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Knob Reserve: A Cultural and Natural Sanctuary

Explore Indigenous heritage and natural beauty at Knob Reserve, a significant cultural site and scenic parkland near Stratford, Victoria.

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Knob Reserve, located near Stratford, Victoria, is a 56-hectare parkland significant to the Gunaikurnai people. It features scar trees, grinding grooves, and a lookout offering scenic views of the Avon River and farmlands, blending natural beauty with rich Indigenous heritage.

A brief summary to Knob Reserve

  • Stratford, Victoria, 3862, AU

Local tips

  • Wear comfortable shoes for walking the 2.5km loop trail and exploring the reserve's natural features.
  • Bring a picnic to enjoy in the designated areas, which include barbecues, tables, and chairs.
  • Visit early in the morning for a peaceful experience and to spot local wildlife.
  • Take time to observe the Aboriginal scar trees and grinding grooves, which offer insights into the area's Indigenous history.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    From the center of Stratford, follow the signs towards the Gippsland Plains Rail Trail. Continue along Old Redbank Road for approximately 3km. The entrance to Knob Reserve will be on your left. The walk is relatively flat and takes around 45 minutes.

  • Public Transport

    From Stratford Railway Station , walk 5 minutes into the town center to the bus stop at the Post Office/Hobson St. Take the V-Line bus towards Sale and alight at the corner of Old Redbank Road. From there, it is a 15-minute walk (1.2km) along Old Redbank Road to the entrance of the reserve. V-Line bus tickets from Stratford to the corner of Old Redbank Road cost approximately $3 - $5. Check the Public Transport Victoria (PTV) website for the most up-to-date schedules.

  • Driving

    From the Princes Highway (A1) in Stratford , turn onto McMillan Street, then left onto Old Redbank Road. Continue along Old Redbank Road for approximately 3km. The entrance to Knob Reserve will be on your left. There is a parking area available at the reserve's entrance. Parking is free.

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Discover more about Knob Reserve

Knob Reserve, situated 3km from Stratford on Brayakaulung Country, is a site of immense cultural and historical importance to the Gunaikurnai people. This 56-hectare reserve, jointly managed by the Gunaikurnai Land and Waters Aboriginal Corporation and the Victorian Government, stands as a testament to the living culture of the Gunaikurnai people. For thousands of years, Knob Reserve served as a traditional gathering place for the five clans of the Gunaikurnai nation, who would travel for days to meet on common ground. These gatherings were occasions for feasting, sharing information, trading goods, and practicing corroborees and other cultural ceremonies. The reserve's location on a bluff above the Avon River (Dooyeedang) made it a strategic campsite, providing shelter, food, and water. The river itself was a major transport route, with bark canoes used for fishing and travel. Evidence of the reserve's rich history can be seen in the scar trees, where bark was removed for canoes, food bowls, shelters, and shields. Sandstone outcrops bear deep grooves where axe heads were sharpened over centuries. In the 19th and 20th centuries, the reserve became a place of refuge for Gunaikurnai people seeking to maintain connections with family during the mission era. In 2010, Knob Reserve was the site of the first ceremony to confer native title determination, marking a significant milestone in the recognition of Gunaikurnai rights. Today, visitors can explore the reserve via a 2.5km loop walk, taking in the scar trees, grinding stones, and a lookout platform with panoramic views. The reserve also offers picnic facilities, including barbecues, tables, and a playground, making it a popular destination for families and nature lovers.

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