Gunbower National Park National Park

Gunbower National Park protects River Red Gum forest and associated wetlands on the Murray River floodplain in north-central Victoria. The park is an important remnant of floodplain forest and wetlands along the Murray.

Seasonal flooding creates lagoons and wetland habitat that support large numbers of waterbirds and native mammals; the park is used for birdwatching, boating, fishing and camping. Walks and river access points allow visitors to experience the forest and floodplain ecosystems.

The area has been set aside progressively for conservation to protect river red gum stands and the Murray floodplain environment, with management focused on maintaining natural flooding regimes and habitat values. Land-use changes in surrounding areas have increased the conservation importance of the reserve.

Gunbower lies on the southern bank of the Murray River in northern Victoria, near the towns of Cohuna and Koondrook, roughly a few hours’ drive north of Melbourne. The park occupies low-lying floodplain between the river and adjacent agricultural land.

• Access points: Accessible from the towns of Cohuna and Koondrook on the Murray River, with camping and boat-launch facilities nearby.

What to See#

• Gunbower Island: A large river island formed by the flow of the Murray River and its anabranches, characterised by floodplain forest and seasonal inundation.
• River red gum forest: Extensive stands of river red gum trees that dominate the park’s floodplain woodlands and provide habitat for birds and native fauna.
• Wetland lagoons: Floodplain lagoons and wetlands that fill with seasonal flooding and support waterbirds and aquatic life.

Gunbower National Park is in northern Victoria, along the Murray River near Cohuna and Echuca. Access is commonly by car from those towns; boat launch points and trailheads are marked by the park service-check local maps for driving routes and river conditions.

• Boat access is common for many parts of this floodplain park-arrange river transport in advance.
• Respect seasonal access restrictions; the Murray River's levels and flows affect wetlands and wildlife areas.
• Bring binoculars and an interest in waterbirds-the park is good for spotting species that thrive in river red gum floodplain habitat.