Australians once flocked to the Loddon River in central Victoria for the rich pickings of alluvial gold first discovered there in 1852.

These days the area is a prized tourism jewel. The town of Bridgewater on Loddon situated 35km north-east of Bendigo on the Calder Highway, sits on the wide, idyllic banks of the river at a spot that was once the crossing point for gold miners.

The Loddon Shire is leasing the new and hugely popular Bridgewater Public Caravan Park For Sale by tender. It is within walking distance to the town precinct.

The park sits on 3.88 hectares and offers 98 caravan sites, 17 tent sites, a cabin, a swimming pool, a jumping pillow, two amenities blocks with laundry facilities, and a camp kitchen that incorporates cooking facilities, refrigerators, microwaves, and a covered eating area with long views of the Loddon River. Many of the caravan and camping sites have wonderful views, making this an ideal destination for families, groups and those just seeking a quiet break away.

There is controlled access to the park, and access to the boat ramp.

The town has a golf course, tennis courts, recreation reserve, bowling greens, and a natural infinity pool on the river, with a swimming platform surrounded by river red gums.

These days visitors are more likely to fossick through the local shops than pan for gold, and the river is a key destination for visitors wanting to launch their boat or simply to explore the delights of the local nursery, before sampling the wares of the Water Wheel Winery, Bridgewater Bakehouse or the Bridgewater Farmhouse Kitchen.

Ricky Symes, from Tower Real Estate, said the park was “very significant” to the township’s tourism economy.

“We will find ourselves a good tenant,” Mr Symes said. “The Council wants a really good operator prepared to drive the park forward because that is what’s going to be of most benefit to the town and the area. We want someone who is going to realise the park’s enormous potential.”

The Loddon Shire covers an area of 6700 square kilometres, making it the seventh largest municipality (in area) in Victoria. The Shire's population is about 8,600. Bridgewater on Loddon offers magnificent bush walks and riverscapes.

The Bridgewater River Walk stars next to the historic art deco Loddon Bridge Hotel. The walk is designated as a class 1 trail that is suitable for wheelchair users, and the slopes are gentle throughout. Just below the car park is a large fishing platform with level access from the concrete path. The fishing platform has two lowered sections to cater for children or wheelchair users.

Bridgewater hosts the annual Australian Masters Water Ski Championships each January, which attracts the country’s top skiers for serious competition in trick, slalom and jump. A visit to the town is a must for all water ski enthusiasts, to see three days of seriously skilled competition.

Visitors with speed boats-in-tow line the historic street and the Loddon River becomes a highway of waves as thrill seekers make good use of the permanent ski ramp.