Connect with Nature on the Mitchell River Loop Walk

☑️ Kid-friendly

☑️ Wheelchair friendly

☑️ Pram friendly

☑️ Bicycle friendly

⭐ Stair rating – No stairs

Duration/Length:

Approx. 5 km return

Time/Date:

12.00pm 4 March 2023

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GALLERY

If you haven’t already, I hope today’s blog inspires you to try out the Mitchell River Walk. For locals, this walk is anything but a best-kept secret. Whether it’s for a morning run, cathartic walk, cycle or even the odd Park or Colour Run; there is never a shortage of people along this track.

I’m starting today’s walk from Mitchell Port Road beside the old steam-powered alternator. There are several alternative car parks suitable to begin walking the loop from. The facilities here are an enormous shaded picnic area with BBQ, seating and a toilet block.

From the moment I step outside, tranquility encompasses me. Today the weather is warm and humid but will suit my walking pace - I’m not aiming to win a marathon! The beauty of this walk is it’s suitable for all seasons.

I’m equally in awe of the natural beauty of an early June morning when the frost is still settled on every twig and white fog hovers above the water.

The track is compacted gravel, very level and sturdy, perfect for cycling and prams. This surface continues for most of the walk, with only a couple of brief interludes of cement footpaths.

Along the walk, you will find many signboards containing information about the area, including the local Gunaikurnai people.

The first stretch of track has numerous lookouts which jut out over the river, offering beautiful outlooks of the river, and maybe even a spot to take a break and enjoy a coffee while breathing in the serenity.

Today I stop here to enjoy breakfast from one of my favourite cafés Mr D Food & Coffee, a delicious egg and bacon roll, and of course a coffee!

After breakfast, I return to the walk. Just down the first stretch of track, it takes on a rainforest feel, with ferns and palms emerging amongst the shrubbery.

Not long after, you will reach a detour in the track. A small portion of the track has been closed for safety reasons meaning you will need to detour on a path to your left via Riverine Street (the detour is well-signed).

The Riverine Street detour is a cement footpath that takes you alongside a not-too-busy road and an up-close and personal sight-seeing expedition of Bairnsdale’s flourishing and at times controversial colony of flying foxes. Controversial or not, it can’t be denied it is a spectacular sight, thousands of beasts dangling from the branches of the trees beside the river. Not to mention the piercing shrieks and squeals; and a unique scent that is difficult to forget.

Once you pass the colony, the path will diverge to the left down a series of ramps that lead back to the riverside walk. There are gorgeous lilac and yellow wildflowers along this walk almost impossible to leave this walk not feeling joyful!

Just up from the downhill ramps, you will reach a small picnic area, a popular spot to park and gaze down the river's length. Several outdoor gym facilities inhabit this area, including a picnic table and bench seat.

Once you reach the bridge, you will reach a fork in the path. To continue walking the loop you will follow the fork to the left rather than continuing the path under the bridge; travelling left will take you onto the cement footpath and across the bridge. From this viewpoint, you will view the majestic river, only slightly marred by the passing traffic beside you.

On the other side of the river, you will reach another car park. There is also a convenient drink refilling station here.

There is signage at this point warning of snakes and keeping dogs on a lead. This is worth noting because recent dog snake bites have been recorded along this path.

The track remains gravel along this stretch. There is a lot of revegetation in this area that is very well-kept.

You will find numerous well-built jetties along this section of track for taking a moment to pause and absorb the magical area, or perhaps to throw in a rod!

Further along, just before the swing bridge, the track emerges into the Bairnsdale Botanic Gardens. This is a very well-maintained garden year-round.

Moving onto the swing bridge, feel free to jump around and scare the faint-hearted people you’re travelling with! The bridge is a lovely structure and provides even more amazing views.

Across the bridge is another water refill station.

There is also a popular playground to the left at the top of the hill, with the main draw cards being a wavey slide and an enormous flying fox (not a loud stinky one this time!). There are also picnic tables, BBQ and toilet facilities in this area.

However, to continue the loop walk, you will need to follow the cement path towards the highway, turning right once you hit the road.

Follow the footpath across the bridge (yes, another bridge!), over the road, and then turn right to follow the gravel path back to the riverside.

The path will take you inside the caravan park boundary, with several steps to your right leading down to jetties and the water’s edge. You will note flood markers at various points along this stretch of track. On numerous occasions, the flooding has entirely inundated the caravan park. Difficult to comprehend on days like today when the water level is so low.

Just past the caravan park, you will find yourself walking inside magical overhanging sections of the track. This is the last section of the track, that then emerges at the beginning of today’s loop walk.

Final Note: It would be a surprise if you didn't return to this walk. It is nestled behind the often bustling streets of Bairnsdale. A tranquil oasis. Who doesn’t need to escape now and then?