LAKE EILDON NATIONAL PARK

Info taken from www.parkweb.vic.gov.au

Located in the northern foothills of Victoria's Central Highlands, 150 km north-east of Melbourne. Situated on the shores of Lake Eildon, the park protects 27,750 ha of rugged hills with open woodlands through to dense forest. It is very scenic, and offers the opportunity to experience an array of wildlife, natural and historic features and a wide range of recreational activities.

Things to Do
The park has excellent access to the lake for all types of water activities including boating, skiing and fishing, as well as protected areas for swimming. Camping is popular, particularly in summer.

 

There is a range of walking tracks and nature trails through a variety of settings, as well as areas suitable for mountain bikes, trail bikes and four wheel driving. (Please remember that trail bike riders must be licenced and trail bikes must be registered.)

 

Remains of historical features in the park reflect early gold mining activity and European settlement. Merlo Homestead, an original homestead now submerged under the lake and only visible in times of drought, is one such feature.

Hunting of sambar deer by stalking is permitted in designated areas but restricted to the open season. For further information check the regulations.

 

Facilities

A range of camping areas are provided. Payments for camping fees are by cash or cheque only.

 

Fraser Camping Area
200 unpowered sites with full amenities, gas barbecues and picnic shelters.
Advance camp site bookings will be available at the Fraser Camping Area for Cup Weekend, 26 Dec - 31 Jan and Easter weekend each year. Bookings will be accepted from one month prior to each period. Bookings will be confirmed on receipt of all fees due. See www.parkweb.vic.gov.au to download the Fraser Camping Booking Form for details.

 

Jerusalem Creek Camping Area
Basic facilities (70 sites) with boat hire and kiosk located nearby.

There are also a number of remote camping areas accessible by boat or walking. Other lakeside camping is available to the north of the park in the Delatite Arm Reserve.

 

Heritage
Aboriginal people had an intimate knowledge of the geography, flora and fauna of the area, all of which had spiritual significance. They suffered greatly from the effects of European settlement, but Aboriginal communities and people are now actively involved in park management and in recovering their heritage.

The park was established at the time of the development of Lake Eildon, which was constructed in the early 1950s to provide for irrigation and hydro-electricity. The damming of the Goulburn River at Eildon submerged much of the farmland and forest in the Upper Goulburn and Delatite Valleys and created a water storage with a capacity six times larger than that of Sydney Harbour.

Fauna
The park is home to a considerable diversity of animals and is particularly well known for its populations of Eastern Grey Kangaroos and prolific birdlife. Wallabies, koalas, wombats and echidnas are also seen. Common birds include kookaburras, rosellas, King Parrots, Gang-gang Cockatoos, Wedge-tailed Eagles and a variety of water birds. The park is also an important home for a number of significant species including large forest owls (Powerful and Barking Owls), bats and the endangered Spotted Tree-frog and Tuan or Brush-tailed Phascogale.

Vegetation
A notable feature of the park is its relatively large areas of herb-rich forest, dry grassy woodland and undisturbed old growth forest, not well reserved elsewhere in the area. These forests are dominated by a diversity of eucalypt species including stringybarks, peppermints, Red Box and Candlebark, and a host of understorey species such as Silver Wattle, Blackwood and burgan (melaleuca). Orchids and wildflowers are also prolific in season.

Looking After the Park
? All native plants and animals are protected.
? Camp in designated areas only.
? Take rubbish away with you.
? Fires may be lit only in fireplaces provided. Campers are encouraged to bring their own firewood.
? Dogs are only permitted in the Jerusalem Creek Camping Area.
? Firearms are prohibited (except in designated areas during the hunting season).

Precautions
? Carry water during summer when bushwalking, especially on high ground.
? When camping in forest areas, be aware of the hazard of falling limbs.
? Be aware of extreme fire conditions in summer. No fires may be lit on days of total fire ban, this includes gas stoves, BBQ's and gas lights.

How to Get There
Primary access to the park is from the Goulburn Valley Highway via Alexandra (Melway ref: 510 U8).