Dam in Wychitella NCR by Keith Stockwell)
This page provides notes on many of the national parks, nature conservation reserves and bushland areas of northern Victoria and the southern Riverina.
The reserves are arranged in alphabetical order and there are links to separate pages on some of the larger parks.
There are lots of reserves and National Parks in northern Victoria and southern NSW. Many sites and references are limited to either NSW or Victoria, something which can be very frustrating when visiting this border area. An attempt has been made to cover all but the smaller reserves.
Click on one of the listed reserves or scroll down the alphabetical list.
Major bushland areas in the area include the Ramsar-listed Barmah-Millewa and Perricoota-Gunbower forests, Whipstick-Kamarooka Forest, Rushworth area forests, the Warby Range and Terrick Terrick National Park.
There are scores of small reserves not listed here. No attempt has been made to provide detailed information about the huge national parks which exist to the north-west of the region, in 'Mallee' country - Hattah Lakes, the Little Desert, Wyperfeld, Big Desert Wilderness, Annuello Fauna Reserve (which protects the endangered Lowan ~ Mallee Fowl).
This page has been updated to account for changes resulting from the Victorian Environment Conservation Council's investigation of box-ironbark forests and woodlands and VEACs River Red Gum Investigation. The recommendations of the Natural Resources Commission of NSW have been taken into account. For that reason, some State Forests which are likely to be upgraded to national parks have now been included
The assessment reports released by the Natural Resources Commission and VEAC as part of their River Red Gum investigations contain a wealth of information and are worth studying.
Additional and official information on many of these reserves can be obtained from the Parks Victoria web site. Maps of some of these reserves, including State Game Reserves, can be downloaded from the DSE and Parks Victoria web sites in pdf form.
Parks Victoria has produced a large folded sheet guide to Victoria's Box-Ironbark Parks and Reserves.
It has been difficult to obtain information about the small reserves in southern (Riverina) NSW and many may not be listed. A Forestry NSW map 'Central Murray Valley State Forests' is useful and available from some local Tourist Information Centres.
Some excellent two-sided, cross-border maps which cover most of the region have recently been produced by Hayman's maps: Barmah-Shepparton-Deniliquin Adventure Map and Cohuna-Echuca-Gunbower Forest Activities Map (one side of which covers the Werai Forest). These maps are on sale at some local Tourist Information Centres.
Bendigo Field Naturalist Club has prepared a number of publications on the region's plants and animals.
More information about Victoria's box-ironbark country is included in a book by Chris Tzaros, Wildlife of the Box-Ironbark forests
Bushland Reserves
of
northern Victoria and the Southern Riverina
Black Rock, Greater Bendigo National Park by Keith Stockwell
The above table of contents does not cover all the reserves which are outlined below in alphabetical order.
Parks with names starting 'A' to 'O'
This section outlines, in alphabetical order, most of the national parks, natural conservation reserves and other reserves in northern Victoria and the central Murray Valley of NSW.
Click on one of the parkis listed in the contents boc above or scroll down (not all bushland areas and wetlands covered are listed in the table of contents) for notes about parks with names commencing A through to O.
For areas with a name commening P through to Z click here.
There are separate pages, which can be accessed by clicking on the appropriate green button at the top of the page, for several bushland areas of the region, including Barmah-Millewa, Greater Bendigo National Park, Gunbower-Perricoota Forest, Heathcote-Graytown National Park, Kayapella Basin, Lower Goulburn River National Park, Murray River reserves, Terrick Terrick National Park and Warby Range-Ovens River National Park.
Each of the separate pages gives information about access, map, possible bushwalks, vegetation and camping sites.
Many of the state forests shown on NSW Forests 'Central Murray Valley Forests (Western Forestry Region)' map are listed ~ copies of this map are usually available at the Mathoura RTC (information centre). Well worth having, this 1:250,000 map also shows many of the northern Victorian forests and reserves.
Hayman's Maps has produced two very good 'forest activities maps' which cover much of the region.
CFA rural directories (maps) are also very useful although somewhat difficult to obtain.
As more and more reserves have been included, this file became too large for one page. So separate pages have been created for some areas and some reserves are together on a second page. This page covers reserves from A to O inclusive. The second page covers reserves with names starting with P through to Z.
Most of the bushland reserves in the area have been badly affected by over 15 years of drought.
Several new national parks and nature conservation reserves have been created as a result of the Victorian Environment Assessment Council (VEAC) investigation of River Red Gum Forests in northern Victoria.
For details of Victoria's new Red Gum national parks and reserves click here (DSE Red Gum page).
Late in 2009, following an assessment by the Natural Resources Commission, the NSW government announced that the Millewa group of forests, some of the Murrumbidgee forests and some other areas are to become national parks.
Notes on the above parks follow on this page.
In some of the listings below, topographic map names/numbers have been given; in some cases VicRoads map references are given. CFA regional map books are also useful map resources. Some indigenous grassland paddocks presently in the process of being purchased by DSE and several small reserves are not included here.
Appin State Forest
~ a small box and River Red Gum forest south-west of Kerang between Wandella Creek and the Loddon River.Ararat Regional Park
~ a 3,671ha reserve to the west of the region covered by this site.Bael Bael
Located west of Kangaroo Lake and Lake Cullen near Lake Charm township, Lake Bael Bael is a large freshwater lake that fills from the Avoca River in times of flood. It is a Ramsar-listed wetland and is an important breeding and feeding ground for waterbirds.A large area of indigenous grassland has recently been set aside as Bael Bael NCR. This grassland is in a very dry part of Victoria. Some inland birds rarely observed in Victoria have been sighted here, including Inland Dotterel.
Baillieu (Richardsons) Lagoon Wildlife Area
Also know as Richardsons lagoon, this 191ha reserve is located between Echuca and torrumbarry, north-east of the Murray Valley Highway. Access is via Baillieu Road which loops around the lagoon in a semi-circle. When the lagoon contains water, it often supports a wide range of waders and waterbirds, including Brolga, White-bellied Sea-eagle and Avocets. A pipe has been put in place to enable environmental water to be delivered to this wetland. The bushland around the lake is home to many of the less-common bush birds, including Diamond Firetail, Bush Stone Curlew, Powerful Owl, Grey-crowned Babbler, Red-browed Finch, Zebra Finch and Brown Tree-creeper. VicRoads Map 31 A2.
