REDHS and Rochester Community House, with support from RBN, will be putting together a range of activities for the month, releasing a community events calendar very soon.
In the meantime, there are many free and fun ways to begin Active August in the Rochester area. Below are just a few ideas to kickstart the month.
Campaspe River Walk, Rochester
Guided by the river, this trail follows along the water line, with bikes, scooters, wheels and feet welcome to enjoy the surrounds. There are opportunities to spot local wildlife in and out of the water, such as the sugar, squirrel and feathertail gliders that call the Campaspe River home. The historic Red Bridge is also located on the waterfront, an impressive piece of 1876 infrastructure to enjoy.
BYO water sports
Despite cool temperatures, the Campaspe River still welcomes brave souls to enjoy a day on the water. Rochester Riverside Caravan Park offers a free kayak launching ramp and pontoon for activities such as canoeing, kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding. Ayson’s Reserve, around 10 minutes from Elmore, also features a boat ramp. All users need to bring their own watercraft.
Rochester Racecourse and Recreation Reserve
The 4Rs is the biggest open space in Rochy, home to multiple ovals, netball courts, tennis courts and bushland. There are opportunities for walking, running, room for youngsters to enjoy free play, and a range of organised team sports that utilise the space on Reserve St.
Art walk
From the silos to the mural festival, Idles Lane and everything in between, there is plenty of art to spot in town. There are around 80 murals or street artworks in Rochy, with about 20 from various editions of the mural festival out to enjoy. The Rochester Mural Festival website has an interactive map of all the festival pieces, wall murals and silo art that can be spotted on the streets: https://www.rochestermuralfest.com.au/murals-map
Explore Elmore self-guided walk
Created through website Walking Maps Australia, a self-guided walking tour of Elmore has been made, highlighting points of historical and architectural interest in the town.
It is around 6.7km long and takes about an hour and 40 minutes, with an intermediate difficulty rating. It can be accessed through https://walkingmaps.com.au/walk/3197
There is also a shorter version of around 2.3km, taking about 35 minutes, accessed through https://walkingmaps.com.au/walk/3087
Campaspe River Walking Track, Elmore
For a more nature-based walk in Elmore, the Campaspe River Walking Track can be explored. The track begins at the Campaspe Riverside Reserve on the corner of Margaret and Jeffrey Sts at the Campaspe Bridge. It follows the river, finishing at the corner of Campaspe and Childers Sts.
parkrun Echuca-Moama, Bendigo Botanic Gardens, Shepparton and Kennington Reservoir
Meeting every Saturday at 8am, parkrun is a free, volunteer-run event that welcomes people of all ages and levels to join in a 5km run, jog or walk. While Rochy does not yet have a parkrun of its own, Echuca-Moama, Shepparton, Bendigo Botanic Gardens and Kennington Reservoir are all within an hour of town. To find out more about each event, head to https://www.parkrun.com.au/
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