Ovens River Accessible Walk, Wangaratta

Ovens River Accessible Walk, Wangaratta created by Victoria Walks

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Summary

Walk or roll in Wangaratta’s attractive Apex Park before following the tree lined path along and over the mighty Ovens River. This path includes the first stage of the Bullawah Cultural Trail.

Description

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As you walk or roll these accessible paths in Wangaratta you will get to see the mighty Red Gum lined Ovens River and the first section of the Bullawah Cultural Trail.

Is this walk accessible for me?
The path crosses the river to give views from both sides and above. There are map signs. The path is wide enough for side-by-side travel, turning and passing. It gently undulates with mildly sloping footbridge ramps. Bridges have a grippy plastic mesh you can see through. All footbridges have safety rails. Manual wheelchair users may require some assistance.

There are no steps. There are small lips between different surfaces and drop offs to levee sides, grass or dirt. There are branches overhead.

Pick-up points for shorter distances are located on both sides of the river. Mobile coverage is good.

This path extends to Wangaratta's Northern Beaches (total 5km) using a steep ramp beyond this walking map.

Note: the path can flood when the river rises.

Rest areas
Accessible picnic shelters include one with roll under tables. The first footbridge connects the path to the city center for purchase of refreshments. BBQ areas are on sloping island settings. Seats with back and arm rests are connected to the path. Some seats are sheltered. There are sculptural installations, playgrounds and exercise stations with some accessible features.

Tree shade is present along much of the path. There are also exposed areas.

Beside the path is an older style rounded mesh top style accessible fountain.

An accessible toilet has a door width of 930mm and area 1.75x2.4 meters.

Parking
Parking for the start of the walk is in Apex Park by the accessible toilets. The walk begins immediately from the parking area. The surface is firm, wide and flat. The car park driveway must be crossed to the walking path. Traffic is slow. There is one parallel accessible space without protected zones. It has ramped access to the accessible toilet and path. There are general parking spaces.

The following photos and descriptions provide more information regarding all abilities access. Conditions may change. If you notice any variations, please let us know.

We would like to know what people with disability and carers think of this accessible Walking Map. Please tell us by completing this 5 minute survey. Your feedback will help us to create high quality information about accessible walks.

“Together More Active: accessible walking trails for people with disability” is a partnership between Victoria Walks, Disability Sport & Recreation and Regional Sport Victoria.

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Points of Interest

1. Accessible parking

There is 1 parallel accessible space provided with protected ramp (1.4 meters) access to the accessible toilet and path opposite. There is no protected side or rear loading space.

2. Driveway crossing

There is a ramped, but unmarked car park driveway crossing between the accessible toilet, parking and beginning of the path.

3. Public art and a playground

The walk begins at a very large open accessible shelter with sculptural displays. The playground opposite has some accessible equipment.

4. Drinking water and outdoor gymnasium

There is an older style accessible fountain inside a complex of outdoor exercise installations. Equipment is accessible by wide sealed paths. Not all equipment is accessible.

5. Accessible picnic shelter

An accessible picnic shelter with room to turn and park wheelchairs and roll under tables is connected to the path. Note: shallow scoop drains surround the shelter and tales may not fit all chairs.

6. Apex Park

Apex Park is a large green space beside the river.

7. Stockbridge footbridge

This footbridge connects the walk to riverside shops and the city center. Bollard gaps are 1.2 meters.

8. Map sign

A sign shows Bullawah Cultural Trail. The path extends all the way to the Northern Beaches. Our map follows the first section. A steep ramp means the next section is not accessible to everyone.

9. Bullawah Cultural Trail points of interest

Situated along the path are signs at an accessible height describing areas of cultural significance.

10. Suspension footbridges

The suspension footbridges provide excellent views along the river.

11. Changing surfaces

Various surfaces are used along the path including asphalt, plastic grates and concrete. Most ramps have a rest. Small lips between surfaces are not uncommon.