Photo by D Finnegan/OEH

Cycling in the River Red Gums

Venture off the beaten track and For those travelling through the Western - Five Mile discover a world of towering area, it’s just a 30-minute drive Riders can test their skills over 7 south of Griffith before venturing into the kilometres of built track that winds its guards that protect the banks Murrumbidgee Valley National Park, or way through the River Red Gum forest. of the mighty Murray and drive west just a couple hours more to For those wanting a real challenge, why Murrumbidgee Rivers and their find yourself ready to peddle the tracks of not try the pump and skills track? Need a linked waterways in the River . bike? Contact the YMCA (03 5482 2517) for bike hire enquiries in the Echuca Red Gum forests of southern If you’re a little further away, it’s still Moama area. NSW. worth making the trip. Gulpa Creek walking ABOUT THE AREA TOP EXPERIENCES and cycling track There’s something about riding a bike Lining the banks of rivers and wetlands, Riverina Experience alongside the Gulpa Creek that soothes sometimes growing up to 45 metres, Whether you have a couple of hours, half the soul. It’s a flat 5km ride filled with the River Red Gums provide welcome a day or are ready to take on a full day the colour and movement of birdlife, and shade to a myriad of plant and animal tour, weave your way through a Riverina light that reflects off the River Red Gums life, help stabilise river banks, and cycling tour and discover the stories making this ride more than special with provide the perfect backdrop for nature behind the towns of Leeton, or its spectacular scenery. tours, leisurely jaunts and challenging . Visit the Riverina Experience adventures. website (www.riverinaexperience.com. Willoughby’s Beach au) for more information about departing Experience the natural beauty of The River Red Gum reserves of NSW times and locations. ’s River Red Gum forests with include a range of national parks, a cycle along the many forest tracks at regional parks and nature reserves, all MIA II Willoughby’s Beach. Set along the banks perfect settings for your next bush biking Created by Murrumbidgee floodwaters, of the , follow the sealed experience. the Turkey Flat bird hide provides the Beach to Beach path and stop off in the perfect lookout to witness a fascinating centre of town for a look around before GETTING THERE array of bushland birds. From the bird continuing on a leisurely adventure. hide, jump on a bike and cycle the 6.4km The Murray Valley, Murrumbidgee Valley loop track past ancient River Red Gum Quick’s Beach Campground and Yanga National Parks are great forest and the to Only 3.5km from , Quick’s places to get behind the bars and ride Middle Beach. Nearby Eurell’s of Leeton Beach Campground is accessible by through the shadows of the majestic river (02 6953 2999) has bike hire facilities, unsealed roads during dry weather. red gums. so no need to bring your own. These unsealed tracks were not purpose built for bikes but do make for a beautiful, You’ll find the Murray Valley National Narrandera Regional Park Park hidden in the Riverina along the picturesque ride following the shadows of Known locally as ‘Koala Park’, catch a the River Red Gums. side of the Murray glimpse of these iconic animals in the River, accessible from any of the Riverina treetops as you explore 23 kilometres towns and rivers between Deniliquin and of Narrandera’s most beautiful natural . areas with a journey on the popular ‘Bike and Hike’ network. More than 200 koalas inhabit the young and old red gums. Lachlan Valley State Conservation Area

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WANGARATTA DONALD ROCHESTER SHEPPARTON-MOOROOPNA WEDDERBURN STANHOPE Don’t forget, dogs are only allowed in Yanga National Park PARK RUELMOLREES BENALLA A relaxed cycle through Yanga’sINGLEW OOD Regional Parks, so best to check before MYRTLEFORD enchanting River Red Gum forests will Camping is free in the River Red Gum you bring Fido along for the ride! showcase more of the natural beauty of reserves, and there’s no need to book. Yanga National Park on one of the old Just pull up your caravan or car and pick tracks and trails with stunning Yanga a spot in the designated campground. Lake views. Cooking outdoors is part and parcel of the camping experience, and it’s a good

SAFETY INFORMATION idea to pack a gas or liquid fuel stove Photo by G. Hansford/OEH for your trip. Unlike many other bush As beautiful as they are, river red camping spots, small campfires are gums are also habitat trees. They allowed in the River Red Gum reserves provide important tree hollows for a outside of the solid fuel ban period. range of animals. As a result of the tree hollows, sometimes branches do fall, A solid fuel fire ban applies so it’s important to be aware of what’s between 31 October and 31 March happening above you. each year. Park management may Many NSW parks are rugged places, vary this if local conditions change. weather can change quickly and TO FIND OUT MORE conditions in the bush or on the water If you do have a small campfire, make may be unpredictable. When visiting a sure you completely extinguish all fires For further information, including national park, be aware of the risks and before leaving an area or going to bed. detailed maps and directions, visit: take responsibility for your own safety A small amount of glowing embers can www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/ and the safety of any children in your start a bushfire. murrumbidgee-valley-national-park care. Remember to plan ahead, choose your activities to match your stamina and Please don’t feed native animals - it can www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/ fitness level, ensure you take enough damage their health and make them murray-valley-national-park fresh drinking water and food for your dependent on campers for food. To avoid www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/ trip, and tell someone where you’re going attracting scavengers, store food and yanga-national-park and when you’ll be back. Road conditions garbage in a secure container. can also be hazardous when wet.