Mon, 7th Dec, 2015 Benarca Campground, Murray Valley Reg Park, west of Moama, NSW to Masters Landing Campground, Murray River Reserve, near Gunbower, Vic (exploring Gunbower area)

Still overcast but it is a high cloud. Lovely breeze this morning, 28 degrees at 8am. Packed up and headed off back to Moama. Topped up with water then across the bridge into Echuca. Crossed over the Campaspe River.

Onto the Murray Valley Highway for a few kilometres. We had crossed over Gunbower Creek near the township of Torrumbarry back along the highway. It is another break-away creek from the Murray and rejoins the Murray downstream at Koondrook/Barham. We are now on Gunbower Island with the Murray on one side and Gunbower Creek on the other. It is the largest inland island in Australia. Turned off the highway towards the Torrumbarry Weir. Crossed over the National Channel that brings the water from the upstream area of the weir.

Torrumbarry Weir and No. 26 Lock are 1628 kilometres from the mouth and 86 metres above sea level. Standing next to the edge of the new weir is the plaque about this being the site of the picnic area.

Looking at the fish ladder exit.

Walked over to the information centre, the view from the balcony.

The old weir was created by these wooden trestles being moved across to stop the water. Very interesting.

They had beauty queen competitions too.

The irrigation scheme.

Lots of information and photos and a video talking about people’s memories.

Aerial view of the weirs.

Back out to the weir – the fish ladder. They have a long swim to get around the weir.

Guess who is waiting for dinner!

The water is pouring out of all the outlets to carry on down the Murray.

Cute little Welcome Swallow.

More info about the gates.

Walked across to the Lock.

The other end of the lock. A lot of water to drop out to get the boat down to river level.

Looking back at the weir.

The old weir trestles and the old fish ladder.

Only a narrow gap for the fish to enter and exit the fish ladder.

Picked up a great sheet about all the locks and weir. I wondered how come only 26, 15 & then 11 and down locks were shown. They never constructed the other ones. Why didn’t they just change the numbers!!

Had lunch in the park with a sprinkler watering the trees so we had a lovely cool breeze and an occasional sprinkle. It is another hot day 36 degrees but with a hazy funny sky.

Followed the dirt River Road along the Murray to find a spot for the night. Stopped at Broken River Bend to read the info. The land on the NSW side was once part of Victoria until the Murray River cut a new course through the bend.

The river winds back on itself a lot now so we are out on a narrow spit.

Continued on to Masters Landing.

The poor old house has nearly seen its day. It was built in 1860.

Chatted with a father & son here fishing. He had refurbished his uncle’s 1950s caravan – very cute but very hot today as it only has little windows. At least we can open up the van to get as much breeze as possible.

Continued downstream. Found another info board about the saw mill here which was built in 1926.

From the tree here they winched the logs across the river from NSW.

Across the river we saw two flood gates areas in gullies. We presume it is part of the Living Murray Initiative we read about at Torrumbarry Weir - efforts to revive the floodplains as they aren’t getting flooded anymore.

Drove back to Masters Landing which is a Murray Reserve Campground. The National Park is the light shaded area and all the dark bits are reserves.

Unhooked and headed off to follow the tourist route around Gunbower and all its lagoons. The forest on Gunbower Island was thought to be an inexhaustible source of wealth in the 1870s and was exploited for its Red Gum timber to build bridges, wharves, mine props, railways, paddle steamers and fine furniture. Timber workers lived with their families in the forest. The dwellings were simple shelters made from bush materials. Many survived on fish, rabbits and swan eggs. Some kept a cow for milk or raised a pig or two. The Murray River Trade was flourishing with its many paddle steamers transporting timber from the forests, wool and grain from the outlying station to the Port of Echuca.

Went further downstream past the tree to find the Headworks and Pumping Station.

 Can't work out why it turns some around and don't know how to change it.

Looking upstream to where the new headworks is located.

Grates cover the openings to the tunnel and air vent.

Walked down into the channel to look at the tunnel exit then down the channel.

Walked around to look at the gate on the river side.

Further upstream we found the new headworks. Amazing amount of timber was required to keep these steam engines going, 80 tons per day for this one and 24 tons for the old one.

The new channel.

Looking back to the old headworks.

Followed the track beside the old channel through the bush and then out beside Upper Gunbower Lagoon.

Missed the school site which started in 1905. Passed the old tobacco farm but didn’t see in the info board. The first crop was grown here on Cockatoo Island in 1924 (an island within an island).

Crossed Gunbower Creek.

Through the little township of Gunbower and across Taylor Creek.

Found an inlet spot on the Upper Gunbower Lagoon that feeds into Gunbower Creek.

 There was an old gate and a new one letting the water rush through.

The kids have a rope to hang off in the current.

Further around was the old timber weir then the new concrete one.

Lovely lake area. A chap was trying to catch his dinner but only got a carp.

I walked around the back of the weir. The old one is looking very sad. It was built about 1892.

The new gates with the water rushing under my feet as I walked across the grill footpath.

 

There is a fish ladder here too.

Across the other side I found the info board.

Followed the road around passed the Race Course that held its further race meeting here in 1881.

Passed a dairy – boy they are smelly. It is milking time and they get a nice wash as they head in to be milked. Would be very nice as it is quiet warm today – mid 30s.

Lots of hay everywhere in various forms. These ones are in one continuous wrap – look like very big sausages.

Took the wrong turn and headed back towards Masters Landing so missed the cottage. Back around the other edge of Upper Gunbower Lagoon – very confusing area with all its waterways.

Back to the van to enjoy the birds and the river. A Whistling Kite reminds Steve of the Palmer. Tried to get a photo!!

A few spits of rain fell while we were by the river. Not enough to get wet though. Had a cold shower again tonight – saving on gas!! Still 36 degrees at 5pm.

Rang Mum for a chat and she said Val had been up and walking around in hospital and they are going to send her to a Respite Centre so she can have proper care rather than home alone. They are calling her the Wonder Woman – I said she is amazing. After all the years being pricked etc with her diabetes and giving up all things yummy she is still going ok after stopping all the medication etc. Her heart is still weak but she is still laughing. Gave her a ring when I got off from Mum and also chatted with Lorraine.

Tried Kaylene but no answer, then she texted back to say she was being good and walking with Wendy. Got onto her and had a great long chat.

Chatted with Suzanne on Facebook.

A few more little showers of rain but it hasn’t dropped the temperature at all – still 36 degrees.