Baillieu (Richardsons) Lagoon, Torrumbarry (D Ong)Balmattum NCR
~ a 220ha reserve dominated by Plains grassy-woodland located alongside Old Euroa Road west-south-west of Violet Town. Click here to download a pdf copy of the reserve's management plan.Bama Forest (NSW)
Bama State Forest covers about 2,800ha and is located on the NSW side of the Murray River, downstream of Barmah Town. It is an outlying part of the Barmah-Millewa Forest. Much of the forest consists of Box trees many of which have multiple stems from a stump because they have been logged in the past. An adjoining private property is used for 'paint ball games'.Some adjoining landholders have allowed some regeneration of bushland. Formerly part of an ancient lake, this is a natural flood-retarding basin. Barmah Forest Road passes through this forest which is best accessed from Old Barmah Road. topographic map: Moama 7825-N 1:50,000. Do not confuse this forest with Victoria's BARMAH Forest.Late in 2009, the NSW Natural Resources Commission recommended that this forest become a Regional Park.
Banandra State Forest
This 762 hectare State Forest is south-east of Darlington Point. Although not having a Murrumbidgee River frontage, it is likely to become part of the proposed Murrumbidgee National Park. It is separated from the riverside forests by private land. See Murrumbidgee National Park.Banyula Forest
Now part of the Echuca Historic and Cultural Features Reserve, this River Red Gum forest is located downstream of the old Echuca-Moama Bridge and includes an area known as 'Shinbone Alley'. Few signs remain of the 'houses' which stood there at the start of the twentieth century. Frequent flooding forced the residents to seek higher ground and the forest has regrown. Unfortunately the forest has been abused by some and much rubbish has been removed by volunteers. It is hoped that better management will result from its incorporation into the Echuca historic Reserve. VicRoads Map 266 H3 shows part of the reserve: the bushland extends to the edge of the Murray. Bird observers usually find the forest of the NSW side of the Murray (Moama Wetlands) has more birdlife.Barangalite State Forest
~ See Werai State Forest. IN late 2009, the NSW Natural Resources Commission recommended that this 1.295 hectare forest be part of an 'indigenous managed area' or national park.Barham Lake Reserve
Barham Lake is a wetland reserve on the edge of the town of Barham, on the NSW side of the Murray River. There is a camping area, toilets and lawns between a lake and the Murray River. There is an indigenous botanical garden nearby. VicRoads Map 211 R8.The nearby waste water treatment ponds provide a haven for a variety of water birds, including crakes.
Barmah-Millewa Forest (including Barmah National Park, Millewa National Park, Barmah State Forest, Moira Forest, Millewa Forest and Gulpa Island)
A separate page has been created for this forest. Click here to enter.The Barmah-Millewa forest is the largest River Red Gum forest in Australia and straddles the Murray River upstream of Echuca. Recently, the NSW and Victorian governments decided that much of the forest on both sides of the Murray River will be a cross-border national park. Legislation has passed through the Victorian Parliament and the NSW government has announced its intention to introduce legislation during 2010.
The Barmah-Millewa Forest includes the new Barmah National Park, Barmah State Forest, the proposed Millewa National Park ~ [Millewa State Forest (SF398), Gulpa Island (SF558), Moira Forest (SF576), Moira Lakes Fauna Reserve (FR98), Toupna Creek Flora Reserve (FR119)] ~ and Bama Forest (SF584). Barmah-Millewa Forest is a Ramsar wetland and a designated Important Bird Area (IBA)
Until recently, most of the forest was open to logging, grazing and other commercial activities. It is proposed that camping will continue to be allowed in the forest. Popular activities include camping, fishing, bush-walking, bird observation and driving along the forest's many tracks.
The Murray River near Barmah Lake (K Stockwell)Maps: Hayman's Maps has produced a double-sided map (1:50,000 and 1:100,000) covering the Murray, Edward and Goulburn rivers from Shepparton to Deniliquin, covering this forest (Barmah-Shepparton-Deniliquin Adventure Map). Other useful maps include 1:50,000 maps Strathmerton 7926-S, Mathoura 7826-S (Central Mapping Authority NSW) and 1:25,000 Moira Lakes 7826-2-2 (VicMap).
Barooga State Forest
This 1,190 hectare forest wetland lies upsteam of Tocumwal. Popular with locals, it, along with Boomanoomana State Forest, Woperana State Forest and Cottadida State Forestis likely to become part of a non-contiguous riverside national park.Barratta Creek State Forest
~ a 239 hectare River Red Gum forest located about 40km north-west of Deniliquin. The NSW Natural Resources Commission has recommended that htis forest be part of an indigenous protected area or national park. See Werai State Forest.Barren Box Wetland
Located to the north of the region covered by this site, Barren Box is a 3,200ha ephemeral wetland fed by run off from Mirrool Creek near Leeton. The wetland is being rehabilitated. Supported by Murrumbidgee irrigation Ltd, the project won the 1996 Sydney Engineering Excellence Award (Environment and Heritage).Beattie Depression Bushland Area
Beattie Depression is a linear floodway between MacDonald Road and Looker Road between Echuca and Kanyapella. 398ha of the depression is now a bushland reserve. Some hope a bio-linkwill one day be established between it and the nearby Kanyapella Wildlife Area.
Map: Echuca East 7825-1-3 1:25,000Beechworth Regional Park
This bushland area lies to the east of the region covered by this site. It affords excellent bushwalking opportunities, with walking tracks linking several points of historical and scenic interest. If there have been good winter rains, the Spring wildflower display is often very good.Benarca Forest
Located within a large meander of the Murray River downstream of Moama, this 212 hectare forest wetland (SF751) features a large riverside sandhill, part of which has been fenced to protect Sandalwood, Callitris, wattles and other plants. A colony of Babblers lives near the sandhill. Most of the remainder of the reserve is a River Red Gum forest.A riverside beach is popular with boaters, swimmers and campers.
The forest has been badly affected by prolonged drought and over-grazing (early this century, cattle were removed to help the forest recover.
Benarca State Forest can be accessed from Moama via Perricoota and McKindlay roads. Map: Moama 7825-N 1:50,000 (Central Mapping Authority NSW)
The NSW Natural Resources commission has recommended that Benarca State Forest be upgraded to a Regional Park.
