The ancient Barmah National Park, along with the adjoining Murray Valley National Park, is the crowning glory of our region’s natural environment. Protected as a National Park and managed by a historic joint management plan between the Victorian government and the Yorta Yorta traditional owners, this is a place of serene stillness and dynamic environmental beauty.
Popular for camping and river cruising, Barmah is a treasure trove of native Australian wildlife and flora, including many rare and endangered species of birds, mammals and reptiles. Spring is a great time to see brolgas. The National Park includes the wetlands between Ulupna Island and Barmah township, designated of international significance under the Ramsar Convention, and a haven for native animals including koalas and kangaroos.
Another great spot for nature lovers is the Warby Ovens National Park, just south of Bundalong towards Wangaratta. Pack your GPS and explore the trails on foot or on the Ovens River in a kayak. Enjoy free camping and keep your eyes open. You’re likely to see reptiles sunning themselves while wedge-tailed eagles soar overhead. In the early morning and late afternoon you’re sure to spot birds and other wildlife – look out for swamp wallabies, eastern grey kangaroos, wombats and koalas.
Don’t miss the small colony of grey-headed flying foxes and little red flying foxes that roost in the large river red gum trees along the Broken Creek opposite the Numurkah pool. And if you’re enjoying a paddle at Thomson’s Beach, wander the trails and look up; the areas is home to koalas.
Wherever you look in Sun Country, there are natural wonders to enjoy. In fact, you might even spot a koala shopping in Tocumwal!
