Goulburn Valley – Wide Open Roads
When you take an eagle-eye view of the Goulburn Valley, you’ll see a vast network of highways, backroads, train lines, rivers, creeks, and irrigation canals, all interconnecting the small towns with regional centers. These routes link the towns to Southern Cross Station, connect the Goulburn River's source in the mountains to the Murray River, and unite weirs and reservoirs with the farms where water nurtures crops and cattle.
One of my favorite drives in the country is heading north on the Goulburn Valley Highway and turning west just after Nagambie to reach Kirwans Bridge. This wooden bridge, constructed from hand-hewn river red gum in 1890, spans the newly built Goulburn Weir. Over 300 meters long and single-lane, it includes passing bays for two-way traffic. After crossing Kirwans Bridge, the Murchison-Kirwans Bridge Road meanders alongside the Stuart Murray Canal, passing old barns and homesteads surrounded by gnarled peppercorn trees before curving into Murchison. A stop at Longleat Vineyard for a bowl of pasta is a must.
Another great drive into the Goulburn Valley starts from Wangaratta. The journey begins as you pass through a gap in the Warby Ranges, with grass tree forests flanking either side of the road. From there, I take the backroads through farming country, heading to Dookie for a cup of tea and jelly cake at the Emporium or to pick up a bottle of red at Tallis Wines.
Then there’s what I call the Gold Rush Entrance. Traveling up the Midland Highway, the signs to Shepparton direct you through the historic town of Stanhope. For a more bucolic route, take the C345 through the forest gold town of Rushworth. The C356 winds around the dramatic Waranga Basin and leads into Tatura, a town rich in history with its old hotels and vibrant migrant community.
With its blend of long straight roads, shaded country lanes, winding riverside drives, and major highways, the Goulburn Valley offers a road trip experience no matter the direction you choose.
Written by Richard Cornish for Seasoned.