Bendigo Regional Park
This box-ironbark bushland park of about 8,740ha on the outskirts of Bendigo has several sections. One of the largest sections lies between Eaglehawk and the northern (Whipstick) section of the Greater Bendigo National Park. It comprises the former Eaglehawk Regional Park, Diamond Hill Historic Reserve and parts of the Marong, Mandurang and Wellsford State Forests as well as a number of smaller bushland reserves. See also Wellsford Forest and Mount Sugarloaf NCR. The wildflower display during Spring may be terrific following wet years. The area is renowned for its wattles and bush birds.Benerenbah State Forest
This 1,130 hectare forest wetland is located downstream of Darlington Point and is part of the proposed Murrumbidgee National Park.Benjeroop-Dartagook Nature Conservation Reserve (D22)
Lying between Kerang and Murrabit, this 1179ha reserve, with frontages to Barr Creek and the Loddon River, features Riverine Chernopod Woodland (with several endangered and rare species) and Lignum. Endangered fish species are found in the river. Benjeroop Landcare Group has fenced a roadside near the benjeroop Hall to raise awareness of the presence of the endangered Grey-crowned Babbler, a colony of which reside in the vicinity.Benwell State Forest
A multi-use forest west of Barham-Koondrookin Victoria downstream of Cutwell State Forest.Berambong State Forest
Berambong State Forest (SF205) comprises two red gum forests alongside the Edward River several kilometres downstream of Moulamein. Access from a dirt track which runs north off Moulamein-Swan Hill Road west of Pike Pike Lane.Black Swamp Wildlife (State Game) Reserve
There are two Black Swamps north of Shepparton:
Black Swamp (Black Dog Creek), and
Black Swamp (Nine Mile Creek). Black Swamp (Nine Mile Creek) is north-east of Wunghu and was supplied with environmental water in May 2008. It is popular with shooters during the duck season.There is also a wetland on Gunbower Island called Black Swamp and it also received environmental water in May 2008. Because it was dry for a lengthy period, the wetland is now covered in young Red Gum saplings.
Black Swamp, Gunbower Island
~ sapling proliferation is evident (K Stockwell)Boort
Some reserves are located close to the township of Boort, including Boort Lake and Little Lake Boort. Nearby bushland includes broombush and some endangered plants.Boomanoomana State Forest
This 1,026 hectare riverside forest downstream of Mulwala is likely to become part of a non-contiguous riverside national park. The NSW Natural Resources Commission has recommended that it, Cottadidda, Barooga and Woperana State Forests be consolidated into a national park and that ecological links be maintained between them.Booroorban State Forest
Situated between Deniliquin and Hay, to the east of the Booroorban Hotel, this seldom-visited forest (SF370) features a sandhill on which a wide variety of uncommon plants grow. The southern section is part of the Burra Burroon Swamp. There is an access road from the Cobb Highway just south of Booroorban Hotel.Boweya Bushland Reserve
This reserve is located along the St James-Boweya Road in the vicinity of Warby Range State Park.
Boxwood Nature Conservation Reserve
~ a small bushland reserve near Boxwood, between Dookie and Devenish.Britta's Reserve
Located alongside Billabong Creek 5km east of Walbundrie on the Culcairn Road to the north-east of the region, this reserve provides habitat for Bush Stone Curlew and, in winter, Swift Parrot.Broken-Boosey State Park
Located north of Shepparton, Broken Boosey State Park is a 1031 hectare linear (worm-shaped) State Park stretching for about 140km along the Broken, Boosey and Nine Mile Creeks. The vegetation along these creeks is the only remaining substantial occurrence of indigenous vegetation on Victoria's northern plains. Parks Victoria manages this reserve from its Nathalia office.The park and the nearby Nathalia, Numurkah, Tungamah and Youarang Natural Features Reserves are unusual among Victoria's Box Ironbark protected areas in that they are tiny remnants of box-dominated grassy woodland strung along a creek
system.On the advice of VEAC, Broken-Boosey Conservation Management Network was established in 2002 to foster cooperation between private landholders and public land managers. The network is composed of seven landholders from within the area plus representatives of Goulburn Broken Catchment Management Authority, Parks Victoria, Department of Primary Industries, Department of Sustainability and Environment, Trust for Nature and the Moira Shire Council.
Bryce Blair Reserve
Bryce Blair Reserve is a roadside strip of Bowman's Road Whorouly near the intersection of Paddy Gully Road. The roadside features old Red Box, Stringybark and Blakely's Red Gum. Lots of birds are usually observed here. Look for Owlet Nightjar, Rufous Whistler, Turquoise Parrot, King Parrot, Eastern Yellow Robin, Restless Flycatcher and Brown Tree-creeper. VicRoads map 35 B9.(Mt.) Buckrabanyule Nature Conservation Reserve (D13)
~ 40ha area north of Wychitella. Plains Woodland with Buloke. The area has been badly infested with Wheel Cactus but locals are working hard (weekly half-day work bees) to control this pest.Bullatale (Tuppal) Flora Reserve
Located alongside The Edward (River) south of Deniliquin and north of Gulpa Island, this flora reserve (SF189) can be accessed in dry weather via a dirt track off Lower River Road. Refer to 1:50,000 topographic map Deniliquin (CMA NSW) or to Hayman's Barmah-Shepparton-Deniliquin Adventure Map)NSW Natural Resources Commission has recommended that this reserve be part of the proposed Millewa National Park. The NSW government has signalled its intention to accept the recommendation.
Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park
Located in north-east Victoria outside the area covered by this site, this park contains some waterfalls, a number of walking tracks and pleasant scenery.Campaspe River Reserve(G107)
~ a 632ha linear reserve along the Campaspe River south of Echuca.Campbells Island State Forest
This 3,189 hectare forest (SF615) straddles the Little Murray River in NSW north-west of Barham, north-west of the larger Perricoota-Koondrook-Gunbower Forest. The wetland is called Benwell and Guttrum Forest on the Victorian side of the Murray. See CFA (Vic) Region 20 Rural Directory Map 192 grid reference 360 590. As a result of a forest assessment by the NSW Natural Resources Commission in 2009, the forest will remain a multi-use forest, with logging allowed.
Canegrass Swamp
~ a small indigenous grassland reserve off Baxter Road, west of Echuca.
VEAC's draft proposal is for this area to become a separate block of Terrick Terrick National Park.Cannie NCR (D10)
~ a 16ha area of Buloke with vulnerable Umbrella Wattle north of Charlton and west of Cohuna.Cantwell Nature Conservation Reserve
Formerly known as Millewa Reserve, this 30 hectare reserve on Muller Creek south-east of Bamawm Extension Hall is at the corner of Whinfield Road and Cantwell Road (VicRoads Map 31 C5). During the economic depression of the 1930s, the land was used as a temporary camp ground for workers building irrigation channels. Drainage ditches were dug to help lower the salty water table. These drained the wetland. By the 1980s only a handful of Yellow Box and Black Box trees remained. Over the past twenty years, local farmers and school students have planted thousands of native (as distinct from indigenous) trees and shrubs. To keep out cattle and vehicles, the reserve has been fenced and gates padlocked. Since the cattle were removed, there has been good natural regeneration around old Yellow Box and Black Box trees and ground plants such as Ruby Saltbush and Bluebush have reappeared. A small wetland has been created. There is another wetland area on the adjoining private property. Enquiries: DPI offices, Echuca.Casey Weir Reserve
This is a wetland east of Youanmite and south of Youanmite NCR. When the wetland contains water, Brolgas and Baillon's Crake have been observed here. Flame Robins visit over winter. Brown Tree-creepers are resident. Unfortunately, part of the wetland was used as a rubbish dump and the ground is still covered with broken bottles, metal objects and other junk. That no obvious effort has been made to remove old surface rubbish and undertake revegetation works reflects badly on authorities. The weir has fallen into disrepair. 36 degrees 09 minutes south; 145 degrees 40 minutes east. VicRoads Map 33 D4 (the name of the reserve is not show on this map).Castlemaine Diggings National Heritage Park
Gold was once mined in the Castlemaine area. This 7,445ha park is designed to protect the indigenous vegetation and some mineral springs whilst also attracting heritage tourists. The reserve is only 100 metres in depth so that underground mining could occur at some stage in the future. DSE claim that this is Australia's first 'national heritage park'.Cemetery Forest Wildlife (State Game) Area
Located near Kerang, this reserve sometimes affords good birding (and shooting) opportunities.
