A name for Campbells Creek trail

Over the past 12 months, Council, DJAARA (Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation) and the Friends of Campbells Creek (FOCC) have been working on improvements to the Campbells Creek track.

The off-road track runs for 4.3 kilometres along Campbells Creek, from Campbells Creek Park to Camp Reserve in Castlemaine.

The improved track significantly contributes to the shire’s outdoor spaces and we are celebrating with the bestowing of a meaningful name to this welcome leisure amenity.

The proposed trail name is ‘Watjarang Baring’, meaning ‘Platypus Track’ in Dja Dja Wurrung language.

The presence of platypus in Campbells Creek is the result of concerted efforts First Nations People and the FOCC community members who are committed to improving habitat for this native animal. We believe that the name will honour the work of these groups, while celebrating the diverse fauna of our landscape.

Improvement works to the track include:

the construction of a 600-metre trail section made from gravel and concrete

two pedestrian bridges crossing Campbells Creek

and a small section of boardwalk.

The formal naming of the trail to ‘Watjarang Baring’ is the final step in the improvement works, with an official launch of the completed track planned for Saturday 21 June. Find out more about trail celebrations planned by the Friends of Campbells Creek (FOCC) Group's website here.

Why is it just a proposed name?

All name submissions must comply with naming rules for places in Victoria – Statutory requirements for naming roads, features and localities - 2022.

Council has received in-principle support from DJAARA for the name to be submitted to Geographic Names Victoria for approval.

Community members are invited to find out more about the proposed name and provide feedback below using the online form.

Submissions can also be made in writing, addressed to PO Box 185, Castlemaine, VIC 3450 or by email to info@mountalexander.vic.gov.au before 3 July 2025.

Council officers will compile community feedback on the naming proposal into a report, which will be presented to Councillors for review and consideration at the September Council meeting.