Avondale Garden walk, Shelley

Avondale Garden walk, Shelley created by Towong Shire walks

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Summary

Visit this diverse exotic garden island isolated deep within a vast monocultural sea. Avondale Garden amongst the pines offers a pleasant short loop walk.

Description

Hidden deep within pine plantations is a two hectare garden of enchantment - Avondale. Planted in the 1950s with a variety of exotic tree species, its mature seven decade old heart continues to beat, supported by willing volunteers who sustain its noble character.

For anyone who loves a garden, come see what was, is and could be. There is scope for significant restoration. The walking is flat and easy in this elegantly landscaped space from the past. The remains of walkways and stone walls indicate where former passages to secret places must have offered mystery and wonder, especially for children. They continue with the calling.

Autumn is a special time for brilliant deciduous colour.

The grazing property Avondale was sold by owners Derek and Peg Bird to the Forest Commission in 1962. The homestead is no longer present. However, 22 hectares were preserved as Avondale Reserve in 1991, to protect the garden and immediate surrounds from razing and replaced by commercial pine plantations.

To get there takes a 12km drive off the Murray Valley Highway along the unsealed Avondale Road, through the vast pine plantations in the area. The road can be slippery in the wet.

There is plenty of car parking available along with picnic, fire grate, camping and toilet facilities. On site signage is clear and some of the identification plaques remain beside their corresponding plants.

This site is a bit off the beaten track. Carry food, water, First Aid, be SunSmart and equipped for self-reliant walking.

Other walks in this region
Sandy Creek Bridge walk, Huon
Bellbridge Foreshore walk
Lake, Town and Rail, Tallangatta
Waterfall and Darbyshire Trestle Bridges
Playles Hill Lookout walk
Mitta Bridge to Old Tallangatta

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Points of Interest

1. A fork in the road

Directional signs are provided where appropriate. On arrival at the site, head straight on to the day visitor entry or right to the camping ground.

2. Day visitor entry

This is a good place to start if you aren't planning on staying overnight.

3. Internal picnic table and fire place

A short distance from the day visitor entry is a good place to pause. Recharge after the drive with food and drink. Soak up the garden's peaceful ambience before exploring further.

4. Autumn colour

Come autumn the deciduous trees turn to contrasting highlights around the space.

5. Garden walls

Some solid rock garden walls remain to talk of long gone aspirations for an enduring future.

6. Remnants of a formal past

In some locations the finer detail of the structural elements of the garden survive. Here, a rockline demarcation draws the boundary between past pathways and beds.

7. Conifer groves

There are a number of grand and atmospheric conifer groves in the garden. In this case of Lawson Cypress. The subdued lighting and needle carpeted floors underneath create their own secluded spaces.

8. Camping and picnic ground

Camping sites, fire grates (for use when no restrictions apply), picnic tables and public toilets are available here.

9. Remains of an orchard

Once upon a time there was .....

10. 70 years of growth

Walled rooms are a feature of the garden's original planning. Decades of growth have ensured their enclosure.

11. Old water tank

The only structure remaining within the garden.

12. One last look

The final look across a lawn before you exit will stay with you as a reminder of the pleasure this garden brings and maybe a thought to what full restoration could look like.