Picture this Seymour Park a vibrant green space beside the Goulburn River. This isn’t just any park. It’s a living history book. Its history stretches back to 1886. That’s when an area south-west of the Police Paddock became Seymour Town Park.
Seymour Park wasn’t always the peaceful haven we see today. It began as a public park. Then in 1905 it was sold. A new park Kings Park took its place. The original location remains. It holds a piece of Seymour’s past. The park now boasts a fishing platform. Picnic tables are scattered throughout. There is a shelter with barbeques too. You might even spot a koala and a cockatoo. They’re depicted in a cute sculpture.
The Goulburn River itself plays a significant role. The original town was located at New Crossing Place. This is near the present Royal Hotel. It dates back to 1839. The Sydney to Melbourne mailman used a ford near this spot. He crossed the Goulburn River. That was the beginning of Seymour as one of Victoria’s oldest settlements. The river also hosted a swimming club. The Old Town Swimming Pool was in the river itself. The club existed from 1909 to the 1940s. People swam there. It even hosted a swimming and diving exhibition in 1933.
Walk along the Goulburn River Walking Trail. You might see Swamp Wallabies. They come out at dusk to feed. Remember to keep your dogs on a leash. You’ll also find River Red Gums and Manna Gums. Koalas sleep in the large old Red Gums. Look up. You might spot one gazing down. Seymour Park isn’t just a park. It’s a window to Seymour’s rich past. A place where nature and history intertwine. It’s a place to relax. It’s a place to reflect on the stories the river whispers. It’s a place to discover the charm of Seymour.