Barnadown can be explored through two closely connected themes: the landscape along the Campaspe River and the history of its crossings. The river flows 45 km through hilly country to Barnadown and then through flat farmland to Elmore. This transition from hilly country to open farmland gives the surrounding landscape a distinct character. At the same time, the Campaspe is a focal point for camping and fishing, as well as the setting for a historic crossing. In Barnadown, the landscape and local history come together along the same river.

Camping and Fishing on the Campaspe River

Camping and fishing are possible at Barnadown’s bridges; camping is permitted at Barnadown Bridge. Barnadown Streamside Reserve is a basic, free campground on the Campaspe River. This offers different ways to spend time by the river: camping at the bridges or at the reserve’s campground, and fishing at the bridges. Before you arrive, check the current camping rules, permits and local conditions. This will help you plan around your preferred activity and take account of the applicable requirements.

Rocky Crossing and the Burke and Wills Expedition

Rocky Crossing near Barnadown served as a stock route for early settlers. The Burke and Wills expedition adds another layer of history: Burke and Wills reached the Campaspe River at Barnadown and crossed it on Kennedy’s Punt. Kennedy’s “Clare Inn” was Camp VIII of the expedition. The names point to different aspects of local history: Rocky Crossing to the stock route, Kennedy’s Punt to the river crossing, and the “Clare Inn” to an expedition camp. Understanding these traces helps distinguish the early use of the river area from the events of the expedition.

The “Burke & Wills Centenary (Camp 8)” monument is a stone fireplace. It commemorates the nearby camp of the Burke and Wills expedition of 1860. The Waranga Shire Council erected the monument to mark the centenary of the Victorian Exploring Expedition’s passage through the Barnadown district in 1860. The year 1860 refers to the expedition’s passage; the monument commemorates its centenary. A stone monument marks the Burke and Wills river crossing near the southern approach to the present-day bridge. The commemoration of the camp and the marker for the crossing can therefore be viewed as distinct historical points of reference.

From the Punt to Barnadown Bridge

Barnadown Bridge was built in 1868 to replace the punt. This places the river’s history in chronological order: the expedition crossed the Campaspe on Kennedy’s Punt, and the bridge later replaced the punt. Both the crossing and the transition to a bridge are therefore relevant to understanding the area. Together with the river’s changing landscape and its memorial sites, they create a clear picture of Barnadown: nature, historic use and commemoration all relate to the same river area, but each tells its own story.

Discover more destinations: Werribee, Harcourt, Cocamba, Beaconsfield, Curlewis, Porepunkah, Anakie, Lovely Banks.

For the broader travel guide: Victoria.