Chiltern-Mt. Pilot National Park
This 21,943ha national park, located to the east of the region covered by this site, was meant to provide protected habitat for the most in tact box-ironbark fauna assemblage in Victoria. Much of the Mt Pilot block was burnt early in 2003 and the fire was so hot that it will take many years for the reserve to recover. The blocks near Chiltern appear to have escaped damage. Excellent touring and birding notes are available from the Chiltern Information Centre. There is a good caravan park in Chiltern, alongside Lake Anderson. Camping is no longer permitted in the park. The White Box walk is a signposted walking circuit from Honeyeater Dam (formerly called Cyanide Dam). This walk should satisfy bird observers. Bird observers might consider visiting Bartley's Paddock, Chiltern Valley Number One Reservoir and the Magenta Mine.
Cobram Regional Park
~ a 511 hectare red gum wetland located alongside the Murray River near Cobram. There are some good camp sites and sandy beaches alongside the Murray River.
This area to become a section of 'Murray River Park'. Camping is to be permitted.Cocoparra National Park
Rocky escarpments are a feature of this reserve 25km north-east of Griffith. The Cocoparra Range is covered in Mugga Ironbark, Black Cypress Pine, Dwyer's Mallee Gum, Spearwood, heath and native grasses. White Cypress Pine, Grey Box and Blakely's Red Gum grow in deep valley soils on creek flats. There is a camping area on Woolshed Flat which is often used as an overnight stop by travellers (e.g. by some travelling between Adelaide and Sydney or between Melbourne and Brisbane). In good seasons, many bush birds can be observed and Turquoise Parrots are sometimes seen in sheltered gullies. The Binya State Forest lies immediately south and is also ideal for good birding and bush walking.
Corop Wildlife Area (G100)
This wetland near the township of Corop covers 12 hectares.Crosbie NCR
Located between Heathcote and Elmore on the western side of the Northern Highway (VicRoads Map 45 C6), Crosbie Nature Conservation Reserve is a 2060 ha dry sclerophyll forest. I understood that the reserve covers 1,265 ha. Most of the trees are Grey Box. It provides habitat for several threatened species,e.g. Ausfields Wattle, Regent Honeyeater, Grey-crowned Babbler and, in winter, Swift Parrot. Topographic map: Ladys Pass 7824-3-1 1:25,000 and Toolleen 7824-4-2 1:25,000 (VicMap).Cuba State Forest
Located near Leeton, this1642 hectare forest includes Cuba Beach and Tims Beach. It is a breeding area for the Superb Parrot. The forests along the Murrumbidgee form a nationally significant wetland.In 2009, the NSW Natural Resources Commission recommended that this forest form part of a consolidated national park along the riparian corridor of the Murrumbidgee River and called for increased environmental water allowances for riparian forests such as Cuba.
Cullen Lake Wildlife Area (G85)
Located near Kerang, this 749 hectare reserve is often open to shooters during duck season. A Ramsar listed ephemeral wetland, it has very high environmental value and provides a valuable feeding and resting area for many waterbirds. When it contains water, it often supports a wide variety of water birds including endangered species. Best access is probably from Lake Charm-Quambatook Road. Motorists are advised not to drive close to the water's edge lest they become bogged. CFA Region 20 Map 191 510 520; VicRoads Map 20 E4.Cutwell State Forest
This red gum wetland is located in Victoria on the opposite side of the Murray to Campbell Island State Forest, between Koondrook and Murrabit.Cussen Park, Tatura
Tatura locals have developed a 33 hectare park of indigenous plants around a lake fed by town runoff. The area was previously strewn with rubbish. Cussen Park wetland is used to biologically treat Tatura's urban storm water, preventing poor quality water being passed onto the wetlands and farms downstream. It is now a Mecca to bird observers who often flock here when less common birds such as Freckled Duck are sometimes reported. Spotless and Spotless Crake are often observed along with waders and water birds. The main wetland is sometimes dry but the section on the eastern side of Margaret Street almost always contains water. VicRoads Map 270 F3 ~ but not labelled!
Spotted Crake
~ sometimes observed at Cussen Park (D Ong)Dahwilly Travelling Stock Route Reserve
~ an area of bushland, part of a travelling stock route, near the intersection of Moulamein to Dahwilly Road with the Cobb Highway north-west of Deniliquin, highly-regarded by ornithologists. Several less-common bush birds are often observed here, e.g. Hooded Robin.Dartagook Wildlife Reserve ~
~ 746 hectares of box-red gum forest and lignum swamp at the junction of the Loddon River and Sheepwash Creek.Dalyenong Nature Conservation Reserve
Located west of Bealiba, this 1015 hectare reserve contains an area of large, old Grey Box and Yellow Gum trees with hollows. There are areas of White Ironbark. In places, Allocasuarina is the dominant tree. Much of the reserve has a grassy understorey with Flame Heath, Dianella and Hibbertia. This reserve provides habitat for for several endangered species, including Swift Parrot, Barking Owl, Powerful Owl, Hooded Robin, Bush Stone Curlew, Tree Goanna, Fat-tailed Dunnart, Little Whip Snake and Woodland Blind Snake. Yellow Robins can usually be seen, e.g. along Centre Track. A creek borders one side of the reserve but cannot be assessed as it is on fenced private land. The reserve has been heavily logged in the past and, in places, tree stumps detract from the wilderness effect. Access it via Stuart Mill-Emu Road or Archdale Road. For groups, the corner of Burge Road and Archdale Road is a good meeting point. VicRoads Map 42, H6. Map: Redbank North 7524-2-N 1:25,000 (VicMap)
Deep Lead Nature Conservation Reserve
Located to the west of the area covered by this web site, this 1823 hectare reserve near Stawell contains a diverse array of vegetation types within a reasonably confined area. The spring orchid display can be very good.
