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VICTORIA Lake Eildon National Park Lake Eildon National Park is located in the northern foothills of Victoria's Central Highlands, 150 km north-east of Melbourne. Situated on the shores of Lake Eildon, the park comprises 27,750 ha of rugged hills with open woodlands through to dense forest. The park has high scenic values and offers the opportunity to experience an array of wildlife, natural and historic features and a wide range of recreational activities. Things to Do The park provides excellent access to the lake for all types of water activities including; boating, skiing and fishing as well as protected areas for swimming. There are a range of walking tracks and nature trails through a variety of settings, as well as areas suitable for mountain bikes, trail bikes and four wheel driving. Remains of historical features are scattered throughout the park which reflect early gold mining activity and European settlement, including Merlo Homestead, an original homestead now submerged under the lake and only visible in times of drought. Hunting of sambar deer by stalking is permitted in designated areas and restricted to the open season between April and November. Facilities A range of camping areas are provided within the park to cater for a variety of needs. The Fraser Camping Area includes 200 unpowered sites with full amenities, self-contained cabins, gas barbeques and picnic shelters. Jerusalem Creek Camping Area offers basic facilities (70 sites) with boat hire and kiosk located nearby. There are also a number of remote camping areas accessible by boat or walking. Other lake side camping is available to the north of the park in the Delatite Arm Reserve. Heritage The park was established at the time of the development of Lake Eildon, which was constructed in the early 1950s to provide for irrigation and hydro-electricity. The damming of the Goulburn River at Eildon submerged much of the farmland and forest in the Upper Goulburn and Delatite Valleys and created a water storage with a capacity six times larger than Sydney Harbour. Fauna The park is home to a considerable diversity of fauna and is particularly well known for its populations of eastern grey kangaroos and prolific birdlife. Wallabies, koalas, wombats and echidnas are also seen. Common birds include; kookaburras, rosellas, king parrots, gang gang cockatoos, wedge tailed eagles and a variety of water birds. The park also provides important habitat for a number of significant species including; large forest owls, bats and the endangered spotted tree frog and brush-tail phascogale. Vegetation A notable feature of the park is its relatively large areas of herb-rich forest, dry grassy woodland and undisturbed old growth forest, not well reserved elsewhere in the area. These forest are dominated by a diversity of eucalypt species including; stringybark, peppermint, redbox, candlebark and a host of understorey species, such as silver wattle, blackwood and burgan. Orchids and wildflowers are also prolific in season. Looking After the Park All native plants and animals are protected. Camp in designated areas only. Take your rubbish with you. Fires only in fireplaces provided. Dogs are only permitted in the Jerusalem Creek Camping Area. Firearms are prohibited (except in designated areas during the hunting season). Precautions Carry water during summer when bushwalking , especially on high ground. When camping in forest areas, please be aware of the hazard of falling limbs. How to Get There Primary access to the park is from the Goulburn Valley Highway, via Alexandra Entrance fees apply into the Fraser Camping area. Candlebark and Devil Cove Campgrounds The Candlebark cabins in Lake Eildon are partially accessible to people with a disability. Camp sites in both Candlebark and Devil Cove areas are generally free of obstructions and on firm ground. A key must be obtained from the park entry office for the designated accessible toilet and shower facilities. Lakeside Camping Area This large camping area is on a sloping site near the lakeside. The steep sections of path and uneven ground surface reduce overall accessibility. There are few accessible facilities or features to aid movement around the site. Site 6 is one of the more accessible. Forsyth’s Flat Picnic Area This picnic area has tables and chairs both under shelter and in the open, and gas barbecues are available. Paths are firm, although not always over level ground. A boat launching ramp (accessed by separate road east of Forsyth Flat) gives the best access to the water. The Parks Victoria pontoon may be available to assist with access to boats - ask in advance. Jerusalem Creek Jerusalem Creek has a picnic and camping area with basic facilities. There are some good camping sites with firm and fairly flat ground, but a number of obstacles such as vegetation and leaf litter must be negotiated when moving around the site. There are no accessible toilet facilities. Nearby Parks Alpine National Park Cathedral Range State Park Howqua Hills Historic Area Mount Samaria State Park Activities Accommodation, Barbeque, Boating, Camping, Four Wheel Driving, Horse Riding, Walking Guided Activities 1. Abseiling 2. Bicycle Touring 3. Bushwalking 4. Canoeing / Kayaking 5. Caving 6. Coach/Bus Tours 7. Four Wheel Drive Tours 8. Horse Riding 9. Mountain Bike Riding 10. Rafting 11. Rock Climbing 12. Ski Touring 13. Trail Bike Tours