Balancing Public Access and Landholder Responsibilities at Merrijig Ri

Published on 12 November 2025

There is understandably strong community interest in the river frontages of Merrijig, particularly the well-loved and often-visited stretches of the Delatite River that this area of the High Country is famed for.

While Mansfield Shire Council understands this interest and encourages residents and visitors to enjoy all that the shire has to offer, there is a very real need to balance the public’s access to these spots with Council’s responsibility to manage the land.

Under the Land Act 1958, certain Crown land water frontages are licensed to adjoining landholders for purposes such as grazing and land management.

While public recreational access is generally permitted, these areas are not open-access reserves. They are managed under strict licence conditions, and landholders have responsibilities relating to safety, biosecurity, liability, and environmental protection.

Mayor Cr Steve Rabie has stressed that while the public’s enjoyment of these sections of river is important to Council, access comes with certain responsibilities.

“Merrijig’s river frontages are cherished for their natural beauty and for the recreational opportunities they offer residents and visitors of Mansfield Shire,” said Cr Steve Rabie.

“Council understands the importance of these spots to the Mansfield Shire experience and it will continue to support safe and responsible public access wherever it is lawful and sustainable.”

“Our responsibility to ensure public safety remains our top priority.”

“Residents and visitors of Mansfield Shire are fortunate enough to enjoy access to some of the most pristine and picturesque stretches of river in Australia, but that access comes with a responsibility to respect private property boundaries and ongoing land management activities.”

Access to the Black Hole

Council recognises the community’s long-standing interest in accessing the river at the location commonly known as the Black Hole in Merrijig. While public access via the Council reserve remains available, this site is not a recommended or suitable access point due to its steep terrain and the absence of safe parking facilities.

Vehicles stopping along Mt Buller Road or crossing the roadway to reach the river present significant safety concerns for both pedestrians and motorists.

Road safety and parking management along Mt Buller Road fall under the responsibility of the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP), and Council is working collaboratively with the Department to identify safer and more sustainable access options in the area.

Council understands that some fencing has been installed by a landholder along sections of the Crown Land frontage to support roadside management and grass rehabilitation following long-standing issues with unlawful parking that was obstructing property access and damaging the roadside area. Based on current information, this fencing does not restrict lawful public access to the river.

Council encourages all residents and visitors to use recognised and signposted river access points where parking and facilities are safer and more appropriate for recreation.

Council Guidance for Visitors

Council encourages all community members and visitors to:

• Use designated and signposted river access points.
• Park safely and avoid obstructing gates, driveways, or roadways.
• Respect private property access, fencing, and ongoing land management works.
• Leave no trace - take all rubbish home and avoid disturbing stock, wildlife, or native vegetation.

Delatite River Safe Access Points

Several safe access points are available along this stretch of the Delatite River, including:

• White Hole (signed access point with designated parking).
• Brown Hole (and other riverside reserves along Hearns Road and Mt Buller Road).
• Black Hole (signed access near 2127 Mt Buller Road).
• Near the Sebel (signed access).
• Stoney Creek Bridge.
• Hearns Road (3 access points).

Mansfield Shire Council remains committed to supporting the community’s enjoyment of river frontages in ways that are safe, lawful, and respectful - balancing public access with the need to protect our natural environment and support responsible land management.