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Mitchell River National Park

Last Update 1st December 2007.

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Mitchell River National Park surrounds the spectacular Mitchell River where it passes between high cliffs. There are several gorges, including the Den of Nargun mentioned in Aboriginal Legends. Remnants of temperate rainforest line some of the gorges. The park is 11,900 ha in size and contains some of Gippsland's best forest country.

How to Get There

Mitchell River National Park is 300 km from Melbourne (Melway map ref: 508 C9). From the Princes Highway (west of Bairnsdale), approach the park via Lindenow or Fernbank along the Bairnsdale-Dargo Road to Waller Road.

Heritage

Aboriginal people hunted in the area and often spoke of the Den of Nargun, a shallow cave beneath a small waterfall on the Woolshed Creek. Aboriginal legend describes the Nargun as a beast that was all stone except for its hands, arms and breast. The fierce creature would drag unwary travellers into its den, and any weapon directed against it would be turned back on its owner.

Things to Do

* Canoeing or rafting provides the easiest access to much of the park and there are long walks through the Mitchell River Gorge. The river offers the canoeist short day trips or extended touring through tranquil pools and turbulent rapids down to the Gippsland Lakes. The best time is from July to December.
* The Mitchell River Walking Track follows the west bank of the river downstream from Angusvale through the gorge to the Den of Nargun. This is a two-day walk of 17 km. Half way through the gorge is Billy Goat Bend with a spectacular, semi-circular cliff known as the Amphitheatre.
* It is possible to drive to the car park and picnic ground of the Den of Nargun at the southern end of the park. Steep but well made walking tracks lead to the actual cave.
* A circuit walk takes in the Bluff Lookout and the Mitchell River.

Facilities

* Den of Nargun picnic ground has barbecues, toilets and water.
* Billy Goat Bend Lookout has tables and barbecues.
* Augusvale camp has pit toilets.
* A commercial caravan park off Dunbar Road is accessible from the Den of Nargun car park.

Australian Paper Manufacturers Ltd donated 143 ha to the State in 1963 to preserve the environment. Glenaladale National Park was formed, and in 1986, additions were made to create Mitchell River National Park.

Walks near the Den of Nargun

The valley in which the Den of Nargun is situated is a small area with unique vegetation and geological features. The best way to see the valley is by walking along some of the tracks. Take a brochure from Parks with you to help you find out more about the area.

As you are walking along keep your eyes open for animals crossing the track or birds feeding in the trees around you. Remember that all plants, animals and geological features are protected. Please keep to the tracks to avoid trampling the-vegetation.

Stroll to Bluff Lookout

(10 minutes one way)

The track leaves the' picnic' area and forks to the right. About 100 meters further on. The walk is fairly easy, with no steps, and is suitable for elderly people and young families.

On the way there Is evidence of a severe fire that swept through the park in 1965. The' most obvious remnants of the fire are burnt. Stumps and tree trunks,' but the vegetation growing here now can also tell you about the fire history of the area-if you' know how to read how to read the more subtle clues.

Can you find some tall dense stands of black wattle?

Fauna

More than 150 bird species and 25 mammal species have been recorded in the park including 6 species which are rare or threatened in Victoria. The satin bowerbird frequents the rainforest.

Vegetation

Giant kanooka trees grow out of the water amid a tangle of vines, ferns sprouting in profusion. Within the gullies grow pittosporum, lillypilly and yellow-wood, their trunks covered with ferns and mosses. On the ridges above the river a drier forest of wattle and eucalypt predominates.

Looking After the Park

* Light fires in cleared areas and keep them small.
* Please take your rubbish with you.

Precautions

* The river should be attempted only by experienced canoeists and not when in flood.

For more info

http://www.parkweb.vic.gov.au/1region_search.cfm?start=1&region=EAST