Deniliquin State Forest
This428 hectare red gum wetland (SF397) is located alongside the Edward River on the south-eastern side of Deniliquin. The NSW Natural Resources Commission has assessed the forest and recommended that it become a Regional Park. See also Island Sanctuary, Deniliquin.Doctors Swamp
Located west of Murchison, this wetland received an environmental water allocation in May 2008. Partly because it is possible to channel water into this swamp, it will continue to receive further environmental water allocations from time to time. Managed by Parks Victoria.Dohertys Plain (Rochester West) Flora Reserve
This is a tiny native pine reserve, 10 hectares in size, west of (but not alongside) the Northern Highway (B75).Dookie bushland reserves
There are several small reserves near Dookie, including Boxwood NCR, Yabba South NCR and Wattville NCR. Dookie Agricultural College's bushland reserve, at the foot of Mt Major, features mature White Box which, when in flower, provides habitat for the Swift Parrot ~ access is via the Ring Road but permission to enter is required from the College.Duck Lake South NCR (proposed, D20)
A 116 hectare saline wetland north-west of Kerang. At times, the muddy edges are ideal for waders. The northern section of Duck Lake will remain open for shooting during 'Duck Season'.Dunnoon Lagoon
Dunnoon Lagoon is part of a 155 hectare forest-wetland alongside the Murrumbidgee River downstream of Darlington Point. It is likely to become part of the proposed Murrumbidgee National Park. See Murrumbidgee Forest WetlandsEchuca Historic and Cultural Features Reserve
This newly-proclaimed reserve includes The Port of Echuca and Banyula Forest (see above).Echuca Regional Park
Note: The original wooden Stewarts Bridge has now been replaced by a new one-lane structure open to all traffic. This reserve is now part of Murray River Park.
Echuca Regional Park (K Stockwell)
Echuca Regional Park (563 hectares) is a series of riverside reserves near Echuca and part of Murray River Park. Located upstream of Echuca along the Murray River, a large block is near Echuca Village, (access from Bangarang Road i.e. Echuca-Nathalia Road). An area of sandhill and billabongs, accessible from Simmie Road, is a good birding area. VicRoads Map 31 F3.
The park features River Red Gum, Cherry Ballart, Black Box, Lignum, Silver Wattle, Black Box and a number of other interesting plants. It is an ideal spot for birding and bush camping. Unfortunately, however, some campers have removed timber rather than their rubbish, and sizeable areas are dotted with tree stumps. Despite this, the reserve is worth visiting, particularly in Spring and on hot summer evenings. Kangaroos and emus are often sighted.
The fifty-yard strip between the sign shown above (alongside Echuca-Nathalia Road) and Stewarts Bridge is covered in wildflowers during the Spring, with a carpet of native tall blue bells. Upstream of Stewarts Bridge, the Murray has low banks because it is only a few thousand years old. Downstream of Stewarts Bridge the Murray flows in the course of the old Goulburn River and the banks are several metres high. The photo is taken upstream of Stewarts Bridge.
Murray River upstream of Echuca (K Stockwell)Kiln Loop Track runs alongside the Murray from just north of Cape Horn Vineyard to Gallaway Track, which meets Stewarts Bridge (Echuca-Nathalia) Road near the 12km peg on Stewarts Bridge Road; it can be followed by motorists and bush walkers and gives access to many good camping sites.
Here are some track notes on a 15km walk in the park.
Drive from Echuca via Bangerang Road and, where the bitumen ends, turn left onto Stewarts Bridge (Echuca-Nathalia) Road. If prior permission has been obtained from the vineyard owners, leave some cars at Cape Horn Vineyard. Otherwise, leave cars on public land alongside cape Horn Track. All walkers need to be conveyed four per vehicle toward Barmah. Shortly beyond 12km from Stewarts Bridge, take a dirt track to the right for a few hundred metres and leave remaining cars out of sight from the road.
0km. Walk back along this track or overland to Stewarts Bridge Road, cross this road and cut across to Kiln Track.
1.4km Turnoff to Gallaway Track. You can take a minor left track and then walk cross country to the north-west (using a compass) until the riverside Kiln Loop Track is reached
If you keep to Gallaway Track rather than walking overland, turn left onto Kiln Loop Track (3km)
4.5km Tree with cross
5.8km Clearing and camp area
6.7km Red Gum; maze of tracks; the minor tracks lead to the Murray River,
7.6km Trees with large white painted circles; ignore Kalkunda Track and remain on Kiln Loop Track
8.2km 1744 sign on tree
8.8km Track to river with cliff bank across river.
9.8km Another track goes to the right
12.3km Echuca-Nathalia Road ~ walk parallel to river 13km Shackells Folly Bridge ~ If the creek is dry, to save time and distance, cross the creek prior to the bridge and follow Cape Horn Track back to Cape Horn Vineyard.
15km Cape Horn Vineyard ~ enter through riverside gate
15.4km Afternoon Tea; some cars need to return drivers to cars parked in forest near the 12km post.Topographic maps: Barmah 2825-1-11:25,000 and Moama 7825-1-4 !:25,000 (VicMap). Note: do not purchase the NSW version of the Moama map as (unless there is a later version to mine) it only details the NSW side of the Murray River!
Everton Natural Features Reserve
Located 2km north of Everton, this lovely reserve is all but bounded on one side by the Wangaratta to Bright rail trail. At one corner of the reserve, the trail forks, with one fork going to Beechworth and other to Bright. The reserve features some old Red Box trees and Blakely's Red Gum, with an rich understorey which includes Grevillea alpina, Calytrix, Dianella and various species of wattle.Walkers should love the trails in this reserve. A suggested walk starts where the rail trail forks and parallels the rail trail past Everton station (toilets). Keep turning right at each track junction, uphill alongside a regenerating field with lots of Grevillea alpina, uphill past a vineyard and right at the track intersection. Follow this track back to the start. Birds usually observed in this reserve include Turquoise Parrot, King Parrot, Crimson Rosella, Jacky Winter, Peaceful Dove, Grey Shrike Thrush, Golden Whistler, Rufous Whistler, White-throated Tree-creeper and Crested Shrike-tit.
Federation Botanic Reserve, Barham
This is an indigenous plant garden located to the east of Barham Lake alongside East Barham Road. A wide variety of locally native plants are displayed. Note that the numbers of the plants on the spreadsheets which can be obtained from inside the garden shed do not always match the numbers at the base of the plants.
Fivebough Wetlands
~ an outstanding Ramsar-listed wetland in Leeton to the north-east of the region. This wetland attracts many birders to the area. Large numbers of Glossy Ibis can be observed at dusk coming in to roost in the wetland over night. Some treated water from the adjoining sewage treatment plant is discharged into the wetland. An evening walk in the wetland is a feature of the annual Australian Bird Fair held in nearby Yanco.
