Traveller safety information

• Psyche Pump Station was built in 1891 by the Chaffey Brothers to meet the needs of the irrigation settlement. The steam-powered pump was replaced in 1959 by an electric pump. The steam-powered pump has been fully restored and operates on key holiday weekends. The Psyche Pumps Nature Walk follows the Kings Billabong Nature Walk, ending at Psyche Pumps.
• The Nature Walk is great for bird watching and the bird hide gives a fabulous view of the largest part of the Billabong.
• Kings Billabong Lookout allows for spectacular panoramic views over the Billabong.
• Take a leisurely drive along the main track from Bruce's Bend to Psyche Bend, taking in delightful views of the Billabong and the Murray River.
• Enjoy the peaceful environment and throw in a line and don't forget if you are over 18 you must hold a current Victorian Recreational Fishing License (RFL). The Murray River requires a NSW RFL.

• There are no designated campgrounds, but many of the tracks lead to perfect shady sites along the Murray River. Beware of falling River Red Gum limbs when camping.
• Picnic facilities are provided on the western side of the billabong.
• Toilets, car parking, boat ramps and a lookout are also available.

Local Aboriginal people enjoyed the billabong's rich life-supporting wetland food supply. Shell middens (kitchen hearths), burials and scarred trees indicate a lifestyle celebrated on these banks for centuries.

Kings Billabong took its name from Captain James King, who navigated the Murray River and its tributaries in the late 19^th century. The Chaffey Brothers, supported by Alfred Deakin who later became Prime Minister, selected Mildura (originally a sheep station) as a suitable location for Australia?s first irrigation settlement. The reserve was logged until the 1950s to supply fuel for steam-powered paddleboats and pumps. There was also cattle grazing, cultivation and dried fruit rack sites in the reserve until 1989.

Aboriginal Traditional Owners

Parks Victoria acknowledges the Aboriginal Traditional Owners of Victoria - including its parks and reserves. Through their cultural traditions, Aboriginal people maintain their connection to their ancestral lands and waters.
Further information is available from Aboriginal Affairs Victoria AAV and Native Title Services Victoria

Whistling Kites and Swamp Harriers live on the billabong along with many species of waterbirds. Reed Warblers and Grassbirds inhabit the shoreline area with Mistletoebirds and fairy-wrens commonly seen along the walking track.

Kings Billabong is part of the Murray River floodplain that is dry for most of the year. Occasionally it floods and at these times, fish, plants, seeds and other wetland foods are spread throughout the area, attracting wildlife. The rich varied plant growth and the still waters act as a nursery for reptiles and fish.

• Take your rubbish with you for recycling or disposal.
• All plants, animals, archaeological sites and geographic features are protected by law.
• Dogs and other pets are permitted but must be restrained at all times.
• Fires must be less than one metre in size, in a trench, not less than 30 cm deep, clear for three metres and never left unattended.
• No fires, including barbecues, may be lit on days of Total Fire Ban. Kings Billabong Reserve is in the North Western Total Fire Ban District.
• Firewood may be collected only for campfires within the park and should only be dead wood from the ground.
• Reduce trampling by keeping to the walking tracks.
• Vehicles, including motor cycles, must not be driven off open formed roads. All vehicles must be registered and drivers licensed.
• Do not camp within 20 metres of the water's edge. Pit toilets must be at least 100 metres from the water's edge.

Kings Billabong is on the Murray River floodplain, eight kilometres south-east of Mildura (in the north-west corner of Victoria).

• Hattah-Kulkyne National Park
• Murray-Kulkyne Regional Park
• Murray Sunset National Park
• Wyperfeld National Park