Murray River’s call to Easter Visitors

Murray River’s call to Easter Visitors 03/31/2010

I remember so many wonderful family holidays camped along the Murray River. Horseshoe lagoon at Cobram had been our family favorite spot. We would take our bikes and ride into Cobram for basic supplies. I took the art supplies and painted while the children and Reg swam in the river and relaxed in the shade of trees. Beautiful memories.

My children still treasure these riverside family holiday memories.

Parks Victoria is preparing to welcome thousands of campers and visitors to the parks and reserves along the Murray River for another busy Easter season.

Ranger in Charge at Echuca, Kane Weeks, said the Murray River had long been loved by those living and working along its banks and those who visit to relax and play.

“The River is the ideal backdrop for camping and water-based recreation. The popular camping spots do fill quickly with people either staying weeks to enjoy its natural beauty or locals just setting up for a BBQ with friends and family,” he said.

This Easter, Parks Victoria is reminding visitors that a red alert for blue-green algae remains in place for the Hume Reservoir, Lake Mulwala and the Mulwala Canal off-take, Murray River from Yarrawonga to Torrumbarry (downstream of Echuca/Moama) and from Mt Dispersion (near Euston) to Mildura.

Swimmers, campers and anglers visiting the Murray River should avoid water with a green tinge and musty or organic taste and odor.

Visitors are advised while a red alert is in force this water is not suitable for drinking or recreational uses including swimming or water skiing, and stock and pets should be kept away. Fish caught in water affected by the bloom should be cleaned thoroughly in uncontaminated water.

Parks Victoria is also preparing for the creation of new and expanded national parks along the river to protect the River Red Gum Forests.

Mr Weeks said visitors to the Murray next Easter would begin to see improvements as the new parks are established. In the most popular areas, waste disposal facilities will be improved to enhance the camping experience and protect the environment.

Campers and day visitors will be allowed to light campfires throughout the year except on total fire ban days, subject to any future legislation or government policy about fire.

“In the new national parks camping, fishing, water sports, horse riding, four wheel driving, trail bike riding and the use of campfires will continue where they are currently permitted. Campers will still be able to choose where they camp in the new national parks,” he said.

For information on planning your camping or Murray River experience visit www.parkweb.vic.gov.au or call the Parks Victoria Information Centre on 13 1963.