Yellowbelly Track – National Parks are closed

September 2023 – update

Even though Goulburn River water levels went down both National Parks remain closed. This is because an environmental water release down the Goulburn River from Eildon Dam is in progress and may cause renewed minor flooding. See Managing Lake Eildon. Parks are likely to remain closed for all of September.

July 2023 – original post

Because of rising water levels in the Goulburn River, ParksVic have closed both the National Parks that the Yellowelly Track passes through between Murchison and Echuca. See the links below.

The high river levels are mainly caused by water releases from Eildon Dam, not by local rainfall. These releases are likely to continue for most of July.

This is a bit of a surprise because there are no current flood warnings for the area around Shepparton. The National Parks and Yellowbelly Track are on low-lying flood plain which is impacted as soon as water comes over the river bank. This happens at a lower water level than the minor flood level. See the graph below (source) –

*Goulburn River level at Shepparton (blue line)*

*Goulburn River at McCoys Bridge (Murray Valley Highway, near Wyuna)*

Reminder

There are many other good routes to ride in the GABCY Network. Take a look at the Interactive Map for some ideas.

Also look at the Seasonal Ride Series as a guide to the best routes to ride to fit in with the local seasonal weather and environment patterns.

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Nix-Tracks