Barnadown, Campaspe River, Victoria

A reason for heading up to Bendigo was to go to the Caravan and Camping Show. We arrived early Friday morning after a quiet night at Huntly reserve, paid $15/$13con for our entry and had a look around. 85% was caravans and the rest selling the usual accessories. There were a few things we were interested in looking at - a ‘no water’ toilet using plastic bags which seals with each flush. At over $3000 we are not desperate to upgrade atm. We also had an eye on some new chairs -The Stratus, fold and recliner ones (and their like) seemed like good option but we found them less comfortable than our Coleman ones, so we will stick with those for the moment. We stuck our heads into a few caravans and motorhomes but most left us unimpressed.. .we are very happy with Buster.

A couple of hours later we were back on the road but didn’t travel far (46km in total today) to Barnadown located near the Campaspe River. 

Barnadown Run  began in 1841 named after a village in Co. Kilkenny in Ireland. 

The township grew and with a punt across the Campaspe River, it soon became an important service centre, crossing point and staging station for diggers going from Bendigo and Castlemaine to the Ovens and Rushworth goldfields, as well as for drovers moving sheep and cattle between New South Wales and Victoria along this important stock route. Barnadown Bridge was built in 1868 to replace the punt. From the 1860's on, many new inhabitants moved into the area. In its heyday, the Barnadown township boasted quite a number of businesses including the Clare Inn Hotel, Nicholas's Flour Mill and Saw Mill, a creamery, bootmaker, blacksmith, post office, grocer, butcher and saddlery. 

Barnadown gradually declined in size and functions from the late 1860's. This was due to the opening of the Bendigo-Echuca Railway in 1864.

Today, the focus of Barnadown is on agricultural pursuits. It is now a peaceful rural settlement with a proud heritage. 

The Campaspe River is 232km long, running from Wombat State Forest to Echuca where it joins the Murray River.

We explored the several campsites along the river and decided to stay at Rocky Crossing, finding a lovely spot on the water edge.  By the end of the day there were 2 groups of 3 to 4 vans but surprisingly it’s was a quiet couple of nights. 

During the day we strolled along the river to the large outcrop of volcanic rocks that served as a cattle crossing for the drovers coming from the north to go to Bendigo or Melbourne. This stock route also connected with the Cobb Highway that goes to Wilcannia,NSW. 

We got out the fire pit and enjoyed steaks for dinner.