Yackandandah Creek master plan to guide recreation facility developments

A new master plan for Yackandandah Creek in eastern Victoria aims to assist in the development of new and upgraded facilities in the state forest for the benefit of the local community and tourists.

Yackandandah Creek starts below Mount Stanley at an elevation of 829 metres and ends at an elevation of 168 metres flowing into the Kiewa River. Located around five kilometres from Yackandandah township, the creek is a popular destination for campers, day visitors, horse riders, and mountain bike and trailbike riders.

The master plan, launched by Victoria Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, Lily D’Ambrosio, aims to increase opportunities for people to enjoy the forest area at the creek, through upgrades and the creation of new camping areas and facilities, improved access and better links between facilities.

Minister D’Ambrosio noted “Yackandandah Creek is highly valued by both the local community and visitors, offering a diverse range of recreational opportunities which will now be able to be enhanced and improved.”

Following engagement with Traditional Owners, the community, visitors, recreation groups and stakeholders, the plan recommends upgrades to existing campsites, improvements to the mountain bike trail, protection of historic sites, improved access, carparking, walking trails and visitor information.

The plan was developed with $290,000 in funding from the State Government and will complement other major tourism related projects in the Indigo Shire Council including the Beechworth to Yackandandah Rail Trail and the EPIC Mountain Bike Trail.

Stage one works include campsite improvements, a beginner mountain bike trail, walking tracks between campsites, improved parking and vehicle flow, and a new information bay. Works are expected to begin later this year.