The Den of Nargun is a place of great cultural significance to the Gunaikurnai people, especially the women. Traditionally Gunaikurnai men were not allowed down to the Den of Nargun or the Woolshed Creek valley. Please treat this place with respect. Stories were told around campfires about how the Nargun would abduct children who wandered off on their own.
The Nargun could not be harmed with boomerang or spears. These stories served the dual purpose of keeping children close to the campsite and ensuring that people stayed away from the sacred cave.
Featuring the Bluff lookout with views of the Mitchell River, green rainforest pockets and Woolshed Creek, the Den of Nargun Loop is also part of the Bataluk Cultural Trail, which explores Gunaikurnai Aboriginal history and culture.
Location: Mitchell River National Park
Distance: 5km return
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Grade: Level 3 – Suitable for most ages and fitness levels. Some bushwalking experience recommended. Tracks may have short steep sections, a rough surface and steps.
Start: Den of Nargun picnic area
Finish: Den of Nargun picnic area
Situated north west of Maffra in the foothills of the Victorian Alps. 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 Avon Mount Hedrick Scenic Reserve also offers some great mountain biking opportunities with back country trail riding. Mostly created by motorbikes but offering a unique riding experience over rocky, technical terrain. With trails such as Middle Track, Last Hurrah, Stairway to Hell, Zimmy's Descent and Caves Track to explore, the Avon Mount Hedrick area is perfect for the adventure rider.
The reserve provides for a variety of activities including picnicking, camping, walking, sightseeing, horse-riding, fishing, swimming and car touring.