Frosts Crossing / Ovens River Walk

Frosts Crossing / Ovens River Walk created by Sean Mathews

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Summary

Take a walk in a giant River Red Gum forest alongside billabongs, wetlands and the Ovens River. This flood plain walk is absolutely beautiful.

Description

Part of Warby-Ovens National Park runs along the Ovens River flood plain of majestic River Red gum forest. Within the forest is a labyrinth of channels, billabongs and wetlands. The access point and walk described here is via Frosts Crossing.

This is a natural world delight. You will encounter a diverse range of indigenous flora, birdlife and fauna. Enjoyment of the forest offerings such as the river itself, billabongs and enormous trees make for a rich bushland experience. Water based recreational opportunities abound, including billabong and riverside bushwalking, camping, boating and fishing.

Tracks within the Park are used by walkers, cyclists and horse riders and vehicles (no off road riding or driving allowed). They are generally in good condition, vehicle width, relatively flat, dirt and easy to follow. That being said, some that appear on the map at the main gate appear to have grown over, so it might not be a good idea to venture down the more obscure pathways. Some tracks may be impassable in wet weather. Entrance gates may be closed to vehicles during flooding.

The fishing here can be very rewarding. Murray Cod and Yellowbelly are popular catches, but protected Trout Cod and Macquarie Perch must be immediately returned to the water.

Home to Aboriginal people for tens of thousands of years, the Park continues as a special Aboriginal site. Artefacts may be encountered. Such items and locations are protected from disturbance. Please be respectful of this enduring culture and its heritage.

Camping is allowed at some sites along the river such as Gravel Point. The only amenities available are picnic tables and signage.

Options
This walk is based on tracks to the south of Frosts Crossing. Exploring further north would certainly be worthwhile as well.

Amenities
Car parking
Seating
Camping
Waterway
Picnic tables
Trail head sign
Walking tracks
Directional signs
Information signs
Alternative routes
Flora and fauna habitat

Cautions
Cliff faces
Open water
Soft shoulders
Limbs may fall
Embankments
Uneven ground
No potable water
Remnant fencing
Slippery surfaces
Subject to flooding
Road surfaces vary
Snakes may be active
Tracks may not be clear
Beware of vehicle traffic
Mobile reception may be unreliable
Be mindful to keep within the Park
Carry food, water, First Aid, be SunSmart
Be equipped for self-reliant hiking

Restrictions
No dogs
No firearms
No hunting
No illegal fishing
Take rubbish with you
No rubbish dumping
No firewood collection
Do not remove soil or rock
No theft of forest produce
Historic and cultural relics are protected
Native flora and fauna are protected
Do not remove timber from standing trees
Camp site minimum is 20m from water
Avoid camping under River Red Gums
Use of any flame requires an adult present, 10L water present, 3m clearance
Closed on days of total fire ban
Drivers/riders must: use formed roads only, be licensed, be registered

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Points of Interest

1. Frosts Crossing

Start your walk at Frosts Crossing, you will find plenty of space for parking. The gate may be shut to vehicles if there is flooding within the National Park.

2. Boundary Creek.

The view along Boundary Creek from the crossing gives you an idea of the great beauty you are walking into.

3. Intersection of Frosts Crossing Track & Boundary Creek Track.

The walk becomes a circuit from this intersection. You can go either way. However, for the quickest route to the river at Gravel Point camping site continue along Frosts Crossing Track.

4. Girth and habitat.

The substantial trunk size and many hollows present in forest trees make this prime habitat for many species.

5. An abundance of wetlands.

This Great Egret was making the most of a smorgasbord of wetland prey.

6. Camping.

Gravel Point is one of the designated camping sites in the National Park.

7. The Ovens River.

Here you will find the river forest clad and flowing steadily on its way from the Alpine regions to the Murray

8. Simply majestic.

Many River Red Gums are hundreds of years old. They adorn the river bank to create a sense of eternal majesty.

9. Broad beaches.

Even with the river high in mid winter, there were broad beaches to view along the way.

10. Picnic tables only.

Some of the river bends have had picnic tables installed within the pocket of their loop. However, there are no other amenities.

11. Watching the river flow.

Swivelling a very flexible neck around and round, up and down, this Darter was on constant watch for a passing meal.

12. A White-throated Tree Creeper.

Stop awhile anywhere along the way and you are sure to have a creature pass by. The birdlife is a pleasure to observe.

13. Giants of the forest.

Simply awesome!

14. Burls and moss.

Huge burls give many trees a distinctive character. Luminous mosses thrive on their south side adding colour and soft textures.

15. Floodways.

Tracks may be subject to flooding. Some have shallow crossings. When the river is high, or there has been sustained rainfall, you might have to work out alternative routes. Do not enter flood waters.