Flannery Wildlife Reserve (D31)
51 hectares of lignum and box forest (many of the trees are dead) have been reserved south of Cohuna, immediately downstream of the confluence Pyramid Creek (which connects Kow Swamp to the Murray River) and Bullock Creek. The reserve is about 4km south-east of Rowland NCR. Access is across a paddock and difficult to find without a guide from DSE or DPI. CFA Region 20 Rural Directory, Map 216, 460 227.Fryers Ridge Nature Conservation Reserve
~ 2,149 ha south-east of Castlemaine, to the south of the region covered.Gadsen Bend Park
Legislation to create Gadsen Bend Park was passed by both Houses of the Victorian Parliament in December 2009.
Galore Hill
15km north of Lockhart on the Narrandera Road, this hill supports a wide variety of native grasses and wildflowers. Contact Friends of Galore (02) 6920 5683.Gannawarra Red Gum Swamp NCR (proposed, D29)
A 148 hectare block currently known as Red Gum Swamp Wildlife Reserve.Garners Swamp, Mooroopna South
This wetland managed by DSE. It is unlikely that any environmental water allocation can be delivered to this wetland which is often dry because it relies on local runoff. CFA map 292 515655.Gaynor Swamp State Game Reserve
452 hectare wildlife reserve on the south-eastern side of Lake Cooper (near Elmore). Duck hunting has been allowed at times. This wetland fills from Cornella Creek overflows and backup water from Lake Cooper (which has been dry for some years). Brolgas were often observed here. Managed by Parks Victoria. CFA map 289 0-50550.
VEAC's draft proposal is for this area to be reserved as 'Gaynor Swamp Wildlife Area'.Gemmill Swamp Wildlife Reserve
~ a wetland area with some Yellow Box at the edge of Echuca-Mooroopna Road in Mooroopna. There is a walking track around the swamp and locals have prepared a brochure outlining points of interest. It is regarded as a good birding area. It was burnt by wildfire during 2006.
VEAC's draft proposal is for this area to be a section of the proposed Lower Goulburn River National Park.Gladfield NCR (proposed, D26)
A 28 hectare block of Crown land with good quality Chernopod Grassland around a Lignum Wetland. Contains rare Spiny Lignum.Glasson's Grassland
Glassons is a 170 hectare Trust for Nature indigenous grassland reserve south-east of Terricks, alongside Aird Road Rosylnmead. Other than on 'open days', please do not enter this property without permission from the Trust and/or its manager Eris O'Brien. During the recent drought, there has been a reduction in weed infestation and a healthy regrowth of some indigenous grasses and bushes. The Striated Sun-moth has been recorded twice in Victoria: the second sighting was in January 2007 in this reserve. This is one of several indigenous grasslands in the region owned by the Trust, others include Korrak Korrak, Kinypaniel and Naringalingalook. The property immediately to the east has been purchased by DSE and is now a section of Terrick Terrick National Park.Gobarup Nature Conservation Reserve
Located south-west of Rushworth, this reserve covers 300ha.Gooram Falls
This small bushland reserve lies off Euroa-Mansfield Road near Galls Gap Road. There are toilets downstream of the falls. This reserve is a good birding spot. There is a small camping area at nearby Polly McQuinns.Goschen Bushland Reserve
Located in a sea of cropped farmland between Ultima and Lake Boga (VicRoads Map 13 J9), this small, isolated bushland reserve is very popular with bird observers as many inland birds not often seen further south or east are often observed here. It is often visited by birders in conjunction to a visit to Tresco West Bushland Reserve.Apart from mallee eucalypts, this delightful reserve contains Berrigan or Long-leaf Emu-bush (Eremophila longifolia), a rough barked small tree that is a vital food source for nomadic honeyeaters such as Black Honeyeater and Pied Honeyeater. The range and variety of birds tends to fluctuate from year to year, depending on levels of rain and the availability of flowering plants, such as eucalypts and Emu-bush. The bird list for this small reserve is extensive. Species recorded here include Budgerigar, Cockatiel, Blue Bonnet, Mulga Parrot, Variegated Fairy-wren, Yellow-throated Miner, a wide variety of honeyeaters (including Singing, Yellow-plumed, Striped, White-fronted, Pied and Black), Orange Chat, Hooded Robin, Red-capped Robin, Dusky Woodswallow, Zebra Finch and Pied Butcherbird.
Yellow-throated Miner
~ often observed at Goschen (D Ong)There is an old hall, a tennis court and toilets in the reserve. There is some remnant bushland in an adjoining fenced telecommunications block. The surrounding area has been cleared for farming.
Goulburn River State Forest
Located alongside the Goulburn River upstream of its confluence with the Murray River and near Loch Garry.
Much of the forested areas along the lower reaches of the Goulburn River have been incorporated into the new Lower Goulburn River National Park.Gowar NCR and Gowar South NCR ~ several small Box-Ironbark reserves north-east of St. Arnaud.
Great Cambungi Swamp
Balranald Shire has constructed a bird viewing structure at this important waterbird breeding area. The new hide (which is not well sited) is part of the Tri-avian Corridor, the other hides being in Wakool Shire (Tullakool Evaporative Basin) and Murray Shire (Reed Beds, Mathoura to Picnic Point Road).Greater Bendigo National Park (incorporating Whipstick & Kamarooka State Parks)
Green Gully State Forest
This smallish, degraded 48 hectare wetland (SF368) is located near the intersection of Perricoota Road and Lower Thule Road north-west of Bunnaloo. Green Gully is a former course of the Murray River. The NSW Natural Resources Commission has recommended that it become either private covenanted land or a research and rehabilitation reserve.Green(s) Lake
North-east of Corop, this lake is managed as an irrigation storage by Goulburn Murray Water and sometimes used for boating. Water comes from Cornella Creek, Lake Cooper overflows and the Western Waranga Channel. There are sometimes Brolga and a range of water birds in the reserve.Griffith Lagoon NCR (D11)
69ha formerly known as Quambatook Flora Reserve. Access is via Griffith Road from Boort- Quambatook Road. VicRoads Map 20 A9; CFA Regional Directory Region 20, Map 213 88 187Gulpa Island
Click here to enter a separate page on Barmah-Millewa Forest of which Gulpa Island is a part. The NSW Natural Resources Commission has recommended that Gulpa Island be part of the proposed Millewa National Park.Gunbower Island National Park and Gunbower Island State Forest
Located between anabranches of the Murray, this 26,400ha 'island' supports an extensive red gum wetland of international significance for its importance to birds, native mammals and amphibians. Over 170 species of bird, 24 reptile species, many species of fish and around 200 plant species have been recorded on the island. No wonder the island attracts anglers, campers, canoeists, 4WD drivers, bird observers and bushwalkers. Farms, including dairy farms, cover part of the island.
