Discover the ‘Kakadu of the South’ – a hidden marvel on the Murray

An oasis of wetlands, wildlife and walking trails await.

If you consider yourself an outdoor enthusiast, you’re probably well-versed in Australia’s natural wonders, from national parks and UNESCO sites to deserts, mountains and islands. But there are many picturesque pockets of the country that remain elusive to even the most seasoned explorers – places like Gunbower Forest. Chances are you haven’t heard of it before – but once you have, you’ll be planning a visit, stat.

Where is Gunbower Forest and why should I visit?

Tucked away in rural Victoria, Gunbower Forest sits pretty on the banks of the Murray River – the only place in Australia to make National Geographic’s Best of the World list in 2025. The wetlands cover almost 20,000 hectares of the Murray floodplain, making it Australia’s largest inland island and creating a unique ecosystem that has remained relatively untouched for centuries.

Murray River in Victoria — The Murray River made National Geographic’s 2025 Best of the World list.

Flora and fauna

Gunbower Forest is home to an array of native birdlife, including white-bellied sea eagles, spoonbills, kingfishers, herons and sparrows. Rare reptilian species like the endangered carpet python can be spotted, as well as freshwater turtles, frogs, blue-tongue lizards and goannas.

Many mammals live here too, from kangaroos, wombats and swamp wallabies to emus, sugar gliders and pygmy possums. The wetlands also provide a safe environment for native fish to flourish, such as golden perch, Murray River cod and the native Australian catfish. Obviously, it’s paradise for any animal lover.

Native Australian swamp wallaby — Keep your eyes peeled for the adorable swamp wallaby. (Image: Getty Images/Bkamprath)

More of a botany buff? Gunbower Forest is a haven of diverse vegetation, from native woodlands full of red gums and river box eucalypts to both sedgelands and rushlands. These two types of wetlands are distinctly different – characterised by the types of plants that grow there – but in certain conditions, they thrive alongside each other.

The Murray River in Victoria — River box eucalypts are a dominant floodplain tree in the Murray. (Image: Getty Images/John Wallace)

Due to these rare environmental circumstances, Gunbower Forest has been listed as one of just 65 Ramsar sites across Australia . The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, also known as the Ramsar Convention, was signed in Iran back in February 1971.

The treaty aims to protect rare wetlands of significant biological diversity – just like Gunbower Forest. This unique status, as well as its remarkable biosphere of plants and wildlife is exactly why it’s been dubbed the ‘Kakadu of the South’ – and why it’s worth a visit.

How to spend your time at Gunbower Forest

Those keen to explore this incredible destination won’t be short on things to do. A great way to experience Gunbower Forest is simply by walking through it. Try the 3.2-kilometre Goanna Walking Trail, a gentle riverside walk perfect for wildlife spotting. Or BYO kayak and paddle the Safes Lagoon Canoe Trail, then pull over for a picnic lunch or head to one of the Murray’s sandy bends to set up there.

Gunbower Creek in Victoria — See it all from the water on a self-guided kayak tour. (Image: Campaspe Shire Council)

The wetlands are part of the new Murray River Adventure Trail as well – an expanse of connected walking, cycling and paddling trails that cross over 500 kilometres of country Victoria. The project is in its final stages of development, slated to open in late 2025. There are also plenty of camping spots, so you won’t have to squeeze it all into one day, either. But if that’s all the time you have, the leisurely Gunbower Island Forest Drive packs all the highlights into a half-day trip.

Murray River Adventure Trail in Victoria — Gunbower Forest is part of the new Murray River Adventure Trail.

Gunbower Forest is a place of deep significance for its Traditional Owners, the Barapa Barapa and Yorta Yorta people, who actively care for Country. There are a number of cultural sites that can be visited, just be sure to remain respectful at all times.

How to get to Gunbower Forest

Gunbower Forest is located near the town of Koondrook in northern Victoria, around a 3.5-hour drive from Melbourne. The quickest route is along the Calder Freeway. If you’re coming from Sydney, fly into Bendigo Airport and hire a car for the two-hour drive. Entry to Gunbower Forest is free and there is plenty of parking onsite once you arrive.

There’s nothing quite like Melbourne in the warmer months. Come spring, the city emerges from its cold-weather cocoon and brims with marquee events, vibrant seasonal menus, brilliant blooms and a fresh energy.

The centre of the city is where most of the magic happens. It’s a labyrinth of art-lined alleys and meandering laneways, filled with restaurants, cafes, rooftop bars, galleries, live music joints, theatres, boutiques, high-end hotels like The Westin Melbourne and much, much more. In spring and summer, especially, locals and travellers alike come to enjoy the balmy weather and celebratory spirit.

If you’re planning to be one of them, here are the best places for eating, drinking, exploring and staying.

Where to stay

The Westin Melbourne

Situated in the heart of the city on bustling Collins Street, The Westin Melbourne is a supremely convenient base. With the hotel as a base, explore the entire CBD – including Federation Square and Melbourne’s shopping, dining, theatre and sporting precincts – on foot.

Despite its central location, the hotel is something of an oasis. It has a serene ambience and elegantly understated design that provides respite at the end of a busy day. Think timeless interiors with warm timbers and neutral tones, and spacious rooms with signature Heavenly® beds and sumptuous linens. You’ll also indulge in impeccable service and amenities like fitness and wellness centres and an indoor pool. Selected rooms have sweeping city views.

