Description

The Avon - Mt Hedrick Scenic Reserve is situated north west of Maffra in the foothills of the Victorian Alps, about 200 km from Melbourne. The Avon River winds majestically through the 5700 ha. reserve, over time sculpting beautiful gorges from the surrounding landscape. Complementing this is dry open forest with a diversity of wildflowers as well as rocky escarpments and several high peaks with sweeping views of the surrounding area. The Channel is the centrepiece of the reserve; a magnificent gorge created by the Avon River carving its way through the silt and sandstone over millennia. The steep sides of the gorge are covered in native vegetation, with shady Casuarinas in abundance. Crags punctuate the riverbed, creating a system of pools and rapids that provide important habitat for aquatic life. The Channel Overlook also offers basic picnic facilities and a full view of the gorge and the river far below. Access to The Channel and the Avon River is via a walking track starting from the car park. The reserve is fire prone due to the dry nature of the forest environment so please ensure that any campfires are lit in accordance with Fire Regulations; in a 30cm deep trench, less than 1m in diameter, at least 3m from vegetation and not on a day of Total Fire Ban. Please use existing fireplaces where possible. No rubbish disposal is provided; so please take your rubbish with you. Access roads to this camping area are 2WD via unsealed roads. Dogs must be kept under control at all times, especially in camping and picnic areas or near other visitors.