Shelley

Towns & Villages

Home of history rich gardens, a forest camp and old Railway Station

When driving along the Murray Valley Highway, there will be no escaping the fact that this is a popular place for Pine Trees. Shelley is home to HVP Plantations Radiata Pine Plantations. The pine plantations themselves are not open to the public but there are still beautiful places to stop to enjoy the nearby lookouts and attractions and to breathe in the fresh pine mountain air. HVP purchased the Koetong and Shelley Pine Plantations from State Government in 1998 and it has been owned and run by HVP ever since. HVP manage approximately 43,244 acres of continuous plantations which include approximately 12,355 acres of native bush, reserved for conservation. The HVP Plantations contribute to local employment in the area.

Behind the pine plantations which edge the Murray Valley Highway, you’ll find more than first meets the eye. Delving deeper into the area, you will find that Shelley hosts some rich history, with remnants still visible today. 7 kilometres from Koetong and a 30 minute drive from Corryong along the Murray Valley Highway, you’ll find the Avondale Road. The Avondale Road will lead you to the Avondale Gardens, picnic areas and the Shelley Forest Camp. Shelley is a perfect place to bush walk or ride your bike along the High Country Rail Trail or perhaps to simply just have a picnic and take in the beauty of this history-rich area. Please be aware that the Avondale Road is gravel and in wet weather is not suitable for two wheel drive vehicles.

Shelley was once Victoria's highest railway station, located 781 metres above sea level. The Shelley Railway Station was opened in 1916 and closed in 1979. The railway was used early in its life to transport farmer’s livestock from the Upper Murray to Wodonga. From the 1950s the railway was used heavily to transport equipment and machinery from Wodonga to the Upper Murray to help build the Snowy Mountains Hydro Electric Scheme. The Snowy Hydro Scheme was completed in 1974 and after several years of low level use, the railway was closed. Some remnants of the Shelley Station passenger platform can still be seen here today, along with some information boards. The Shelley Railway Station forms part of the High Country Rail Trail.