Paddle the Serpentine Creek and find the Hidden Gems

Published on 10 July 2017

A totally new visitor experience has just been launched at Durham Ox, with the official opening of the self-guided Serpentine Creek Canoe Trail.

An initiative of Loddon Shire Council, the course takes in six key points of interest with floating trail markers pointing to little-known historical and natural features.

The launching place is adjacent to Whytcross Rd, near the junction of the Boort-Pyramid Hill Rd, and, from there, the creek snakes northward for five kilometres.

The first information marker points to a former inn, originally constructed in 1848 and rebuilt nine years later after it was destroyed in a ferocious bushfire.

At various times also acting as a post office, store, ballroom and Council chamber, the building is now a private residence.

Later markers alert paddlers to trees scarred and marked by ancient indigenous hands, majestic gums and black box, platypus habitat and the feeding platforms of native water rats.

The nearby community of Boort has been quick to back the new trail, with Boort Lakes Caravan Park owner Wendy James keen to develop visitor experience packages for people interested in paddling either on the creek or the lake.

Boort resident Jason Lee has offered the use of three of his privately-owned two-seater kayaks for a small fee as a gesture of his support.

A lifelong paddling enthusiast, Mr Lee can hire the kayaks to visitors at their request, either through the caravan park’s tourism packages or direct.

He is willing to deliver them to the required place and retrieve them later, whether users are keen on exploring one of the area’s lakes or visiting the Serpentine Creek.

For more information, phone Mr Lee on 0439 731 209 or the Loddon Visitor Information Centre on (03) 5494 3489. Visit http://www.loddon.vic.gov.au/Visit/Serpentine-Creek-Canoe-Trail