Sat, 9th Jan, 2016 Thegoa Lagoon & Reserve, Wentworth, NSW to Kulnine Weir & Lock 9, Kulnine, Vic (exploring Wallpolla Island)

23 degrees with a light cool breeze and clear blue sky. Steve commented how lucky we were to see the boats go upstream and downstream through the lock the other day as there haven’t been any more. Then just as we were about to head off a houseboat headed towards the lock. Parked and ready with the camera downstream of the lock as the boat arrived. It was the one we saw the other day, returning.

The pelicans love this spot.

Zoomed in on the removal Navigable Pass section on the left side of the weir.

Gates open then the green light goes on so the boat can head in.

Red light on as the gates close.

Walked along the lush grass – no sprinklers to fight with today – to the other end.

A cormorant was waiting his turn to traverse the lock too. While he waited he tried to stir up some fish to eat. Looks like an exercise we used to do at water aerobics!!

Gates open and guess who was first out!!

Then the houseboat carried on upstream.

Chatted with the lock officer – During flood times a crane lifts out the four sections closest to the lock – Navigable Pass – so boats can still travel the river. They keep the upstream gates closed and open the downstream ones.We wondered why they looked different. We chatted about travelling and he wanted info about Tassie – even got out his note book and took town details – great to be able to share our experiences with others.

Back through Wentworth and over the Darling, Tucker Creek then over the Murray again into Victoria. Turned south then onto a dirt road – Old Mail Road and headed west. Turned off and headed north for 5km to the Vic side of the weir and lock. You can see the Navigable Section clearer from here.

The fish ladder.

The pelicans’ dinner spot or should I say 'poop' spot.

Looking up to the Junction – Darling on left, Murray on right.

Drove back along the track then walked to the water for another shot of the Junction.

Back out to Old Mail Road then continued west. Turned off onto Deadman’s Track into Wallpoolla Island (sign says Murray Sunset National Park – I thought that was further on), created by Wallpolla Creek which breaks off the Murray near Lock 10 and rejoins near Lock 9. Bit dry here though.

Headed down a River Access track to a nice spot by the Murray for lunch. There was even a picnic table.

Steve had a friend join him!! He couldn’t believe the wind its wings produced. I just ran away!!

Passed some beehives. Down another track (marked River Access 9) looking for a nice camp. Got in ok but the narrow entrance proved trickier getting out. Marked the awning on the bark of the tree.

Near camp 10, 4 emus ran along beside us for a while so I tried videoing it running – bit of a bouncy view though. Further along the main track which went to the edge of the Murray on a bend. I got out to take a photo of the houseboat, skiboat etc on the opposite bank as it looked so lovely with the big beach etc.

Then I heard voices below me and there were two men fishing in their boat. Chatted with them about camping and fishing then he hooked a fish but it was only a carp.

The pelicans were too slow to catch it when he tossed it to them.

Checked out some other River Access Tracks but none took our fancy, knowing we are heading into a couple of very hot days we were looking for a good swimming place. Continued along Deadman Track  which is away from the river – open plains with wispy clouds.

Track name changed to Morna Creek Track on Hema map so we guess this is Morna Creek. Solid concrete bridge – someone has spent some money on these tracks.

Then over Deadman Creek though the sign said Dedman Creek. Another big bridge.

Further along we stopped to check out an old wooden bridge – not sure what creek this is but like the others it flows from the Murray.

I looked on the map and there are creeks going everywhere. That’s when I noticed that the road doesn’t go any further.Will have to work out the 4WD part of the navigator!!

Steve walked down to the where the creek met the Murray and there was a lovely picnic table but the track wasn’t any good for us to go on. I found a ball and glow in the dark glasses where we stopped – strange what we find. Lots of kids thongs which we hang in a tree.

Turned around and back along the track again. 

Crossing the first bridge over Wallpolla Creek we met a couple on the other side towing a boat. They stopped and asked if we had seen a boat ramp. We said not that away but there was another track – Snaggy Track – that we didn’t go down so they headed off that way.

Back out onto the Old Mail Road again – it was an interesting detour. Through red soil country with some big cleared pastures. Onto Kulnine Road towards the homestead with its long poplar lined driveway. The sheep are everywhere and of course want to get to the other side as we drove up!!

Turned onto Lock 9 Road. I had programmed Kate for the Camps 8 spot at Lock 9 but we saw a sign and turned off before the channel and drove down to the old pump station and boat ramp. Turned around as Kate was having a fit!! Will come back and check it out later.

Crossed over the channel but the road Kate wanted was fenced off. There was a new sign stating Murray Sunset National Park.

Now she took us down to the Lock and weir and wanted to turn left but that road was fenced too. Went back up the road to Crozier Rock Track which she decided was the right way – oh well, we got here eventually!! Passed another boat ramp for the downstream side then around the fenced area to a nice spot by the river. Steve had just gotten used to listening to the water pouring over the weir at Wentworth so we were happy with this spot – though the water sound is louder here. On a high bank with trees for shade and a sandy entrance to the water so we were happy.

Set up and sat in the shade to enjoy our cuppa – has warmed up but not as bad as when we were in Mildura.

Zoomed in on the lock – looks like they have a bigger leak with their doors.

Some houseboats and a paddleboat are moored above the weir.

I went into the scrub for some timber for the camp over tonight and two inch ants got me – boy do they sting – one on a toe and the other on my heel. Put some Vicks on them and took a Telfast and Panadol – I don’t handle pain well so I hit it with everything.

Got the togs on and drowned the pain in the cool Murray River. Steve happy with his noodle. The ground falls away quickly so we don’t have to touch the murky bottom as the sand is only a cover over the clay bottom.

Lots of pelicans, ducks, cormorants and whistling kites to watch. 8 goats and kids came down to the water’s edge on the NSW side with a couple of roos for drinks.

Had another dip before our yummy pork roast in the camp oven. Not too many flies here so we enjoyed eating outside.

A couple of fishing boats zoomed by. 9.15 and the kookaburras declared it was nightfall. Quiet night except for the roar of the water over the weir but we are used to that now.