Embed Size (px)
Citation preview
Lower Big River Recreation and Camping Guide DELWP – Alexandra
February 2015 FS0057
ISSN 1440-2262
Big River State Forest Situated about 2½ hours drive north east of Melbourne, south east of Eildon, Big River State forest provides excellent opportunities for camping, bushwalking, picnicking, fishing and kayaking. The heritage classified Big River is at the scenic heart of the forested valley.
Lower Big River has eight separate camping areas and a number of day visitor areas scattered along Eildon-Jamieson Rd and Big River Rd (see map overleaf). Location and Access
From the Maroondah Hwy, turn right to Thornton and turn onto the Goulburn Valley Highway, then right onto Eildon-Jamieson Rd. Big River Road is 30 kilometres from the Highway. Camping and day visitor areas are scattered along Eildon Jamieson Rd before and after Big River Rd and along Big River Rd itself. The camping areas can also be accessed from the south via Marysville and Woods Point Rd. Access this way requires a 4WD as Big River Rd between Enochs Point and 25 Mile Creek is not suitable for 2WD vehicles. History
The Big River State forest is the traditional land of the Kulin nation. The Taungurung tribe looked after the land in the north and the Wurundjeri tribe looked after land in the south. Stone artefacts identified along the Big River highlight the area was frequently visited and used for camping.
In the 1850’s large groups of prospectors were attracted to the Big River when rich alluvial deposits of gold were discovered. By the early 1860’s, companies were mining quartz reefs, although good alluvial gold was still being found into the 1880’s. The population along the Big River peaked at about 1,000 in the mid 1860’s, with main settlements at Darlingford and Enochs Point. By 1867 the population had diminished to a couple of hundred.
Mining continued into the 1900’s, and evidence remains through the Big River State Forest of widespread alluvial and quartz mining.
The Old Coach Rd from Darlingford (now under Lake Eildon) to Enochs Point was constructed by pick and shovel to allow horse and coach traffic to travel to this remote area. Parts of this track (now closed to vehicles) are popular for walkers and nature enthusiasts. A variety of wildlife can be observed along the way.
What facilities are provided?
A number of camping areas are located throughout Big River State Forest, with day visitor areas located at ‘The Rapids’ and ‘Enoch Falls.’ Toilet facilities, fireplaces and picnic tables are provided at designated sites (see map overleaf). Campfire Guidelines • Campfire safety – All solid fuel fires must be in a
properly constructed fireplace or in a trench at least 30 cm deep, with the ground and airspace within 3m of the outer perimeter of the fire clear of flammable material. All liquid, gas or chemical solid fuel fires must keep the ground and airspace within 1.5m of the outer perimeter of the fire clear of flammable material. Fires must be attended at all times by a person with the capacity and means to extinguish it. Ensure the fire is extinguished with water before leaving. If it’s cool to touch it is safe to leave.
• Campfires are prohibited on days of Total Fire Ban. This ban does not apply to a person preparing meals on a gas or electric appliance that has been designed and commercially manufactured exclusively for cooking provided: - the ground and airspace within 3m of the
appliance is clear of flammable material - when in use and alight, the appliance at all times
is in a stable position and attended by an adult who has the capacity and means (minimum of 10 litres of water on hand) to extinguish the fire.
Lower Big River camping areas are located on the boundary of the North East Total Fire Ban (TFB) district and the North Central TFB district. Taponga and Jimmy Bullocks are within North Central TFB district, while Burnt Bridge, Bulldog Flats, The Pines, Horseshoe Bend, the Rapids, Old Coach, Chaffe Creek, Railway Creek and Enoch Point are within North East TFB district.
It is your responsibility to know if a Total Fire Ban is declared. If in doubt, do not light a campfire. Forest Use Guidelines
RUBBISH
There are no rubbish collection facilities available. Please take your rubbish with you and ensure the area is clean for future visitors. Do not bury or burn rubbish in
© State of Victoria, Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning Page 1
Lower Big River Recreation and Camping Guide FS0057
fires. This includes bottles and cans. It is an offence to burn rubbish and those doing so will be fined. TRAIL BIKES and VEHICLES
Trail bikes and vehicles must be registered. Unlicensed persons are not permitted to ride trail bikes or drive vehicles. Trail bikes and vehicles must not be ridden off formed roads, on walking tracks or around the campground. The surrounding road network is available to licenced and registered riders. FIREARMS
Normal firearm laws apply in State Forests. • A licence is required • It is prohibited to shoot on, from or across roads • Use of firearms in camping areas is prohibited.
