The Murray River Region north-east of Kerang is an area for lovers of natural wetlands, the murray and history. The Murray River Region is a fascinating place to visit. The Murray River Region is home to the townships of Koondrook and Murrabit.
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While visiting Kerang take the time for a day trip to the local Murray River Region, Travelling from Kerang to Koondrook and then Later from Koondrook to Murrabit. Heading back later in the day to Kerang via the Kerang-Murrabit Road.
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Koondrook, set among ancient red gum forests, is today a popular tourist destination and offers a unique insight into life on the Murray in bygone years. Let your imagination take you back 100 years.
The foundation of this bustling river port ans saw-milling town was Arbuthnot Sawmill which continues to operate as a redgum timber mill today. The full milling operation can be veiwed by visitors with the aid of a specially designed walk way.
Koondrook is also the gateway to the northern end of Gunbower Island- the largest inland island in the world. Gunbower Island is a popular destination for campers and day visitors as well as supplying timber for the local mills.
| Murrabit is 25 kms from Koodrook via the Koondrook-Murrabit Road. The township of Murrabit was established as a railway station on the Kerang-Stony Crossing Border Railway in 1925.
The existence of a railway station made this an obvious place for shops and houses to cluster. The town was built two miles from the river, a stipulation set by the New South Wales Government as a condition of collaboration with the Border Railway Scheme.
Plan to be in Murrabit on the first Saturday morning of each month to experience the Murrabit Country Market- the largest regional market in Victoria. Additional markets are held on Easter Saturday and the third Saturday of December.
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| The biodiversity and the natural beauty of the area is something to behold. An abundance of waterbirds, wildlife, aquatic plants and animals await those who watch quietly. Gunbower Island also boasts a canoe trail around the wetlands of Safe Lagoon. |
The Murray River attracts more campers than any other area in Australia. Naturally, water sports are one of the main attractions with a wide range on offer including water skiing, swimming, canoeing and sailing. The area has alot to offer. Explore the great outdoors in one of the many forests, marvel at the beauty of the wetlands or simply sit back and enjoy the tranquility of Australia's greatest river, the Murray.
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Koondrook
Historic Koondrook Sites-
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1. Koodrook. Kerang Tramway Station, Rolling Stock & Train.
The rail was started in 1888 and opened in 1889, with the station being built mush later, between 1913-14. It was built connect the river port of Koondrook to Kerang railway and to carry passengers and freight including stock to NSW as well as wheat, wool, timber, tomatoes, supplies, etc. The Coffee Pot is a replica of the last steam engine purchased by the Shire. The tramway was closed in 1978.
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| 2. St Paul's Anglican Church | 24. Log Buggy |
| 3. Bakery | 25. Koondrook Hotel |
| 4. Former Shop | 26. St Paul's Shop |
| 5. Koondrook Memorial Hall | 27. Old Houses- No.s 72, 74 and 78 in Main Street, noted in latest Heritage Survey. |
| 6. Baptist Church |
7. Myall School
Formerly at Myall (between Murrabit and Koondrook). The school was shifted in 1995 and is now used the Barham/Koondrook Historical Society. | 28. Gunbower Island Bridge
Built in 1904 to give access to Gunbower Island. Re-constructed in 2000. |
| 29. Old Houses- 46 to 50 in Gunbower Parade, noted in recent Heritage Survey. |
8. Arbuthnot Mill Office
Originally in the mill area. The existing building was established in 1889 and still used as the mill office. | 30. Buffer Stops. |
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| | Murrabit
Enjoy the following sites as you drive around Murrabit. |
| 1. Golf Course |
9. Grocery Store
| 2. St Frances Xavier Catholic Church. |
10. Butcher
| 3. Murrabit Shop and Tavern |
11. Weighbridge
| 4. Station Master's Residence |
12. Arbuthnot Sawmill
Built in 1890 by Alexander Arbuthnot, formerly on Gunbower Island. Moved to present site in 1891 where it is still in use. A drying kiln was established in 1995.
| 5. Site of the Bakery |
| 6. War Memorial |
| 7. Murrabit Public Hall |
| 8. Murrabit Counrty Market Site . |
13. Log Slipway, Barges, Paddlesteamers and Punt Bridge
Between 1881 and 1923 seven paddleboats and six barges were built between the sawmill and school and launched by slipping down large logs positioned on the river bank. Various wrecks are visible when the river is low including the punt which operated from 1884 to when the bridge was opened in 1904.
| 9. Public Toilets and Lions Park |
| 10. Murrabit Advancement and Association |
| 11. Site of Old Railway Station and Yards |
| 12. Mrs Danson's Boarding House and Sweet Shop |
| 13. Uniting Church and Childcare building. |
| 14. Old Water Tower | 14. Murrabit Packing Company. |
15. Old School
| 15. Murrabit Bridge
Opened in 1926 the first all-steel brige to be installed over the Murray River. The final leg of the Mars Murray River Marathon begins here each year. Located a few metres upstream from the bridge is a boat ramp. |
16. Pumping Station
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17. Barham/Koondrook Bridge
The first pile was driven in April 1903 and the bridge was opened in October 1904. The centre section lifts to allow river traffic to pass under the raised bridge. Up to five boats a day would pass under the bridge in river trade days.
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| 16. Miss M.G. Keat's MBE Picnic Area |
| 17. W. McIntosh Genral and Family Grocer |
18. Citrus Packing Shed
| 18. Browning's Butcher Shop
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19. Butter Factory
| 19. Recreation Reserve
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20. Hospital House
| 20. Tennis Courts
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21. Train Turntable Pit
| 21. Murrabit Group School
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22. Wharf Site
| 22. Bush Nursing House.
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23. Goods Shed
| 23. All Saints Anglican Church
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Agriculture
Fertile soil, year round water and an ideal climate provide a strong foundation for the rich farming district in the Murray River Region.
Farming properties receive water from either the Torrumbury Irrigation System through a series of channels or by pumping directly from the river. Dairying is by far the major agricultural industry with milk being sold to Murray Goulburn Co-Operative in Leitchville and Rochester.
The Murray sands are well suited to growing citrus, including oranges, mandarins, lemons, limes and grapefruit. The clear sunny days and cool nights assist with fruit ripening and the low rainfall and humility does not favour the development of outbreaks of citrus pests and disease. Lucerne, camola, wheat, barley and millet are also produced and to a lesser extent, sheep and beef cattle.
| Industry and Manufacture
Border Packers are a citrus packing shed operating out of Koondrook. Fresh citrus is packed for both local and domestic markets whilst fresh fruit juice is sent to processors in bulk.
The timber industry has been prominent in this area since the 1880's when the Arbuthnot Sawmill began operating in Koondrook. Logs are mainly cut for railway sleepers and the furniture industry. Take the opportunity to visit the three redgum manufacturers while enjoying you visit to Koondrook.
Accomodation
Koondrook has a well appointed caravan park with on-site vans and cabins set on the banls of picturesque Gunbower Creek. Great camping locations are also located throughout the area.
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A brouchure on the Murray River Region is available from the Kerang Information Centre or from the Gannawarra Shire Council Ofiices in Kerang. Also Featured in the Brochure are three walks of Koondrook varying from 45 mins to 1 1/2 hours.
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