Summary

A short looping route highlighting some of the lesser known parts and historical notes about Gateway Island. Perfect for a quick stroll or combine with other nearby paths for a longer walk.

Description

This area was originally known as the Wodonga Flats, a flood prone stretch of land between the Murray River and its tributary, Wodonga Creek.

It was crossed firstly on a rough track, then on a 2 lane road and finally the 4 lane road we see today.

In 1961 this section of road, then flanked by poplar trees, was officially named the Lincoln Causeway. The name honours local Olympian Merv Lincoln, a champion middle distance runner who broke the ‘4 minute mile’ barrier 5 times in his career.

Community farm
Established in 2015 by the Bhutanese Association in Albury, the farm provides new settler communities with a place of community participation, social and cultural exchange, food production, innovation and collaboration.
The farm now thrives with the support of a network of local businesses and community organisations. One half of the farm is dedicated to a single community garden with many beds. This area provides volunteer opportunities, hosts social, learning and community events, and produces vegetables to be sold direct to the community as they are harvested.

The other half consists of single allotments leased at a very low cost, allowing individuals and families to produce their own organic vegetables.
With an organic garden as the foundation, the farm seeks to reconnect people with the knowledge of how food is produced, using traditional farming methods.

The gardens produce a wide range of Asian, African and contemporary Australian vegetables. Read more about the community farm

River access to Wodonga
In the mid 1850’s, a proposal was put forward that would see Wodonga outgrow its neighbouring settlement – Albury. The plan was to clear a channel from the Murray River to the streets of Wodonga.
Smaller boats were able to enter Lake Huon and moor at the jetty at the end of Wodonga Street, but larger vessels were restricted by the shallow waters.
As river trade was considered essential for the progression of a river town, it was proposed to open up Wodonga Creek and the Wodonga Flat lagoons to river steamers and to investigate the viability of river access to Jacksons Hotel. However this project didn’t come to fruition due to logistical difficulties, and the decline of the river trade.

Dairy Farming on the Island
The Wodonga flats were fertile lands providing lush pasture and water aplenty. Early settlers coveted this land for mixed farming until flooding reclaimed the lands destroying crops and homes. Cultivation was soon replaced by dairying. Several dairy farms were started by selectors on the flats during the 19th Century. They supplied the settlers both sides of the river and later after compulsory pasteurization, the dairy factories in Albury & Wodonga.

This walking map was created as part of a Parklands Albury Wodonga project supported by the Victorian Government through the Volunteering Innovation Fund.

1043 Views

Points of Interest

1. Suggested start/stop point

If arriving by vehicle you can park either side of the road here. This route provides three small loops that are not more than half a kilometre, as the crow flies, from here.

2. Turn right at the Gateway Lakes sign

From the start, take Lemke Road towards the village a few hundred metres. After turning at the sign, follow either the paved surface or wander a bit toward the water, for a better view.

3. Travelling stock historical note

Various stock routes have enabled animals and crops to travel to Wodonga over the years. Approved in 1939 was the route via the Union bridge, Lemke’s Dairy and the campgrounds at Wodonga Creek.

4. Picnic area and view across the lake

There's even a drinking bowl for dogs! Views across the lake to the dragon boat sheds and quarry. The large trees here provide welcome shade in hot weather.

5. Large trees, well formed track

A venue for large events periodically during the year, but you can often have this part of Gateway island all to yourself! Some good bird watching opportunities in the trees alongside the lake & path.

6. Turn right onto Lemke Road - Dairy historical note

Roads in the area are named after three of the dairy farming families, from the Wodonga river flats - the Lemkes, Reuss’s & the Carrolls. Image: Reuss Dairy delivery cart, Wodonga Historical Society

7. Community farm access gate

You'll pass the sign and gate noting this is the access way for the Community Farm. Often the gardeners' vehicles are parked along here. See the notes for more about this project.

8. Bear left to take the laneway

The wet spots here are home to frogs in season. Older trees provide habitat for birds and animals. This quiet path feels a long way from the hustle of gateway village and nearby traffic.

9. Community farm across the field

Guided by experienced staff, people follow the cycle of the seasons to make compost, prepare garden beds, sow seeds, transplant seedlings, weed, and harvest and grow nutritious, healthy food.

10. Laneway ends, turn right

At the end of the laneway you meet a new trail. Turn right to continue the suggested route. To the left, a soon-to-be-finished River Red Gum Trail along the Murray River is not yet open.

11. Turn left and pass under the road

As the trail meets the concrete path you'll take a left turn to walk below the road bridge.

12. The 'Mad Mile' historical note

Treated by some of the locals as a high speed raceway in the night, the mile-long stretch we now call the Lincoln Causeway was dubbed the ‘the Mad Mile’. Image: Wodonga Historical Society

13. Left around pondside path

Follow the left path then veer right to take a circuit around this pond on the village side of the road. The water recedes in dry times and fills in wetter seasons. Birds and frogs enjoy this space.

14. Loop back to return around the pond

Our suggested loop turns right to head back alongside the Gateway village complex towards the road. You may be tempted to carry on down the riverside trail here instead. Or to explore gateway village.

15. Back under the road and turn left

Return to the Lemke Rd side of the Causeway and take the left, concreted path.

16. Picnic spot

Veer to the right, following a path below the trees. You'll find another picnic table here - a great spot to take a break just before you return to your starting point slightly further on.

Features

Picnic spot

Seating available

Public toilets

Historical interest

Nature trail

Lake, creek, river

Park / Garden