Wimmera River Discovery Trail Officially Opened

Published on 22 September 2025

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A beautiful spring day greeted around 70 people at Antwerp for the official opening of the Wimmera River Discovery Trail on Sunday 14 September 2025.

Attendees gathered at the Antwerp Hall to hear the background of the Wimmera River Discovery Trail before moving down to the new camping area behind the Antwerp Tennis Courts for the official opening that was officiated by Hindmarsh Shire Council Mayor, Cr Ron Ismay.

Following this, Council staff guided around 30 people along a section of the trail, sharing stories around the decade long project leading to this opening day. Attendees commented on how excited they were about the new trail and how beautiful the Wimmera River corridor is to walk and ride along.

The 56km walking and cycling trail links Dimboola and Jeparit with the Antwerp campground marking the halfway point. Vehicle access is available at several points allowing the trail to be completed in six sections ranging from 6km to 13km. Information about the trail, and a digital brochure can be found at www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/WRDT. The trail is also listed on the popular walking app All Trails, along with the Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism Visitor App.

Hindmarsh Shire Council Mayor, Cr Ron Ismay said “Hindmarsh Shire Council would like to thank all individuals and agencies involved for their support of the project, particularly our project funding partners: the Victorian State Government, the Department of Transport, and the Federal Government's Building Better Regions Fund.”

Cr Ismay added, “I would like to express my sincere appreciation to everyone who has contributed to making the Wimmera River Discovery Trail a reality. It is exciting to be opening this new trail through such a beautiful and significant cultural and environmental landscape. We look forward to welcoming many walkers and cyclists, both local and visiting, to experience the trail. Council believes the trail is a significant tourism attraction to our region and will help continued growth in our visitor economy.”

Hindmarsh Shire Council would also like to thank Barengi Gadjin Land Council for their support and input throughout the project, particularly with the development of the Cultural Heritage Management Plan.

For more information, please contact Jeff Woodward, Tourism and Economic Development Officer on 03 5391 4444, or email jwoodward@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.


Petra Croot
Acting Chief Executive Officer