The Barmah Forest is listed as a Wetland of International Importance

Off the Murray Valley Highway towards the west at Picola-Katunga Road you'll find the township of Barmah. Take the Moira Lakes Road, next to the Barmah Hotel, for 9 km, to the edge of the forest, then follow Sandridge Track to the Dharnya Centre.

Barmah Forest, listed as a Wetland of International Importance, comprises 290 square km of river red gum and is home for abundant native bird and animal life. The forest has 112 km of Murray River frontage and during floods the water flows out into the forest and fulfills the cycle of replenishing the forest with water and encouraging river red gum seedlings to take root and sprout. It is an important region for honey production. Throughout the forest are reminders of Aboriginal habitation with canoe trees, middens and burial sites being visible.

When the Millewa Forest of New South Wales is added to the Barmah the combined area makes up the largest river red gum sanctuary in Australia.

The Dharnya Centre is an education complex and visitor centre built with the co-operation of the local Aboriginal (Yorta Yorta) community. It houses displays about the history and culture of the Aboriginal and European communities living in the district, as well as information about the forest, its inhabitants and the river. The complex also provides accomodation for groups of up to 56 people. Open daily (except Christmas Day and Good Friday) 10am-5pm.

Yorta Yorta Cultural Centre Barmah

Local Barmah shop

Beautiful textures of river redgums at Barmah

A self-drive tour of 70 km (at least two hours) commences in the Barmah township. It takes in many of the notable features of this interesting, and much used and abused, river red gum forest.

A series of Barmah Walks have been developed close by the Dharnya Centre that are flat and easy walking. However in mid summer they can be unpleasant, and are impassable during floods. Always carry water. The walks are Lakes Loop 4.5 km, 2 hours, Broken Creek Walk 7.5 km, 3.5 hours and Steamer Plain Track 5 km 2 hours. Maps available at the Dharnya Centre.

Wetland tours of the Barmah Forest are conducted on Kingfisher, a 32-seater punt that takes visitors through the Barmah Forest lakes and creeks. Kingfisher Cruises (2 hours duration) departs Barmah Lake: Mon 12.30pm. Wed, Thur & Sun 9.30am and 12.30pm. Minimum numbers apply, bookings essential, groups by arrangement. Echuca Gumnutland, Tourist Information Centre: Barmah Barmah Store, Dharnya Centre.

Towns close by : Echuca Moama (Down River) | Mathoura, Tocumwal, Deniliquin, Cobram, Barooga, Nathalia, Numurkah