Keeping to the left makes it easy for everyone to enjoy the trail.
Be prepared for self reliant walking. Carry food, water, First Aid, be SunSmart
Access for Dogs:
Dogs may accompany you on this walk, but must be on a leash and under control at all times.
Map of Route
Interactive Map
Points of Interest
1. Mitta Valley
The lake could be full or be an enchanting river valley scene.
2. Mitta Valley Lookout
There is more room for car parking here. There is one picnic table. It is further away from the roadside than the Old Tallangatta Lookout. This is probably the better place to start your return walk.
3. The High Country Rail Trail (sealed)
Approaching the bridge, this section of the trail is sealed. There are distance markers en route.
4. Mitta River Bridge
This is a long bridge to accommodate seasonal changes in water levels. The HCRT bridge runs parallel to the Murray Valley Highway.
5. Birdlife
A family of Great Crested Grebes enjoy the lake. Birdlife observations can be frequent and varied if you take it quiet and steady.
6. A seat and cairn
At around the half way point is a rest and outlook spot. This location marks the site of the original Tallangatta Shire Office before the 1990s amalgamation of Tallangatta and Upper Murray Shires.
7. Apple trees
If you do the walk in the temperate climate of autumn look out for an apple harvest. Train travellers throwing their apple cores out the window have left a fruitful legacy.
8. High Country Rail Trail (unsealed)
This section of the High Country Rail Trail after the bridge is of compacted gravel. It is well maintained by the volunteers of the High Country Rail Trail Advisory Group.
9. Old Tallangatta
Looking over the submerged township site from the lookout to the surviving part of Old Tallangatta. When water levels drop remnants of the drowned old town emerge.
10. Old Tallangatta Lookout
A zig zag path takes you up the short distance through a landscaped slope from the HCRT to the Lookout.
11. Picnic table with a view
A sheltered picnic table with a good view is provided.
12. Informative signage
There are several informative and interesting signs at the lookout. Pictures of the original township and the telling of its story are well presented. The bird identification is also useful.
Location
Mitta Valley Lookout, Murray Valley Highway, Tallangatta 3700 Map
Web Links
→ Mitta Bridge to Old Tallangatta (Walking Maps)
