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.

More than just a stopover, Albury Wodonga is an elevated city escape immersed in nature.

Perhaps best known as a road trip stop between Sydney and Melbourne, Albury Wodonga offers a combination of natural beauty, cultural experiences and a vibrant food scene that make it well worth its own journey.

Nestled on the banks of the mighty Murray River and surrounded by famed wine and gold rush regions, this riverside town packs a broad punch. Discover how best to spend your days on the border.

Exploring the Murray River

1. The Crossing Place Trail

woman looking at sculpture along Crossing Place Trail loop — Admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists.

Head to the original crossing places of the Murray River since 1848 – at the junctions of Bungambrawatha Creek and Oddies Creek. Today, these crossings are still used by cars and cattle, but the five-kilometre Crossing Place Trail loop connects the two bridges for bike riders and walkers.

Wander through gum trees, and maybe even spot local platypus and birdlife. Stop along the way to admire sculptural works from local Indigenous artists, see evidence of a scar tree and learn about the importance of this billabong environment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

2. Canoe The Murray

two people kayaking along the murray river at Noreuil Park — Hire canoes or kayaks and get out on the river.

What better way to get a feel for the Murray River than by getting out on its waters? Hire canoes or kayaks from Canoe the Murray , then explore solo or join one of the offered tours. Get up early for a Sunrise and coffee tour, watch the sun dip below the water on a sunset tour or choose one of several daytime trips.

Stand-up paddleboard hire and other water sports, fishing and swimming are also available to river explorers.

3. Noreuil Park Foreshore

aerial of Noreuil Park albury wodonga — Cool off at Noreuil Park Foreshore. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Just outside Albury’s CBD, the riverside Noreuil Park becomes a hub of activity as the weather heats up. Set up on picnic tables under shady trees, use the public barbecues (or pop into the nearby cafe) and cool off with a float down the river.

4. Mungabareena Reserve and Water Works

Mungabareena Reserve albury wodonga — Spend time at Mungabareena Reserve. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

Delve into nature and culture at the beautiful Mungabareena Reserve . Recognised by state law as a ‘Declared Aboriginal Place’, it was once a historical meeting point for trade and journeys to Mount Bogong for the local Wiradjuri people and still holds deep significance.

It’s another popular spot for fishing, swimming and picnics, while the nearby Water Works area is a great place for spotting wildlife. Try your luck seeing platypuses, wood ducks or rainbow bee-eaters.

Adventuring on Lake Hume

1. Walk the dam wall

parent and child look at the view from the damn wall walk at lake hume — Enjoy the view from the dam wall. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

The majestic Lake Hume – a massive man-made reservoir on the Murray River – was once the largest dam in the Southern Hemisphere.

A great way to get acquainted is by walking along the dam wall, taking in views of outflows, electricity turbines and the transmission plant from above. Not to mention vistas of the lake and the Murray. It’s a particularly gorgeous spot for sunsets and sunrises.

A wide sealed walkway gives easy access to the wall, and informative signs and displays along the way educate on the dam’s construction.

2. The High Country Rail Trail

This 44-kilometre trail hugs the shoreline. Stop along the way at the historic town of Tallangatta, relocated to its current position in the 1950s after its original location was flooded. Cross the lake over the bright red Sandy Creek Bridge. Enjoy a lakeside picnic or go for a swim at Ebden, Ludlow’s or Huon Reserve.

3. Water sports

two people watching SUP boarders and a boat our on the water at lake hume — Dive into water sports on Lake Hume.

Lake Hume is a popular local spot for boating, fishing, and swimming. Drop a line or dive right into the clear waters.

Sip and Savour

1. Dux Albury

two people sitting at counter drinking wine inside Dux Albury — Sit down to delicious meals and wine at Dux.

Those looking for a high-end dining experience need to book a table at Dux Albury in the heart of Albury Wodonga. Sit down for curated wine lists, cocktails and share plates. Think starters like burrata with beetroot, chervil, caper berry and sherry, mains like Wagyu sirloin with Café De Paris, red wine and caramelised onions and all manner of fresh seafood.

2. Murray Towns Brewing Co.

people being served lunch at Murray Brewing Co. — Recharge at Murray Brewing Co.

Perched on the banks of the river, Murray Towns Brewing Co . has come a long way since two mates started experimenting in their backyard chook shed. With all beer brewed onsite and a sun-drenched beer garden to drink them in, it’s a perfect stop along a bike ride or walk.

3. Temperance and General

Step into Albury’s original laneway bar, Temperance and General . Set inside a historic building, but offering a modern vibe, the bar is locally famous for its cocktail list. Stop in before or after dinner for a creative tipple.

4. BeanStation Cafe

two people drinking coffee at Bean Station albury wodonga — Dine on a modern Australian menu.

Dine on a modern Australian menu , inside the historic Wodonga train station building, dating back to 1873. Pop over in the morning and line up with the locals for great coffee and all-day brekkie, or head over after midday to swap the beans for local wines and Aussie boutique beers.

5. River Deck Cafe

waiter holding two dishes at Riverdeck Cafe albury wodonga — Soak in views and good food at Riverdeck Cafe. (Image: Visit Victoria)

Another dining destination next to the Murray, the award-winning River Deck Cafe provides a large deck covered in dappled sunlight that makes for the ideal long lunch spot. Here, menus focus on natural, native and local ingredients sourced from regional farmers and producers across Albury Wodonga and surrounds.

Museums, murals and more

1. Albury Wodonga Public Art Trail

Gain a sense of Albury Wodonga’s vibrant arts community while wandering the Public Art Trail. Works range from sculptures and murals to wrapped infrastructure. Be sure to check the council map before you head out, so you don’t miss a thing.

2. Murray Art Museum Albury (MAMA)

couple admiring the art at Murray Art Gallery — Stop into one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. (Image: Visit Albury Wodonga)

MAMA forms the heart of art and culture in Albury Wodonga, some may say the entire Murray region. In fact, it’s one of the most visited galleries outside of Sydney. What makes it so lauded? The museum has earned a reputation for curating innovative, original exhibitions from some of the best contemporary Australian and international artists.

3. HotHouse Theatre

Originally built in 1928 as the Butter Factory Theatre, HotHouse Theatre has been a home of performance since 1997. Stop by to see the best of new Australian theatre. Continue to explore unique architecture on the Historic Building Walking Tour of Albury, the perfect way to round out your stay.

Start planning your Albury Wodonga getaway at visitalburywodonga.com.