Barnadown: Campaspe River and Burke & Wills history

The Campaspe River shapes the landscape around Barnadown; the town’s history includes early cattle drives and the Burke and Wills expedition. Camping and fishing are also part of the story at the bridges. Barnadown brings together a river landscape, recreational use and historic memorials.

Campaspe River and landscape

The Campaspe River flows 45 kilometres through hilly country to Barnadown. From there, it continues through flat farmland to Elmore. This describes a change in the landscape: the hilly country extends to Barnadown, followed by flatter terrain towards Elmore. The 45 kilometres refers to the stretch through the hilly country to Barnadown, not the entire course to Elmore.

This change provides a concrete point of reference for understanding the area. Barnadown lies at the transition between the hilly stretch and the flat farmland beyond it. The river is also a setting for a range of activities and part of the local history.

Camping and fishing by the river

Camping and fishing are possible at Barnadown’s bridges. Camping is explicitly permitted at Barnadown Bridge. If you plan either activity, check local conditions and permits before travelling; these may change.

Barnadown Streamside Reserve is a basic, free campground on the Campaspe River. The reserve is identified as a campground, while the information about the bridges locates camping and fishing there. Check local conditions for the reserve before travelling, too.

Rocky Crossing, Burke and Wills

Early settlers used Rocky Crossing near Barnadown as a cattle-driving route. Burke and Wills reached the Campaspe River at Barnadown and crossed it on Kennedy’s Punt. The cattle-driving route and the punt are therefore distinct historical references associated with Barnadown.

The “Burke & Wills Centenary (Camp 8)” monument is a stone chimney. It commemorates the nearby camp of the 1860 Burke and Wills expedition. The Waranga Shire Council erected the monument to mark the centenary of the Victorian Exploring Expedition’s passage through the Barnadown district in 1860.

A stone monument marks the Burke and Wills river crossing near the southern approach to the current bridge. Barnadown Bridge was built in 1868 to replace the punt. The punt crossing and the later bridge construction can therefore be placed in chronological context: the expedition’s commemorated passage through the district took place in 1860, and the bridge was built eight years later.

Access to Barnadown Bridge

Access to Barnadown Bridge and the parking there are considered good. Access in a 2WD vehicle in all weather is also considered possible. Check local road and parking conditions before you travel.

Discover more destinations: Gapsted, Trentham, Streatham, Melbourne, Lindenow South, Port Albert, Chelsea, Kew East

For the broader travel overview: Victoria.