Wetland on Gunbower Island (K Stockwell)Located within its confines is the 19,450ha Gunbower National Park and State Forest, part of one of the six Living Murray icon sites. Part of the island has recently been declared a national park. Much of the remaining public land remains state forest in which some logging activity will be permitted.The forest is called the Perricoota-Koondrook Forest on the NSW side of the Murray River.
The Gunbower Forest is an important breeding area for colonial waterbirds. It contains threatened plant and animal species, and is visited by migratory birds listed under international treaties with Japan (JAMBA) and China (CAMBA). Interim objectives and outcomes for actions under the First Step of The Living Murray Initiative are as follows: maintain and restore a mosaic of healthy floodplain communities; 80% of permanent and semi-permanent wetlands in healthy condition; 30% of River Red Gum forest in healthy condition; Successful breeding of thousands of colonial waterbirds in at least three years in ten.
Good birding spots on the island include Clump Bend (Gilbert Whistler, Grey-crowned Babbler) ,Black Swamp, Reedy lake and Little Reedy Lake.
VEAC recommended that part of the area should be a 9,574 hectare national park, most of which will be the eastern part of forest. Some areas of State Forest (e.g. near Koondrook) will remain available for timber harvesting. The Victorian government has stated that it will introduce legislation to create the national park.
Guttrum State Forest
Guttrum State Forest is a red gum wetland in Victoria north-west of Barham. Access via Miller Road (which runs off Murrabit Road). The wetland is called Campbell Island State Forest on the NSW side of the Murray River. This is a multi-use forest ~ logging (licence required), camping and dogs are permitted. CFA Region 20 Rural Directory Map 192 350 380.Hattah National Park ~ a large national park to the north-west of the region covered. See Parks Victoria Hattah National Park Page for information. VicMap has a special outdoor recreation map on Hattah National Park.
VEAC's draft proposal is for a small area to be added to this national park.Heathcote-Graytown National Park
A separate page has been created for this National Park. Click here to enter.Mt. Ida is located alongside the Northern Highway just north of Heathcote, half an hour south of Echuca. From its summit all the way north to New Guinea there is no higher hill. Mt Ida, which was a flora reserve for many years,is now part of the new Heathcote-Graytown National Park which covers 12,833ha from Mt. Ida in a north-easterly direction. The former Mt Black Flora Reserve is included in this new national park (proclaimed late in 2002). It is possible to see marked changes in the vegetation as one travels in a north-south direction through the park.
A resident of the area is said to have discovered minerals in Queensland, naming the area of his find after Mt. Ida, near which he had lived, but substituting the d for a dollar sign, i.e. Mt. Isa. The story may be a furphy but it's a good one.
Mt Ida has its riches too. But the riches lie not in metals, (although gold mining occurred around here and accounts for the establishment of the nearby town of Heathcote), but in its diversity of flora. The north slopes are not as densely vegetated as the south-facing slopes because the southern slopes are cooler and wetter. On the western side, along the Northern Highway (B75) there is a stand of Yellow Gum. Further east is Grey Box and Red Stringybark. Then the box forest gives way to Red Ironbark (in Dargile Forest). River Red Gum, Yellow Box, Yellow Box and Silver Wattle grow along some of the gullies and creeks. Some of the other plants found here include Daphne Heath, Grevillea alpina and a wealth of wattles, including Gold-dust Wattle (Acacia acinacea). Grass Trees are common further east, near Mt Black. The area is best visited in Spring.
Covering around 30,000 hectares, the area between Mt Ida and Rushworth is the biggest remaining box-ironbark forest in Victoria. The new national park covers 12,833ha of this area. The Spring Creek Nature Conservation Reserve covers a further 401ha and the Whroo Nature Conservation Reserve covers a further 2298 ha. some of which has been mined. The open cut mine at Whroo is well worth visiting. There is a kiosk which opens some days.
The remainder of the forest is State Forest, much of which is available for logging.
There is a vehicular track from the Northern Highway to the summit of Mt Ida where it is relatively easy to find fossils in rocks. There is a basic picnic ground near the Highway. Bushwalkers can walk from Mt. Ida into Heathcote but the appropriate topographic maps and a compass should be carried. An even better walk is to walk a circuit incorporating Plantation Track and the Dargile Forest.
There is an excellent camping and picnic ground, with toilets, off Plantation Track, in the Dargile Forest. It can be reached via the Colbinabbin Road and Hicks Rd. The wildflower display around the picnic ground is outstanding in Spring. Many of the trees around the picnic ground have been planted. Further from the picnic ground is an ironbark forest which supports a magnificent display of wildflowers in spring, provided, however, the winter has been reasonably wet.
The park extends eastward toward, a locality known as Graytown, which once had a population of several thousand. The former Mt Black Flora Reserve, which offers superb views, is part of this new National Park and is popular with bird watchers and bush walkers.
The forest also extends into the large Puckapunyal Military Training Area. The military reserve is a retreat for emus and is where some of the oldest ironbarks can be found.
The reserve is bordered on the west by a number of vineyards which produce shiraz of outstanding quality.
To the north of the reserve is an area of State Forest and the Whroo Historic Reserve. Unfortunately, a wonderful grasstree forest between Whroo and Rushworth is not included in the reserve.
Birding is good in the forest, with a mix of northern and southern birds, especially from Spring through to Autumn. Bird observers regard the Whroo area as one of the best birding areas in the State, particularly when the ironbark is in flower.
There is a small timber industry based on Rushworth and ironbark.
Bordering the Northern Highway (B75), the nearby Crosbie NCR is worth visiting. It, too, is a Box-ironbark Forest forest.
1:25,000 topographic maps covering the park include Ladys Pass, Heathcote, Graytown and Redcastle (VicMap).
Henty Nature Reserve
~ native bushland off Alan Street Henty (to the north-east of the region) with Yellow Box, Red Gum and a rich understorey.Hird Swamp Wildlife Area, Macorna North
Located near Macorna North , north-west of Leitchville (VicRoads Map 21 C7), Hird Swamp has recently become a Mecca for bird observers, some of whom have travelled from as far afield as Broome to observe Painted Snipe. Species which have been observed here include Freckled, Baillons and Spotted Crake; Buff-banded Rail; Wood and Marsh Sandpiper; large numbers of Spoonbills, Egrets, Herons, Cormorants, Dotterels; Whiskered, Gull-billed and Caspian Tern; Australian Bittern; Orange Chat; Brown Quail; bush birds such as Pied Butcherbird; and birds of prey, including White-bellied Sea Eagle. Fire ravaged the swamp a few years ago. Since then, regeneration has occurred and the swamp is sometimes flooded through summer when most other wetlands are dry. An enlarged reserve is to cover 456 hectares.
