BUSHMAN'S REST CARAVAN PARK

AT LAKE CULLULLERAINE. VICTORIA

Closer Settlement

The Closer Settlement Fund
Created for the purposes of civilian closer settlement. All moneys received under the Closer Settlement Acts, except proceeds of loans raised by the Government, are paid into this fund. The receipts consist chiefly of amounts paid by settlers as installments of principle and interest in respect of land and advances granted to them. Payments from the Fund are made for redemption of loans under the Closer Settlement Acts by the Government, interest on such loans, and administration expenses. Power is given also to apply the Fund to payments for the purchase of land, advances to settlers, and improvement of land.

The Channel System

Only 3 per cent of the water pumped into the old open channel system was available for use on the farms. Water is now reticulated from an elevated storage through some 650 km of pipelines to steel or concrete tanks on each of the 126 properties in the area, providing a continuous pressurized supply for domestic and stock use. A revolutionary pipe-laying technique was developed for this 1975 project, involving the laying of some 5,000 m of asbestos-cement pipe each week. Pipes produced in the manufacturers' Melbourne factory did not touch the ground until they were placed directly into service some 550 km away.

History Preserved

A unique window in time can be seen at the Millewa Community Pioneer Village & Forest at Meringur, where a group of dedicated volunteers have preserved many of the old buildings, farm machinery and genuine records from the early pioneers. If you decide to stay with us at the Bushman's Rest Caravan Park, the Pioneer park is just a short drive away and well worth a visit to see this multi award winning attraction.

Lake Cullulleraine History

When the land between Mildura and the South Australian border was cleared for farming by European settlers in the 1920's, a stock and domestic water supply system was required to deliver water to about 130 farming families who settled in this area called the Millewa. It was at this stage the Cullulleraine site was chosen for a water storage area. It was planned to pump water from the nearest section of the Murray River into low lying land between hills now known as Lake Cullulleraine. In 1926 a Lock (Lock 9) and weir (Kulnine Weir) was constructed on the river and water pumped in an open channel nine kilometres to Lake Cullulleraine. This lock and weir also perform the important task of lifting the level of the water to allow the huge Lake Victoria to fill and provide South Australia with a regular water supply.

Today the lake covers an area of 40 hectares and is used for recreational activities such as fishing, yachting, skiing, swimming and canoeing. The lake is also used to irrigate areas around the lake to provide football ovals, netball courts, tennis courts and large lawn areas for caravan parks and picnic areas. The lake is the focus for recreational activities for the Millewa population and many who travel from Mildura.

Brief Millewa History

leaf The Bushman's Rest Caravan Park is located in the Millewa region, a dryland farming area in the north west corner of Victoria. This large area is bounded by the Sunraysia Irrigation area, the South Australian border and the Murray River. It was opened for purchase allocation in 1923, each farm being approximately 260 hectares in size. There were about 700 settlers at the beginning.

The hardships were many for these early pioneers. Below average rainfall led to low yields and low prices for wheat proved too much for some. When the 1930 depression hit, and the big drought of 1943-44-45, many settlers gave up the battle and walked off their farms.

The Millewa originally supported 11 small townships situated along the railway line stretching from Redcliffs in the east, to Morkalla in the west. Thurla, Benatook, Pirlta, Merrinee, Karawinna, Werrimull, Bambill, Yarrara, Meringur, Karween, and Morkalla were all approximately 10 km apart. Lake Cullulleraine is situated 13 km North of Werrimull.

Today the region is a large agricultural area supporting about 100 farms, each averaging approximately 2,500 hectares. The population is smaller and only three small towns remain; Cullulleraine, Werrimull and Meringur. The freehold land is a successful grain growing area and the water pumped from the Murray River has enabled, in recent years, horticultural expansion in the Cullulleraine area.

The wildflowers in the spring are a must see and there is a Mallee wildflower tour map available. There is much to do in our lovely area and we wish you a happy and memorable stay.

A.B.N. 69 239 484 918