Trawool lies along the middle reaches of the Goulburn River; Trawool Station marks the locality. The Great Victorian Rail Trail along the river and the Gawarn-Baring Trail to the historic Trawool Reservoir are the main features of the area for visitors. The history of early water supply is also part of its story. You can think of Trawool in terms of whether you are more interested in a riverside route, a hike or regional infrastructure history.
Riverside route and hike
The Great Victorian Rail Trail begins at the Goulburn River in Trawool, follows the river through stands of gnarled river red gums, and offers an 11 km ride from Tallarook to Trawool. This makes Trawool both a riverside starting point and the destination of this ride. The trees give the trail a distinctive landscape character; the connection between Tallarook and Trawool also provides a specific route to consider when planning. If you want to make the Goulburn River the focus of your stay, the Rail Trail is a suitable starting point.
The Gawarn-Baring Trail, by contrast, focuses on a hike with a historic destination. It runs from the Goulburn Valley Highway along the Falls Creek corridor to Trawool Reservoir. Eucalypt forest, granite outcrops and open viewpoints over the Trawool Valley are part of the trail's landscape. The surroundings and their varied elements—forest, rock and valley views—are as much a part of the hike as the destination. When choosing between the two trails, you can consider whether the river and river red gums or the hike and reservoir history are more important to your trip.
Reservoir: water supply and recreational fishing
Trawool Reservoir was built in 1895 and played an important role in the region's early water supply. Now decommissioned, it is also part of the Gawarn-Baring experience. The destination brings together two perspectives: its former role in water supply and its place along a hiking trail. Visitors interested in infrastructure history can therefore also see a visit to the reservoir as a way to connect with the region's water supply history.
Recreational fishing is possible at Trawool Reservoir, including for golden perch and silver perch. Two fishing platforms are located near the picnic area. Alongside the reservoir's history and its role in the hiking experience, this provides a waterside recreational activity. For travellers considering fishing as a focus of their visit, the two fish species mentioned and the platforms offer specific points of reference. Hiking, history and fishing are different ways to experience the same place.
Camping area in a protected-area setting
The Trawool Walk in Camping Area is a designated camping area in the Goulburn River Heritage River and the Horseshoe Lagoon Flora and Fauna Reserve. This adds a specifically named camping area to the context of the locality, alongside its river and reservoir themes.
Discover more destinations: Ouyen, Kardella South, Pomborneit, Leichardt, Waterholes, Parkville, Woodend, Nyah West
For the broader travel overview: Victoria.
