From the historic little town of Mathoura, at Crane's Bridge, where bullock teams once hauled logs to the timber mill, you can set out on Gulpa Creek walk.
It's a flat, easy 5km walk or ride among the river red gums along Gulpa Creek in Murray Valley Regional Park, adjacent to Murray Valley National Park. The colours and movement of birdlife around the creek and the light on the red gums are quite a view, and make this walk quite special. Gulpa Creek is also a peaceful spot for canoeing or kayaking. What's more, because of Gulpa Creek walk's location in Murray Valley Regional Park, you can even bring your dog along for the ride.
You might also like to bring along your binoculars and a bird book so you can identify the birds you see along the way. If you feel like more birdwatching, visit Reed Beds Bird Hide boardwalk in the nearby Murray Valley National Park.
Gulpa Creek is a great destination for canoeing - bring your own equipment or contact Mathoura Visitor Information Centre on (03) 5884 3730 for details of small boat or canoe hire
Remember to take your binoculars if you want to go bird watching
Visit NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service for more information on this trail.
The longitude and latitude of the start and end points are approximately only and should not be used for navigation purposes. Please contact me if you know the correct coordinates.
Looks like I don’t have a GPX file for this trail yet. If you have one you’d be willing to share, please email it to me so we can help other hikers have a safer, easier time out there. I’ll double-check each file to make sure it aligns with official tracks and topo maps before adding it to this hike. Thanks so much for helping build an even better hiking resource.
To Crane's Bridge. Gulpa Creek walk is in the Gulpa Island precinct of Murray Valley National Park. To get there:From Mathoura, head to Crane's Bridge at the northern end of town.Cross Crane's Bridge and turn right to follow the walking track along Gulpa CreekAfter 1.1km, you can turn onto Liston Bridge to return to Mathoura or walk on along the track creek for another 2.5km.At the end of the track, you can cross a wooden bridge to stroll along Poley's loop for a further 1.5km. If you're leaving the track at Poley's loop, turn west along Picnic Point Road and right onto Cobb Highway to return to Mathoura. Park entry points Crane's Bridge See on map Poley's Bridge See on map Parking Parking is available at Crane's Bridge, at the start of Gulpa Creek walk, or at Poley's bridge if you feel like walking from the other end.
If you’ve got some great shots from this hike, I’d love to see them! Please upload your .jpg files here to help inspire other hikers and show off the beauty of the trail.
A quick note: Uploading your photos doesn’t mean you lose ownership. You’ll be credited for any photos you share, and you can request to have them removed at any time.
Grade 3 (Moderate) - Walks for Most Fitness Levels: Grade 3 on the
AWTGS represents moderate walking tracks. These are ideal for walkers with some fitness who are comfortable with some hills and uneven terrain. While suitable for most ages, some bushwalking experience is recommended to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Tracks may have short, steep hill sections, a rough surface, and many steps. The total distance of a Grade 3 walk can be up to 20 kilometers.
Explore majestic river red gums or Ramsar-listed wetlands in Murray Valley National Park on a camping to the Riverina. Go birdwatching, fishing, bike riding and kayaking. Part of the largest continuous red gum forest in the world, this region hosts a unique ecosystem with over 60 threatened native animal species and 40 threatened plant species. It is also an important place for Aboriginal people.
Spotted a change on this trail? Maybe there are new features, the route has shifted, or the trail is permanently closed. Whatever the update, I’d love your input. Your feedback helps fellow hikers stay informed and ensures that our trail info stays fresh and reliable.
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Adventure with Confidence: Register Your Trip Plans
Before you hit the trail, take a moment to fill out our trip intentions form. It’s a simple way to share important details about your hike with family or friends. If things don’t go as planned and you’re not back on time, they can easily notify emergency services, helping to ensure a quick response and reducing worry. Enjoy your outdoor adventure knowing that you’ve taken a smart step for your safety.
What you carry in your pack depends on factors like weather, terrain, time of year, the type of adventure, and your personal preferences. Unsure what gear to bring? My free planning, food, and packing checklists offer a great starting point, covering essentials for day hikes, overnight trips, and multi-day adventures. Use them as a guide to customise your kit to suit your needs, always prioritising safety above all else.
Plan ahead and hike safely! Always carry enough water and pack clothing layers to adapt to changing conditions. Bring essential safety gear, including a torch, a Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), and a reliable communication device. Check official government sources for trail updates, temporary closures, and access requirements. Before heading out, review local weather and bushfire advice, including warnings and planned burns. Most importantly, let someone know your plans before you go. Being prepared ensures a safer and more enjoyable hike! Stay Safe, Explore More, and Always #ExploreSafe
