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Good to know
This walk includes river crossings which can vary. Always check local river heights when planning your trip.
About this walk
Situated a short drive from the towns of Walhalla and Rawson and just off Coopers Creek Road is the Horseshoe Bend Tunnel Walk.
From the carpark, a formed walking track winds downhill through a picturesque forest of mountain ash, stringybarks and ferns to the Thomson River 700m below. You will find bench seats situated along this track, which provide a welcome rest stop on the uphill return.
Once at the river, turn right and take a short 200m walk downstream which will bring you to the outlet of the Horseshoe Bend Tunnel. The tunnel was built in 1912 to divert water from the river to allow miners to look for gold along the bends in the riverbed, including the distinctive 'horseshoe' shaped bend that gave the area its name. Stop and read the interpretive signs for the incredible story behind the construction of the tunnel.
Return the way you came and follow the river upstream, taking time to enjoy scenic views over the river and through to surrounding forest. After walking 900m, you will arrive at a series of stepping stones where you can cross the river. Take caution during the wetter months as this crossing may be underwater and unable to be used. If the crossing is underwater, walkers are advised not to proceed beyond this point and return the way they came. Always check local river heights when planning your trip.
The walk can be shortened to about 2km if you don’t visit the upstream tunnel.
Reaching the tunnel
After this crossing, continue for approximately 300m where you will arrive at a second river crossing. A short walk after will bring you to the inlet to the Horseshoe Bend Tunnel. Marvel at the engineering feat it took to build the tunnel and at the natural beauty of the area. Water still flows through the tunnel to this day.
Return the way you came, resting at the benches on the uphill return walk. Picnic tables near the bottom of the walking track or back at the carpark are ideally situated to enjoy some lunch while taking in the serene yet spectacular Gippsland forest.
Other attractions
You may also like to do the nearby Poverty Point Walk or camp overnight at Coopers Creek.
Photo gallery
- This walk is a short drive from the towns of Walhalla and Rawson
- Follow the river, ferns and forest along the walking track
- Sit and take a rest on the uphill return.
- Pack your lunch and stop for a picnic along the way
This walk is a short drive from the towns of Walhalla and Rawson
Follow the river, ferns and forest along the walking track
Sit and take a rest on the uphill return.
Pack your lunch and stop for a picnic along the way
How to get there
Page last updated: 15/01/24