LAKE COBBLER
(www.northeastvictoria.online)
This is a small, artificial lake nestled in the High Country, created by damming a swamp area in the headwaters of the Dandongadale River. Access is via the Rose River Valley (Dandongadale) Road east from Cheshunt, the turn-off being about 12km from Cheshunt, about 49km from Myrtleford. The access road is known as the Upper Rose River Road, Cobbler Lake Road and Lake Cobbler Road depending on which map you are using.
The turn-off is on the right if approaching from Cheshunt and is not very clearly marked. From Myrtleford, access is via the Buffalo River Road which follows the Buffalo River for a while, crosses the Lake Buffalo Spillway and then heads up towards the backwaters of the Lake, before swinging west towards the Rose and Dandongadale Rivers. Recommended map, Rooftop’s Bright - Mansfield Adventure Map.
The access road passes through partially cleared grazing country, including the historic property ‘Bennies’ where the road takes an abrupt swing to the left (take care as this is easy to miss) and begins its relentless climb to the Lake.
There are great views to be had on the climb, mostly for the benefit of passengers, not drivers! As well, the Road is quite narrow and it is wise, given the popularity of this route, to be on the lookout for other vehicles.
Watch out for views of Dandongadale Falls as you drive up to the Lake, they appear on the right after crossing the River about three kilometres before the Lake camping area. Another marker is the Abbeyard Track turn-off, the viewpoint to the Falls, about 1.5km after this intersection.
Finally, after about 29km a small intersection is reached, sign-posted ’Speculation Road’ to the left and ’Lake Cobbler to the right. The Lake is now in view, down to the right, and the Road skirts the lakeshore, crossing the miniscule (at this point) Dandongadale River before emerging at the main camping area. There is plenty of flat ground on this side (the west side) of the Lake, so it is easy to spread out and avoid the neighbours.
Apart from paddling on the Lake, entertainment includes great camping; a walk to Mount Cobbler, which is about two hours each way; a walk to the upper rim of the waterfall (not recommended for small children); swimming in the Lake, and lazing in and around the River above the Falls, where there are some neatly sculptured ’spa baths’.
Intro Screen on a fresh browser page
COPYRIGHT © 1995-2020, Chris McLaughlin.