Easter at Raymond Island

The Swift Creek caravan park lies on the edge of the Tambo River. Water gurgles it way down giving us a relaxing ambiance. Everything on this trip is lush and green from the recent rains.

There is an abundance of birds and the weather is cool and very pleasent during the day. At night a couple of blankets are needed to keep warm in the 8-9 degree nightime temperature.

There is a map at the caravan park suggesting a couple of easy walks.

-Text from the sign.
Town to Sheltons Lane 1.2 km (15 minutes one way)

Grade 1. No previous walking experience required

A great little walk to stretch the legs after a long drive. Follow the path running parallel to the Great Alpine Road from the McMillan St intersection to Sheltons Lane. The stately avenue of Plane Trees was planted by members of the Swifts Creek Country Women's Association in 1934 to mark the Centenary of Victoria. From the McMillan St intersection, head south east towards Ensay, and enjoy the sweeping views of the The river fiats and the high forested ridges of the hills above the Tambo Valley. Pause for a rest on the Mosaic Seat near Sheltons Lane, created by Great Alpine Gallery Artists with the help of children from Swifts Creek Primary School.

The Poets Walk

1.2 km (20-30 minutes) Grade 2. Natural Surface

Start at the Great Alpine Road bridge and follow the trail along Swifts Creek to its junction with the Tambo River, then along the Tambo River ending at the bridge at McMillan Street.

Caravan Park to McLarty's Gate

AA2km (20-25 minutes return) Grade 2. Natural Surface

Popular with locals, this walk begins at the caravan park at the McMillan Street bridge over the Tambo River and continues for one kilometre to the farm gate across the road. This quiet country lane, with its rustic wooden fences and pleasant views of the surrounding farmland, hugs the course of the river. It is shaded by a number of magnificent, mature eucalyptus trees, predominantly Yellow Box. In the early hours of the morning or evening, especially during cooler months, keep a look out for the Platypus - Ornithorhynchus anatinus - which forage for worms and aquatic Insects in and along the banks of the river.

A River's Mark, a poem by the late Swifts Creek artist, John Butler, Inspired the creation of this Poet's Walk.

My mark begins in landscapes high above the gathered plains "Mongst granite boulders set and sealed by sands of their remains It starts with granules in a line, else varied grades of silt define My first marks on the pristine land.

I corve down through the marks of time and secrets open as I go The footprints left from thousands years where other rivers once did flow I raise old truths from earth's great pit I polish gems with diamond grit My sparkling mark upon the land.

With clamorous noise I carve the steeps and quieter flow along the deeps I never cease my endless toll rumbling rocks and sifting sall Flowing onwards to the sea in duty bound to gravity I weave my mark upon the land.

I gurgle in the gullies' guts I clotter over stony walls I bubble in the shady vales and tumble down in waterfalls Until at last on the gentle plain I ripple through a wide domain And craft my mark upon the land.

Though gentle I may seem to be when tempests rage and strengthen me I gather energy enough to wreck the bridges, cave the bluff Sweep fences, sheds and stock away and change the lives of all who stay To grieve my scars upon the land.

If life be like a river our souls are as the land

Shaped and formed by forces which we may not understand We pray misfortune's ugly scars are soon ebbed on the tide While all the marks of loving care are blest and sanctified.Read more