Spotlight on Victoria, Australia: The Mighty Redgum Forests and More

The astounding differences in terrain and climate in just one state of Australia, Victoria, can only be described as one of the many curious miracles of nature. To the far northwest in the general location where the desert scenes of Mel Gibson's famous Mad Max was filmed, to the rugged and treacherous countryside of the Ottway Ranges, where gorgeous, succulent rainforests hug the coastline - there is much to be learned of the country as a whole without actually leaving the state.

The winding inland waterways of Australia are peppered with the most beautiful trees called River Redgums or Eucalyptus camaldulensis. These trees have been, and still grow in other parts of the world, but are native to Australia.

They are part of a family of trees known as Eucalyptus, which most may be familiar with. The trees help to conserve the soil from eroding along river banks, and are a great source of shade and shelter for many species of wildlife, including Kookaburras, reptiles and most inland varieties of parrots.

Redgums are a wonderful sight to behold when laying underneath, gazing up at the massive boughs of their greenish grey, speckled trunks and breathing deeply to inhale the unique scent of the Eucalyptus. However, they can also be very dangerous, particularly in the harsh heat of a summer's day. Redgums are known to very suddenly 'explode' with a loud bang and shed a limb when the day is hot and very still. Ironically, they can and do withstand very high winds. It is the stillness which causes this shedding of branches and since no warning of impending disaster is given, sitting elsewhere on such a hot day is recommended. Sadly, tourists and locals alike have been fishing or paddling the magnificent estuaries, only to take a rest on the banks of the river and be struck down by large falling limbs.

Uses For Redgum:

Redgum produces a very strong timber and is frequently used in a variety of ways including the production of furniture for indoor and outdoor use. It is a mainstay also of those who use firewood in the winter months. It produces a very hot fire and takes some time to burn out, leaving little ash. Also, and there is strict regulation on the harvest of these; the Burls of the Redgum which are a curious, knotty like growth are highly sought after to create highly polished bowls, ornaments and table bases, just to name a few uses. These are very expensive, but also very unique. Many a burl cutter has been caught and heavily fined for taking burls from the forest without permission. It really is sad to see such destruction occurring, since cutting burls from these majestic old trees can only cause harm if not done so in the correct manner.

Burls may be seen here:

http://www.jimsyvertsen.com/australianburlsdotcom/AustralianBurls/Red%20Gum%20Burl/RedGumBurlPage2.htm

The Murray River:

Many river beds are transformed to dangerous zones for fishing, swimming and boating, and the Murray River is no exception. Swimmers should take care since limbs from Redgums create a snagged waterway in the ever changing currents. What was a familiar river floor, even to old locals, can transform in a mere few hours to a treacherous place for recreation as the currents move trees along the unseen floor of the river, depositing them in a new location. This does however, provide a natural reef for the hoards of beautiful fresh fish such as the Murray Cod, who inhabit the Murray River.

Having lived on the edge of a National Forest in Victoria, with this spectacular meandering waterway almost in my backyard, it was common place to hear the shotgun like sounds of these mighty forest residents succumbing to the extreme heat - much to the horror of flocks of Cockatoos, Galahs and Grass Parrots who had built nests in the hollows provided. These hollows will only appear in the very oldest of trees. Most will develop these hollows from the age of 100 years or higher. Redgums are known to grow to a height of 45 meters and it is fascinating to think of how old these trees really are and what world events have occurred during their humble lifetime.

The Nyah and Vinifera Forests, which are located 20 kilometers north of Swan Hill are surrounded by lush vineyards, while also being a stone's throw from surrounding dryland farm grounds bearing wheat, oats, barley, and also sheep and cattle. The Murray River, lined and protected by these River Redgums is the source of life from which delicious crops of fruit and vegetables are grown. It is also the source of household water to many residences via the local township's large settling tanks.Therefore it is vital that these trees are protected to ensure the life of the Murray River and the quality of it's waters.

Protecting Our Forests:

Recently, a proposal was put forth to create at least 5 new National Forests which will be protected from hunting and camping, in an attempt to allow these giants to be nurtured to their fullest beauty, and to further populate. According to the Victorian Environment Assessment Council (VEAC), a further 23 reserves will also be closed to recreational activities as part of the effort to save the Redgum Forests from desecration.

As you will see, Australia is a land of many faces, from the desert to stunning rainforests, to the dryland and irrigation areas of Northwestern Victoria.

I am so proud that a Swan Hill business near my old home has showcased our magnificent forests and river along with breathtaking images of other areas of the state. I just know you will be astounded at the beauty when you visit Nalder Photographic's website listed below. Most of the stunning tree lined images in this link provided, show the actual views I enjoyed from our humble 20 acres hillside farm, along with a mere handful of my favorite fishing holes and early summer morning picnic locations with the children.

Welcome to Victoria:

http://www.nalderphotographics.com/rivers.asp

Sources:

Nalder Photographics:

http://www.nalderphotographics.com/index.asp

Field And Game, Australia.

http://www.fga.net.au/www/251/1001127/displayarticle/1008536.html

Bird Nerd:

Australia's Parrots.

http://member.rivernet.com.au/balehirs/Bishyp6pBirdParrots.html