Tintaldra Township walk

Tintaldra Township walk created by Towong Shire walks

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Summary

Step back in time. The quiet village of Tintaldra hasn't changed much in 100 years. Reflect on life in the 19th century as you take this easy return walk from town alongside the Murray River flats.

Description

Tintaldra walk takes in magnificent Murray Valley scenery and its story is well worth engaging with as a microcosm of Australian colonial history. Paths are smooth, slopes mild, so it is a walk for all the family.

The 1830s saw occupation of the lush river flats around Tintaldra and by the 1840s the beginnings of a village on the Murray. 1864 saw the construction of the store where it still stands today. A hotel followed 6 years later as a hand hauled punt facilitated traffic across the river.

The river crossing, a Post Office, Police Station and Customs House ensured Tintaldra became a main route for travellers heading north and south between the colonies of Victoria and New South Wales. Postal delivery from Melbourne took 2 weeks on horseback, the longest turnaround in Victoria.

The store remains home to the original 1919 bakery and along with the Tintaldra Hotel houses historic artefacts. Pay them a visit for some food and a drink as part of your walk. There is informative signage in town as well.

Towong Shire Council has installed a dedicated compacted granitic walking pathway through the town to the Recreation Ground and back. A shelter has been erected to supplement the picnic tables in Main Street. Public toilets and drinking water are available at the classic Tintaldra Public Hall in Main Street. There is a caravan park.

The river reserve under the bridge has more informative signage, an historic cairn, a boat ramp and major work of art on the remnant pylons of the original bridge in the middle of the river.

There is a playground at the Recreation Reserve.

Remember to take note of weather conditions before you walk. Dress accordingly, carry food, water and be SunSmart.

Dogs should remain on a leash.

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Points of Interest

1. Picnic table and shelter

With a view over the river flats, this new picnic shelter opposite the hotel is a good place to start your walk. There is ample roadside parking.

2. The path

Towong Shire Council have completed a compacted walking path leading out of town to the Recreation Ground. This avenue is a great new asset to the town.

3. Billabong

The route passes a billabong active with birdlife.

4. Charming homes

Rustic properties dot the countryside.

5. The Recreation Ground

Home of the Upper Murray Pony Club, the Rec Ground has a large oval and club rooms.

6. Playground

There is also a playground for children who need a half way break from walking.

7. Tintaldra Hotel

Built over 150 years ago and known locally as "The Tinpot," the historic Tintaldra Hotel radiates stories of the past.

8. The store

The original Red Gum and Red Stringbark store has been poised on this spot above the river since 1864.

9. Main Street picnic tables

The path continues along the median strip of Main Street where you will also find interesting history signage.

10. Tintaldra Public Hall

This classic mid 20th century building has had recent major improvements. It is where you will find the town's public toilets.

11. Tintaldra Bridge

An impressive truss bridge crosses the Murray River into New South Wales.

12. Murray Cod sculpture

Leaping out of the water and over the pylons of the original Tintaldra Bridge is this fabulous Murray Cod sculpture.

13. The boat ramp

The Murray River at Tintaldra is well known for great catches of Trout and Murray Cod. Dropping a line from either a boat or the bank is a popular pastime.

14. The Vogel Anvil Monument

Christian Vogel hand hauled his wooden punt across the Murray to transport travellers before construction of the first bridge. The monument is on the site of his home and blacksmith shop.