Retreat host, avocado farmer and sustainability advocate — meet our mate Katrina Myers from Barham

Just outside the twin towns of Barham Koondrook, nestled among rows of lush, green avocado trees, you’ll find Katrina Myers. Farmer, retreat host, sustainability advocate and passionate community contributor; Katrina’s love for this patch of The Murray runs deep.

Originally her family’s farm, Katrina and her husband Tim returned to the property after years living and travelling overseas.

“We really just knew that we wanted to be on a farm, to give our kids that upbringing. We love this community so much and it was the best thing we ever did.”

With four kids in tow and an impressive orchard to manage, they’re continuing a family legacy — one that’s rooted in connection to the land, care for the environment and a deep respect for their local community.

Growing roots — and avocados

Katrina’s parents first bought the farm in the early 1970s. After deciding against a more “sensible” vet business venture, she and Tim are proud to carry it forward.

“We really pride ourselves here on growing what we call the best avocados in Australia.”

It’s not just talk. Sustainability is at the core of their farming approach, from a soil-first mindset to minimal chemical use and ongoing water monitoring. They’ve even trialled a retractable-roof greenhouse to reduce water usage.

“It’s in our best interest to make sure we’re growing and looking after the land as best we can, because then you get better produce and beautiful avocados.”

A farm stay with heart

Here you’ll also find Lost and Found Retreat, the property’s welcoming accommodation, thoughtfully designed to reflect and respect its rural surroundings.

“It’s sort of designed so it looks like it’s floating among the avocado trees…all incredible sustainable design, designed by Life House architects [and] it uses the most beautiful natural materials.”

Staying among the trees is calming enough, but guests have started arriving for a slightly more unexpected reason: the stars.

“People always say to us when they stay here ‘the skies are so amazing’ because there's such low light pollution. [They] research where the low light pollution areas are…When you live in the city, you just don't get to see the stars. It’s something that we take for granted here.”

A region full of surprises

The area around Barham Koondrook has long been a favourite for riverside camping, fishing and outdoor escapes — but there’s more for visitors than many realise.

“A lot of people come to our region for camping and to enjoy the beautiful river and the fishing and all of that outdoor environment that people just don’t get in the city. And it’s still close enough to Melbourne. It’s easy to get to, but you’re way out of it, really.”

There are foodie finds and relaxed adventures around every corner. Katrina recommends a sunset barby boat cruise (while she has her own, you can hire one further east) at Lake Mulwala, the Long Paddock Food Store in Koondrook, or a meal at The Timbercutter in Mathoura.

Closer to home, you’ll find the local Mates Royal Hotel (“a classic quintessential old pub — you can't go wrong there”) and more farm experiences like Bundarra Berkshires.

Just an hour away, Echuca Moama offers paddlesteamers, riverside dining and plenty of reasons to stay a little longer.

Building community, from the ground up

Katrina’s impact stretches well beyond the farm gates. She’s been involved in everything from founding the local farmers market to hosting long lunches under the trees and serving on the board of Destination Riverina Murray.

“As so often these small rural communities are, there’s such a great sense of belonging and everyone’s looking out for each other. It’s very friendly. And those events really bring the town together.”

Whether she’s supporting local events or helping visitors connect with where their food comes from, she sees community connection as central to the region’s charm.

“I think you can feel it when you come to a place,” she says. “It’s in the way people talk to you and the way you’re embraced.”

A deep sense of place

Katrina speaks with clarity and warmth about the slower pace of life along the river and the sense of grounding that comes from being part of a small, connected community.

“It’s laid back, it’s friendly, it’s easy… You can pull up outside the supermarket. I go in and I know everybody there, I know everyone by name. They pack my groceries for me…it’s just easy.”

And it’s that kind of simple, connected living that she believes more and more people are looking to experience. But her strongest connection is to the land and the responsibility that comes with it.

“Being a caretaker of the land for us is a real privilege and something that we don't take for granted. It's a choice that we've made to live here in this beautiful community and we really feel a great sense of honour and pride about that.”

Whether she’s growing avocados, welcoming guests or advocating for sustainable tourism, Katrina brings a quiet dedication to everything she does, grounded in connection, care and deep respect for this place.

Explore more of Barham Koondrook and surrounds

This blog is part of the latest season in our Mates of The Murray series — a celebration of the people at the heart of our region. We’re spotlighting local operators whose passion, creativity and everyday efforts help shape The Murray, not just as a place to visit, but as a place to belong. It’s not about events or must-see spots. It’s about people, stories and the connections that tie our region together.

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