The Chaffey Trail: Lock 11
On my first visit to the lock, I was intending on getting a few photos of the PS Rothbury going downstream through lock 11. However, as I pulled into the carpark I heard the loud toot of her whistle, and realized I was almost too late. A quick jog from the car to the lock meant I was just able to snap a pic of her disappearing around the corner. Since then, I have managed to time my visits a little better.
Great Spot For a Walk or Family Picnic
The whole river frontage in Mildura is family friendly, and no place more so than the lock 11 area. Beautifully kept parkland, a working lock, lots of shade trees and benches, you can't really ask for more.
Except there is more. Cross the lock and take a short stroll over the island, and you get to the weir. This is in fact the only weir and lock on the Murray river separated by an island.
Interesting Fact: There are a total of 14 locks on the river according to the mdba.gov.au website. We have lock 11 here in Mildura, and the next one upstream is lock 15 at Euston. So what happened to locks 12-14?
Those were part of the original scheme to build a total of 26 locks. However, the increasing popularity of cars trucks and trains after WW1, meant they were never built. There simply wasn't enough river traffic left to make it viable.
Watching The Lock In Action
On the day I was there, a (hired) houseboat came through. Judging by the number of times it hit the wall, and how often it needed to reverse, I'm guessing the captain had not been through too many locks before.
If you see one of the Paddle Steamers on the other hand, now that's pretty to watch! But practice makes perfect. the PS Rothbury will use the lock about 1000 times per year.
Once the boat is inside the lock, the gates are shut behind it and water valves are opened to let water in or out, as the case may be. This takes just a little over 5 minutes. Then the gates are opened and the boat is on its way.
Cross The Lock To The Island
The lock and island is just such a nice place to laze around and watch the river traffic go by. You can even fish on the other side of the island, though you need to be aware that directly below the weir is closed to fishing at all times. The no fishing area is clearly signposted. Ignore the signs at your peril, as this man found out to his cost.
A slow amble around the perimeter of the island will take you about 15 minutes, and the tracks are nice and easy. I have been told there are some kangaroos on the island, but have yet to see one. However, we think we saw some paw prints in the dirt on our last visit. But if they are there, they were keeping a low profile.
If you're in the mood for fishing, expect to catch plenty of European carp (and they can get big, over 10kg sometimes) and a few silver perch. I have found that the golden perch (yellow bellies) seem to be a little further downstream towards Apex park.
As the Murray river is part of NSW, you require a NSW fishing license, even when fishing from the Victorian side.
Contact and Open Times
- Cost To Use: Free, during hours 8am to 11.30 am and 1pm to 4.30 pm
- Phone: 03 5023 1396
- Getting There: See Map on Chaffey Trail Page