All native birds and animals are protected by law. Big River is a popular recreation area. Take special care with firearms. CAMPING – minimal impact
To protect the delicate environments of the forest, we need to ‘tread lightly’ in the bush to minimise our impact on the natural environment. • Camping is not permitted outside of designated areas
or within 20 metres of any river, stream or lake. • Be careful of camping under trees. Trees can drop
their limbs at any time (particularly during high winds). • Do not dig trenches around tents. With modern tents,
this is unnecessary, particularly if you choose a well-drained or raised site.
• Use toilets where provided. At some sites hand washing facilities and toilet paper may not be supplied. Come prepared.
• All native plants and animals are protected. • Dogs are allowed in State Forest but must be under
direct control at all times and are expected to be on a leash in picnic and camping areas or when near other visitors.
• Protect water quality – wash up at least 50 metres away from the river and avoid using soap (use gritty sand and a scourer instead)
• Leave campsites tidy Things to see and do
The surrounding forest provides excellent opportunities for fishing, camping, bushwalking, mountain bike riding, horse riding and canoeing.
Enoch Falls Walk
Return 1.5km l 40 mins Gentle hills l Formed track, some obstacles Sign posted l Ocassional steps No experience required
This gentle walk follows the banks of Big River through forests of Peppermint and opens to a picturesque cascading waterfalls.
Only a short drive away are some other places worth visiting, including: • Enoch Point • Mt Torbreck • Snobs Creek Falls • Mt Terrible Lookout • Lake Eildon National Park • The township of Jamieson.
A number of camping areas exist further south on Big River Rd, known as Upper Big River camping areas, accessible via Big River Rd from the north (4WD only) or Marysville from the south (see ‘Upper Big River State Forest’ Forest Note). Safety – Please read • On Code Red Fire Danger Rating days, parks and
State Forest are closed to the public. Do not enter parks or forests on Code Red Days. If you are already there when a Code Red day is announced, you should leave the night before or early in the morning. For more information contact DELWP (see below).
• Be responsible for your own safety. Be aware of extreme weather events, carry your own first aid kit and let someone know before you go.
• When on forest roads, be prepared for the unexpected. Timber trucks, 4WD’s, hikers, horse riders, trail bike riders, cyclists and native animals may also be using your chosen track. Drive as if you are expecting a vehicle to come around the next bend.
Seasonal Road Closures Some roads within the forest are seasonally closed each year from the Thursday after the Queen’s Birthday holiday through to the Thursday before Melbourne Cup. This is to protect track surfaces and the environment, and for public safety. Road closures may be extended beyond these dates, depending on weather conditions. These closures are enforced by a gate or sign. Contact DELWP for more information on road closures. For more information
The Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning (DELWP) is responsible for managing Victoria's State Forest. For further information contact DELWP's Customer Service Centre 136 186 (TTY: 1800 555 667) or visit DELWP’s website at http://www.delwp.vic.gov.au
This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its officers do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication
© State of Victoria, Department of Environment, Land, Water & Planning Page 2
Lake
Eildo
n Nati
onal
Park
Big Ri
ver
State
Fores
t
Tapo
nga
Jimm
y Bull
ocks
M@
Horsh
oe B
end
M@
The R
apids
oLions
Club
Camp
The P
ines
M@
Bulld
og Fl
at
Burn
t Brid
geM
@ M@
M@
LAKE
EILDO
N
560
880
640
800
480
720
600
460
700
580540
980
560
680
620
400 500
560
760
400
800
400
400
780
860
380
500
420
540
340
460
600
860
940
540
700
400
980
560
440
320
500
960
720
440
880
640
480
520
660
580
420
620
600
520 920620
740
400
820
840840
680
440
920
580
960
520
540
420
360
640
460
460
380
560400
660
860
780600
760
500
560
660
840
400
500
820
340
540
440
740
820
620
880
440
800
480
900
820
560
420
440
460
680
400
940
580
420
420
500
640
520
700
580
940
760
460
600
720
860
580
520
660
460
540
480
320
740
620
420
840
500
760
680640
620
540
440
880
480
780
780
780
540
960
460
760
460
720
480
440
720
940
660
500
800
74052
0
500
420
600
780
580 440
520
70054
0
400
760
520
680
720
700
680
420
640
640
500
900
320
380
480
760
740
600
720
380
340
300
360
740
660
920
820
700
760
680
320
320
540
740
520
900
580
680
640
880
540
460
700
620
800
460
860
360
380
560
340
860
560
520
840
420
560
420
720
540
440
600
640
480
440
400
660
400
580
360
720
480
600
700
620
500
500
780
WATT
LECR
EEK
SEBASTOPOL CREEK
DOCT
ORSC
REEK
FRYER CREEK
BINGERS CREEK
LONG
CREE
K
JACOBSCREEK
POLL
ETTI
CREE
K
BIGRIVER
CHINAM
ANCREEK
TAPONGARIVER
DENN
YSCR
EEK
STILL
CREE
K
Home
stead
Trk
Eildon - JamiesonRd
Fryer Creek Trk
Mt Terrible Trk
Newm
ansTrk
Poletti
Trk
Gillett
sTrk
Dray Trk
Big River Rd
Dingo Trk
Taylors Creek Trk
Reids Rd
To M
arysv
ille
This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.
