An 8-kilometre section of trail from the Murchison Township to the rail bridge at Channel Inlet Road which includes the recently refurbished historically significant bridge over the Stuart Murray Canal and borders the unique ecosystem of Doctor's Swamp wetlands.
A line from Murchison East on the Shepparton railway was constructed to the gold mining town of Rushworth in 1890 and extended to Colbinabbin in 1914. Rushworth became a junction when a line was constructed to Girgarre in 1917. A diversion of the line was necessary when the Waranga Basin was constructed. The lines were all closed by 1987.
The trail offers easy access to the Parks Victoria picnic area on the western boundary of the swamp. Eventually the trail will continue along to Channel Inlet Road giving easy access to Waranga Basin. On completion the trail will cover 19km.
Timber Bridge Renewal Works
Greater Shepparton City Council would like to advise the Murchison Community and recreational groups of the upcoming project to complete essential maintenance and repair works to the Murchison Rail Trail Bridge over the Stuart Murray Canal, adjoining the Bendigo-Murchison Road. The completion of these important works will ensure compliance and safety for all user groups.
The works are planned to commence on the 20th May 2024.
The construction timeframe is governed by Goulburn-Murray Water’s (G-MW) winter irrigation “shut down” period of the Stuart Murray Canal. It is anticipated the construction will be completed over a 6 week duration during the Irrigation “shut down” period. The bridge will be closed to all public use, including pedestrians and cyclists, during this time.
