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Directions to your first story point: From Avoca drive north along the Sunraysia Highway for 38 kilometres. Turn left into Stuart Mill and continue along Teddington Road for 6 kilometres. Enjoy the scenic valley. It was once the centre of the Gold Rush. Turn left at the Stuart Mill water supply sign. Follow the track, the reservoir is close by. Pause this video and appreciate the area. Play the video to learn more about the Teddington Reservoir.
The Wangarra Gira Gundige Aboriginal tribe once roamed this area. Historically, the forest, Kara Kara National Park, was important source for timber milling. Built in 1898, Teddington Reservoir was designed to supply water to St Arnaud to the north, with gravity-fed water via wooden and iron pipelines.
The pipeline itself was quite a unique design with lengths of tongue-and-groove Oregon wood wrapped with wire and asphalt over the top. Imagine digging a 22.5-kilometre trench through these hard stony soils with nothing more than basic tools.
Directions to Extension Point 1, the Upper Teddington Reservoir camping area: Exit the Lower Teddington Reservoir and turn left at the signpost. Follow the sign to the camping area. Continue along Teddington Road in a southeasterly direction for 1.5 kilometres. Teddington Camping Area is on the left, next to the Teddington Upper Reservoir. Take in the scenery. Fishing is also permitted. Pause this video and appreciate the area, then play the video to learn more about this area.
The Upper Teddington Reservoir is a popular spot for fishing. The most popular species caught here are Australian Bass, Rainbow Trout, and European Perch. A Victorian Recreation Fishing Licence is required for anglers over 16. Skinks are particularly common in the area. These are little lizards that tend to scurry along the ground. They are harmless, so there is no need to worry. Large Lace Monitor Lizards are common in the area. These are bigger ground-dwelling reptiles that run towards the trees when they are disturbed. Avoid removing wood and timber when you see them because they serve as homes for lizards and the many other species that thrive here.
Non-powered boats can be launched in the Upper Teddington Reservoir. Swimming is not permitted, and pets are not permitted as well. The Teddington Campground sits on the banks of the Upper Teddington Reservoir, nestled in the heart of the Kara Kara National Park. It is a perfect vantage point to explore the rest of the National Park. Walk, run, ride or drive deeper into the forest following established trails. There is a fantastic range of mountain bike trails and 4x4 experiences available for all skill levels. Note, make careful preparations before venturing deeper into the park. Is your vehicle and equipment appropriate? If so, make sure you have the necessary equipment. Have you taken safety precautions?
Teddington Hut was originally constructed by the State Rivers and Works Commission around 1955 as temporary housing for employees working on the Teddington Reservoir catchment. Today the hut can be used by campers. Basic facilities include pit toilet, wood barbecue, and picnic table. It's a great starting point for some off-road driving. Visitors are required to bring their own drinking water and firewood.