Pepes Bridge picnic area

Type

Picnic areas

Where

Murray Valley National Park in Murray-Riverina

Accessibility

Hard

What to
bring

Drinking water, sturdy shoes, suitable clothing, first aid kit, hat, sunscreen, snacks, food supplies

Pepes Bridge picnic area is a picturesque spot beside Pepes Bridge on the banks of Gulpa Creek, surrounded by the forest and wetlands of Murray Valley National Park. It’s a serene spot to take a break when you’re visiting the Murray-Riverina region, close to Mathoura and Picnic Point.

After a picnic lunch you might choose to stay and rest at the picnic area or cast your fishing line in the creek. But if you’re feeling more energetic, there are a few interesting walks to do.

The nearest option is an amble over historic Pepes Bridge, built in 1988. As you cross this heritage-listed swing bridge, you’ll have a fresh view of your surroundings. Or bird lovers might choose to do a longer walk to the old wooden waterbird observatory, also built in the 20th century, on the southern edge of Reed Beds Swamp, a busy waterbird breeding area and home to some threatened bird species. Although it’s a smaller bird hide than the newer and more popular Reed Beds Bird Hide, your walk there will take you through the timeless beauty of the Gulpa Creek wetland forest, rich with river red gums, giant rush and water reeds, to a prime spot for bird watching.

Spring is the best time for spotting waterbirds. They’re abundant at that time of the year, and the weather is usually more suited for a picnic and walk. You could see threatened brown treecreepers (southern species), superb fairy wrens and yellow rosellas during the daytime in the warmer months of the year.

For directions, safety and practical information, see visitor info