Murray Offroad Adventures: Werrimull Tour and Lunch at Lock 9
Story by Kaye Matthews, Respite Care Coordinator Mildura
Bus group on banks of Lake Cullulleraine
With rain forecast for 3pm, GreenConnect Mildura participants cheerfully set off on a day trip through the Millewa farming region, visiting Werrimull before heading to Lock 9 for a riverside lunch. Our experienced Murray Offroad guides greeted us at the Mildura Wharf with a comfortable 25-seater bus, having already kindly picked up two participants from home—both no longer able to drive.
Jeanie giving some Werrimull commentary
The 45-minute journey to Werrimull gave everyone a chance to chat and enjoy an informative commentary. The tour through the township included the silo art and notable sites such as the former hospital and doctor’s residence, the old jail, historic churches, the striking Wall of Remembrance, and the recently planted Lone Pine. One of the more curious landmarks was the old morgue, once used for post-mortems and as a holding place for the deceased before burial.
The tour then detoured briefly to Lake Cullulleraine for a quick photo stop, before continuing along a 6 km stretch of graded track to the picnic lawns at Lock 9 on the Murray River. Along the way, we spotted a 1.5-metre brown snake crossing the road, and our guide pointed out historic rows of trees marking areas once cleared by timber-cutting crews who kept the boilers of Lock 9’s pump station running.
The Lock Master had kindly unlocked the gates in anticipation of our arrival. A delicious picnic lunch was prepared and served. Freshly buttered bread rolls, cold meats, and salads, followed by a selection of homemade desserts—including boiled fruit cake, ANZAC biscuits, lemon and olive oil cake, and fresh fruit—all enjoyed with mugs of steaming tea and coffee.
Adding to the day’s magic was the surrounding wildlife. Pelicans perched on timber beams of the Lock structure, hoping for a catch, while Whistling Kites soared above. The group was fascinated to learn that approximately 7,000 megalitres of water flows through the lock each day.
Pelicans waiting for their lunch
Following lunch, we made our way to the old pumping station before joining the “Old Mail Road,” passing the historic Kulnine Station Homestead and its original shearing shed. A male emu and his four chicks followed us along a fence line. We also caught a glimpse of the tree-lined Wallpolla Creek—an area of great Aboriginal cultural significance. This vital waterway meanders through red gum floodplains, lignum swamps, and sandy rises. Recent consultation with Traditional Owners and Cultural Heritage authorities has supported the protection, revegetation, and respectful healing of burial sites in the area.
Male emu and his four chicks
The trip concluded with participants completing a feedback survey, which captured the spirit of the day beautifully:
“Bloody fantastic, couldn’t ask for anything more.”
“These outings make me feel so happy.”
“We both have significant medical issues and these days out are a wonderful break from appointments.”
“This is our first trip with the group—it was lovely to meet everyone and see where my grandmother’s family farmed.”
“We were referred by Dementia Support Australia and are so happy to be included”
“So well organised. Thank you to all involved”
GreenConnect: Building Community and Connection
GreenConnect is dedicated to providing meaningful, enjoyable experiences for individuals living with early to mid-stage dementia. Our activities offer participants a chance to relax, foster friendships, and enjoy a sense of belonging in a safe and supportive environment.
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GreenConnect is always looking for new business partners, accommodation providers, and care organisations to join the network. If you’re interested in supporting the project and helping provide vital services to individuals living with dementia, reach out today to learn more about how you can contribute.