FS0057Lower Big River - Recreation and Camping Guide
ToJam
ieson
To Eildo
n
Natio
nal P
arks
Picnic
Facil
ities
Camp
ingoM2
Toile
ts
Produ
ced b
y GIS
Unit,
Traral
gon.
Sept.
2014
.
State
Fores
t
Major
seale
d roa
dMi
nor s
ealed
road
Unse
aled r
oad
Mino
r uns
ealed
road
Vehic
ular tr
ack
Walki
ng tra
ckSe
ason
ally c
losed
road
S.C.
00.5
1Kil
omete
rsOt
her P
ublic
Land
Seas
onal
closu
re ga
te
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
! !
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
Big Ri
ver
State
Fores
t
Enoc
h Poin
to
Chaf
fe Cr
eekM
V@
Old C
oach
Enoc
h Fall
s Walk
M
_
_
S.C.
S.C.
S .C
.
S .C.
680
460
600
780
640
440
500
520
440840 680
460
380
860
700 680
700
900
680
640
620
1000
420
520
520
720
880
780
460
920480 480
800
400
660
880
800
400
900
500 440
940
620
640
820
480
720
660
740880
800
700
780
960
360
800
860
880
640
400
780
700
580
640
420
860
620
440
700
660
1040
620
1000
380
600 660
740
560
580
680
540
840
620
660
580
600
420
920
940
900
680
880
540
760
780
680
920
580
1020
560
420
760
420
820
680
400
540
660
700
320
460
500
380
560
800
400
980
540
660
660
720
820
640
1000
880
840
820
540
700780
720
520
620
420
500
360
900
640
520
760
480
440
640
700
520
980
620
500
720
600
820
620
580
880
400
320
960
600
840
560
56076
0
640
940
440
860
800
780
740
860
920
480
740
400
780
700
420
420
500
440
720
640
840
560
380
580
900
460
680
620
400
760
880
660
600
360
460
700
600
480
440
540
460
680
820
720
380
500
400
340
520
520
620
340
740
540
760
380
820
600
800
680
420
660
800
400
440
580
RAILW
AYCR
EEK
JEM
THOM
AS C
REEK
ENOCHCREEK
BIGRIVE
R
CABLECR
EEK
SUPP
LEJAC
K CREE
K
TAPONGARIVER
BOYD CREEK
SUGARLOAFCREEK
OLDJEMMYSCREEK DUDLE
YCREEK
STARVATION CREEK
FRYER CREE
K
CHAFFECREEK
FIRST
CREE
K
ONEMILECREEKKNOWLESC
REEK
SAILORBILL
GULLY
DrayTrk
Enochs Point Rd
Lookou
t Trk
DanesSpurTrk
Sabrina
No1 T
rk
BigRiverRd
Dairy Maid Trk
Gilletts TrkMatlock Trk
Don al
dTrkNewm
ansTrk
Bull Ra
ngeRd
SecondCreekTrk
Sabrina TrkME
LBOU
RNE
GEEL
ONG
SAND
YPO
INT
WALLA
N
HEAL
ESVIL
LE
EURO
A
SEYM
OUR
BACC
HUS
MARS
H
DROU
IN
YEA
MANS
FIELD JAM
IESON
MARY
SVILL
E
To M
arysvi
lle
ToJam
ieson
To Eildo
n© State of Victoria, Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning
This publication may be of assistance to you but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.
