Historic Park & Museum Memorial Park Livingstone Park Griffiths Tunne Frenchman’s Hill Rotunda L i v P a r k L o o p Post Office Masconic Lodge Colonial Bank State School Omeo Standard Office Day Ave Mitta St Cooper St Botany St Short St Camp St Wills St C re e k S t P P Police 00 Omeo Region Tracks & Trails Omeo Region Walking Tracks & Trails - East Gippsland Shire Council Historic Park with waterwheel & Court House Heritage Trail along Day Avenue Livingstone Park Historic Omeo Post Office c1891 Omeo was a town built on gold. From the mid-1850s through to the turn of the century it was the site of one of the richest sources of alluvial and reef gold in the colony. The legacy of those decades of gold seeking is clearly visible today in both the heritage streetscape and the surrounding countryside. Several interesting and scenic walks can be accessed from the centre of Omeo ranging from an easy town walk taking in Omeo’s historic buildings to the slightly more challenging walks of the Oriental Claims Historic Area. Heritage Trail 1 km (30 minutes) Grade 2. Interpretive signage. Although gold was discovered in Omeo in 1851, its isolation and difficult terrain delayed a rush to the area until the mid- 1850s. After that time the town began to take shape along the Livingstone Creek, creating a meandering streetscape up the hill from west to east. The arrival of reef mining in the 1880s brought huge wealth to Omeo and many of the buildings that line the main street today date from that time. Interpretive signs have been installed along both sides of Day Avenue (the Great Alpine Road) offering fascinating insights into the development of the town. Allow time to explore the Historic Park and museum (open daily from 10am to 2pm) opposite the War Memorial Park. It features five heritage listed buildings and includes the Courts complex, police camp and the Court House gardens. Other noteworthy buildings include the three-room Omeo State School built in 1875, the 1874 Old Standard Building (formerly the Temperance Hall) and the grand Commercial Bank of Australasia built in 1890. Livingstone Park Loop 1 km (20 - 30 minutes) Grade 2. Interpretive signage Once teeming with miners, at various times panning, sluicing and later dredging for gold, Livingstone Park today is a peaceful place for recreation, equipped with picnic and barbecue facilities, a playground, creek swimming hole and a network of walking tracks looping around and through the park. To access the walk, turn on to the main street, then on to Creek Street and follow to the car park at the end of the road. Start the Livingstone Park Loop at the information board, cross the little bridge over the creek and follow the path towards the rotunda. From here follow the sign to Baker’s Island. Where the track forks, keep to the left and head uphill to a viewing point over looking the Griffith Tunnel on one side and the swimming hole on the other. The 20m tail race and 75m tunnel was cut by miners, Griffiths and party in 1868, to allow the working of Livingstone Creek without the hindrance of flowing water. It was cut through a high rocky bluff known as Frenchman’s Hill. By diverting the creek waters, the party was able to re-work a large section of the Livingstone Creek bed. To complete the loop, return to the car park via the steps heading down to the swimming hole, and following the path ahead to the bridge across the creek. The Oriental Claims Reserve is also accessible from this walk. For more information about visiting the Omeo region, go to: www.omeoregion.com.au To find out more about exploring East Gippsland, visit www.discovereastgippsland.com.au or free call 1800 637 060. Comprehensive track notes for other walks of the Omeo region are available for download from these sites. Being physically active every day is important at every age to help promote good health and wellbeing. Walking is a great way to keep active! It is free, it’s easy and it can be done anywhere. Enjoy a walk in your local area today! Please note that the maps contained in this brochure may not be suitable for navigation purposes for all walks. To make the most of your walks, be prepared! The weather in this area can change quickly. Wear a hat and sturdy footwear, and make sure you carry water, sunscreen, insect repellent and a waterproof jacket. Be aware that venomous snakes are a natural part of the Australian environment and are active during warmer months. Never attempt to pick them up – quietly wait for them to pass. Emergency information: Dial 000 Omeo Region Track Notes Omeo Town Walks Omeo Heritage Trail