Summary

Park on either side of the river for this return walk to view the four sets of Goulburn Gates that control water flow out of the weir into Northern Victoria's irrigation system.

Description

In 1887, weir wall and gate construction commenced on the Goulburn River at Nagambie. Work was completed in 1891 at a cost of £113,599. This was the first of Australia’s significant irrigation network infrastructure. It was designed to control irrigation diversions throughout northern Victoria.

Goulburn Weir was thought to be a visionary project at the time. The Weir would raise the Goulburn River level in such a way that water would flow by gravity along the three main irrigation off-takes, Stuart Murray Canal, Cattanach Canal and the East Goulburn Main Channel. You will visit each of these during your walk.

The Stuart Murray Canal supplies parts of the Central Goulburn Irrigation System. Both the Stuart Murray Canal and Cattanach Canals divert water to Waranga Basin for extra supply to the Goulburn irrigation system. The East Goulburn Main Channel supplies the Shepparton Irrigation System.

Included in the construction was one of the first hydro-electric turbines. People came from all over to witness electric light as it lit the weir gates and the fine spray when the gates were open at night.

Evidence of the significance of the weir in its early days comes in the form of the twenty years it was depicted on the ten shilling note and the back of the half sovereign coin. It also became a significant location for recreational and social events.

The granite blocks of the downstream face were quarried at nearby Mt Black. The concrete walls were rooted in the underlying bedrock. The metal superstructure had cast iron piers supporting 21 cast iron and wrought iron gates. The gates were lowered into indentations in the top of the wall to allow river and flood flows. Lowering and raising the gates was powered by water driven turbines.

Stabilising and refurbishment works were undertaken in 1983 and 1988. Two of the original western gates and lifting gear have been preserved in recognition of this special piece of Victorian history.

Created by the weir upstream, Lake Nagambie is a great place to visit too. A popular place for fishing, it is also well known for water sports. Lake Nagambie is home to major annual events such as rowing regattas and water skiing.

Options
To shorten the walk by ~ 2km, simply exclude one set of gates from either side.

Note: weir wall access is only from 8 - 4pm.

Amenities
car parking
bbqs
seating
parkland
picnic tables
public toilets
playground
licensed fishing
licensed boat operators: max 5kph
all abilities and mobility assist device access (east bank)
mobility assist viewing access (east bank)
information signs
directional signs
historic marker

Cautions:
Beware of vehicle traffic
Limbs may fall
Embankments
Open water

Restrictions:
No firearms
No hunting
No camping
No fires in the open
Dogs must be leashed
Drivers/riders must: use formed roads only, be licensed, be registered.

Photo credit: Banner images of Goulburn River Nagambie care of Visit Victoria.

6025 Views

Points of Interest

1. Goulburn Weir Recreation Reserve (west)

There is a car park and 1 picnic table here. However, the picnic ground on the opposite side of the weir gates has many amenities including toilets, bbq, seating and playground.

2. Catannach Canal Gates

From the gates controlling water flow along Catannach Canal. Looking to the off-take from the weir.

3. Control house

The historic control house cuts a fine figure sitting atop the original weir wall. They don't make them like that anymore.

4. Stuart Murray Canal

With the gate to Stuart Murray Canal shut you have the opportunity to see the scale of this remarkable 19th century engineering. Stuart Murray has 6 off-takes.

5. Historic gate gears

Made of cast iron, these historic gears for raising and lowering gates have been preserved for posterity.

6. Goulburn River Gates

Irrigation water taken off at Goulburn Weir effectively halves pre-regulated flows.

7. Goulburn River

570km long, the Goulburn River extends from headwaters above Wood's Point to Echuca.

8. Mobility assist device viewing area

The eastern Recreation Reserve has close car parking and accommodates all abilities access, including mobility assist devices. There is also a dedicated place for viewing the weir. Nice to see!

9. Playground

Another nice feature of this walk is that afterwards adults can relax while the kids have plenty of room and a playground to hare around in.

10. BBQs, picnic grounds and toilets

And what better way to relax? Sheltered BBQs, seating, picnic tables and public toilets - not to mention a very large area of well watered, soft green grass.

11. River access

Take the eastern leg of the walk to get to the river's edge. If the Recreation Reserves are on the crowded side, this space has a wide and grassy alternative setting for a picnic.

12. East Murchison Main Channel Gates

These gates are on the eastern side of the river bend on which the township of Goulburn Weir sits. Walk to this point and you complete viewing the full set of Goulburn Gates.

Features

Playground

Picnic spot

Seating available

Public toilets

Pram friendly

Historical interest

Lake, creek, river

Park / Garden