Where to eat and drink

1. Allegro

Allegro is refined yet welcoming, pairing seasonal Australian produce and international flavours, finished with finesse. The à la carte, set and pre-theatre menus change seasonally. In spring and summer, expect a lively and creative line-up of dishes. You can also partake in a playful and limited-edition High Cheese offering that’s well worth trying if you’re a lover of blues and bries.

The restaurant happens to be located right inside The Westin Melbourne. It’s an ideal spot if you’re staying at the hotel and need somewhere to dine or drink before hitting the town.

2. Lobby Lounge

the westin melbourne lobby lounge — Step into the Lobby Lounge.

Whether you’re after a quick bite before exploring the city, a leisurely lunch or dinner, or a post-theatre nightcap, head to The Westin Melbourne’s elegant Lobby Lounge .

The menu features everything from moreish snacks, small bites and share plates to hearty all-day meals and desserts. The accompanying drinks list is a treasure trove of varietals, with a notable leaning towards Victorian drops and an excellent selection of spirits.

For a truly indulgent experience, book yourself in for the signature high tea . You’ll savour three tiers of beautifully crafted sweet and savoury treats, specialty tea and coffee, and the option for a sneaky glass of bubbly.

3. Other places to dine

diners at supernormal melbourne — There’s no shortage of tasty dining options, in and nearby The Westin Melbourne. (Credit: Visit Vic)

Dotted around the city are some of Melbourne’s most acclaimed dining destinations. Supernormal is a local institution. Feast on inventive Pan-Asian dishes made with fresh ingredients, paired with a Japanese whisky or sake from the extensive drinks list. At Gimlet , the surroundings are utterly romantic, the service impeccable and the food outstanding. Expect sustainably sourced meats, seafood and produce finished with European flavours and technique.

Apollo Inn – the sister venue to Gimlet and Supernormal – does punchy snacks, share plates and incredible drinks. Try the signature Picon Biere, a refined take on a shandy.

Dukes Coffee Roasters at Ross House is a great place to start your day, serving up organic and sustainable brews made with precision.

While you’re in the city, take a wander down Hosier and AC/DC Lanes. Beyond the famed street art along both, you’ll find a cluster of must-try eateries and bars, including MoVida, Pastuso, Bar Bambi and Tres a Cinco.

Things to do

1. Take a run through Melbourne’s green spaces

a bridge across yarra river — Run or walk along the Yarra River. (Credit: Visit Vic)

Melbourne’s outdoors look their very best in spring and summer. The parks and gardens come alive with colourful blooms, the trees in and around the CBD regain their verdant canopy, and the Yarra River sparkles in the sun.

A run or walk in nearby green spaces, like Carlton Gardens, Fitzroy Gardens and the Royal Botanic Gardens, lets you soak up the scenery. The Westin Melbourne also provides curated running routes through surrounding gardens and along the Yarra. Workout gear and Bala weights can be borrowed from the hotel if you forget to pack your own.

2. Browse the boutique galleries

two women looking at an exhibition in the national gallery of victoria — See the collections of NGV. (Credit: Visit Vic)

Independent art galleries are practically synonymous with Melbourne, and many of them are conveniently situated in the city centre. You can easily hop between Flinders Lane Gallery , Arc One Gallery , Outre Gallery , Caves Gallery , Gallery Funaki and D’Lan Contemporary , allowing you to experience the city’s vibrant art scene in a single day.

If you’ve got an afternoon to spare, venture over the Yarra to the National Gallery of Victoria . The iconic and historic institution houses both a vast permanent collection and an exciting roster of rotating exhibitions.

3. Catch some live music

live music at the cherry bar in melbourne — Dive into Melbourne’s live music scene. (Credit: Visit Vic)

Melbourne’s live music scene reignites when spring hits. In and around the CBD are several beloved live music venues that showcase everything from jazz to rock to electronic.

Visit intimate venues like Bird’s Basement , Wax Music Lounge and Cherry Bar , or larger ones, such as The Toff , Forum and Palais Theatre , for major acts. Plenty of bars, restaurants and clubs host regular gigs, too, including The Westin Melbourne’s Lobby Lounge. Every Saturday from 12-3pm, enjoy live strings alongside your lunch or afternoon tea.

4. Soak up the atmosphere at the MCG

three punters in big hats at the melbourne cricket ground — Book tickets for a big sports bash. (Credit: Visit Vic)

The Melbourne Cricket Ground welcomes its namesake sport in the warmer months. Watch One-Day Internationals, T20 Internationals, Big Bash League and Sheffield Shield matches throughout the season, or settle in for the multi-day Boxing Day Test.

Spring and summer are also when the MCG holds big events and concerts. Surrounded by the roar and energy of the venue’s legendary crowds, there are few places better than this to see a live gig.

5. Experience the magic of the Regent Theatre

the inside steps of melbourne's regent theatre — Soak in Regent Theatre’s architecture. (Credit: Visit Vic)

Standing proud for nearly 100 years, the Regent Theatre is a stunning venue: its grand exterior opens to a gorgeously ornate interior decked out with chandeliers, plush drapes and gilded details.

Stopping by to take in its architecture is memorable enough. But if you’ve got the time, book a ticket to one of the spectacular shows that take place inside. The venue hosts a diverse line-up of live music, musicals, opera, dance, theatre and comedy. In spring and summer, the program is at its most energetic, with events to suit all tastes.

Whatever draws you to Melbourne, The Westin Melbourne is at the centre of it all. Start preparing for an adventure at marriott.com.