HISTORICAL sites along the Murray River have been rediscovered and reclaimed with the official opening of the Gunbower Heritage River Trail. The trail, officially launched by Member for Northern Victoria, Jaclyn Symes, overlooking the Kakadu of Victoria, incorporates 15 sites in the town and on its famed island, telling the story of the traditional owners and subsequent settlement, including the towns 130-year-old weir, to the Patho Cemetery and modern Torrumbarry Weir Interpretive Centre. More than 80 local residents, government representatives and Parks Victoria staff gathered at Masters Landing, which has also been given a revamp with an all accessible toilet, improved camp ground and day visitor access with picnic tables. From Aboriginal history to European settlement, the Heritage River Trail in Gunbower gives people a wonderful insight into the rich history of Gunbower and surrounds including trade along the river and the lives of those who lived and worked here, Ms Symes said. Sites along the trail now have signage that details the stories of the past including the sawmill, Cohuna pumping station, Gunbower Island School, the Gunbower Racing Club, which has been beautifully presented and illustrated. The trail was funded through the Gunbower and District Development Group, Victorian Government, Parks Victoria and the Shire of Campaspe. A booklet, Stories of the Past, which aims to help educate those on the trail about its Indigenous history, was launched by the development group member, Audrey Dickins along with Yorta Yorta Aboriginal Nations Council last year. The booklet and trail brochure aims to enhance the Gunbower Heritage River Trail experience and to create a community resource for future generations as well as strengthen connection with and protect both local and Indigenous culture and stories of the area, Ms Dickins said. The project has given the community an opportunity to participate in rediscovering and reclaiming Gunbowers forest history and its role as a key connection in the Murray River trade during the late 1880s and early 1900s. Ms Symes congratulated the Gunbower and District Development Group and all involved in developing new interpretive signage along the trail. We are lucky to have such beautiful natural surrounds in our region and places such as Masters Landing are popular places for visitors and locals to spend relaxing outdoors, she said. Caption Text: LANDED: Local residents and government officials helped officially open the Gunbower Heritage River Trail last week.