Painted Snipe: sometimes seen at Hird Swamp (DO)Hird Swamp: sometimes ideal for waders and water birds (KS)
It has recently been established that the Australian Painted Snipe is a separate species to the Asian bird, and Hird Swamp is one of only a few locations where this rare bird has been recorded over recent years. So this swamp is of great ornithological significance. 456 hectares.
Reference map: Keely 1:50,000 (Central Mapping Authority of New South Wales).
Horseshoe Lagoon Bicentennial Park (Moama Wetlands)
Located on floodplain alongside the iron bridge over the Murray in Moama, this 18 hectare park (SF742) features an elevated walkway over a billabong. Most of the trees are red gums (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) but there is an understorey of wattles, native grasses and native cherry (Exocarpus strictus). A swamp near the scout hall is frequented by water birds, including Pelican and Purple Swamp Hen. Dollar Birds are often observed in summer.NSW Natural Resources Commission has assessed the area and recommended that Horseshoe Lagoon Bicentennial Park become a Regional Park in which logging and cattle will not be permitted.
A colour brochure on this reserve has been prepared by local students and is available from the adjoining Murray Shire offices.
Hut Lake
~ a 'permanent' drought refuge wetland in Barmah National Park managed by Parks Victoria. Dried out in 2007.Inglewood Nature Conservation Reserve
~ three mallee blocks totalling 1,200ha near Inglewood and Kooyoora State Park.Inglis Bushland Reserve
The Inglis Bushland Reserve Management Committee has signed off on a management plan with other stakeholder groups for this 17 hectare reserve which is situated along the Congupna-Guilfus Creek, south of Katandra West.The reserve protects a remnant of Grey Box Grassy Woodland which once covered a wide area. The reserve was originally set aside as a watering point for drovers and later became a sporting reserve before the focus shifted to revegetation and conservation.
Island Sanctuary, Deniliquin
There are few places in Australia where you can stand on the footpath of the main street of a town and see a wild platypus. You can, with luck, in Deniliquin. Water rats and tortoises might also be sighted in the lagoon at the entrance to this 14 acre riverside wetland.Opposite the shops in Deniliquin's main street is a delightful park. Further along the main street, on the same side as the shops, a lagoon of the Edward River has been preserved in its natural condition. The lagoon is roughly parallel to the footpath. A footbridge leads from the footpath across the lagoon into an area of River Red Gum bushland.
There is a picnic shelter located within the reserve. Toilets are located alongside the main entrance.
Many young gums which came up after a recent flood can be seen around marker 2.
Red Kangaroo
~ sometimes observed in Island Sanctuary (D Ong)Red Kangaroos and Grey Kangaroos are found here and, until a few years ago, there were emus. The emus left during a flood, which is just as well as they were becoming a little aggressive! A mound has been built (marker 3) to enable the kangaroos to survive floods. They prefer the cooler, lower area near marker 3 when it is hot.
Over 100 species of birds have been recorded in the reserve. Many seek shelter in the rushes alongside marker 5. Waterbirds are common and many live and breed here when conditions are right. During flood times, hundreds of Nankeen Night Herons and Intermediate Egrets nest in the reserve. Some locals go birding in the reserve from 7am almost every Sunday morning.
Jallukar Nature Conservation Reserve
Located to the south-west of the area covered by this web site, this high-quality, species-rich open woodland with large Yellow Gum, Yellow Box and river Red Gum trees, provides habitat for threatened species. Located west of Ararat, this 1165 ha block was previously available for firewood collection.Jackass Flat Nature Conservation Reserve ~ a 71 ha reserve near Eaglehawk. VicRoads Map 281 L4.
Jarvis Creek Regional Reserve ~ located east of Wodonga outside the area covered by this site.
Johnson Swamp Wildlife Area
Near Hird Swamp, this 555 hectare reed-covered Ramsar wetland may support Painted Snipe. A local bird observer recorded around 50 species in the reserve when it was dry. This wetland is usually open to hunters during the duck season despite the presence there, at times, of some endangered species. The swamp is often dry but authorities try to release environmental water into either this wetland or part of nearby Hird Swamp at times when environmental water is available.Judith Eardley Reserve
~ part of Bush Heritage's Nardoo Hills Reserves, this section has over 300 hectares of grassy woodland adjoining the Wychitella Nature Conservation Reserve near Wedderburn. Not open to public. The Fund has recently purchased two adjoining properties and call these the Nardoo Hills Reserves (see below).Kamarooka State Park
~ now part of Greater Bendigo National ParkKanyapella Basin Wildlife Area (formerly Kanyapella Co-operative Management Wildlife Reserve)
Located east of Echuca and close to the Goulburn River (VicRoads Map 31 G4), Kanyapella Basin is the remains of a former lake, Lake Kanyapella, which resulted of earth movements (Cadell Fault) about 18,000 years ago. When the lake drained, winds blew sand from the dry lake bed to form sand dunes. The remainder of the area is classified as River Red Gum and Black Box dominated shallow freshwater marsh and freshwater meadow.2,452 hectares of the 2,950 hectare basin is a wildlife reserve and flood retardation wetland, management of which has been divided between several agencies. Parks Victoria is responsible for a 13ha nature reserve which includes a storage shed. State Forest occupies 461 hectares ~ logging has been banned. 1,960 hectares was purchased by the former State Rivers and Water Supply Commission and is now owned by Goulburn Murray Water; much of this area is leased to adjoining land holders as grazing land, subject to conditions.
A management advisory committee meets quarterly .In 2009, funding was granted for signage and fencing, for revegetation and for engineering works to improve the delivery of environmental water and to help control flood water.
At present, Kanyapella Basin is predominantly dry and degraded due to the combined effects of a protracted period of below-average rainfall, river regulation, tree removal, over-grazing and introduced pest animals. In particular, the shrub and ground layers have suffered. It is hoped that the funding obtained and policing will help alleviate these problems.
Since much of the basin was declared a wildlife reserve in 1985, Dwarf Cherry, Chinese Scrub, lignum and native grasses have been making a very slow recovery.
Many mature trees were left along road reserves. There is now considerable regeneration of Black Box and Red Gum over most of the reserve.
Recovering Black Box grassland
in Kanyapella Basin (K Stockwell)A feature of the reserve is an enormous Box Tree, hundreds of years old, and still in healthy condition.
Base of a huge old Box Tree
in Kanyapella Basin (K Stockwell)Topographic map: Koyuga 7825-1-2 1:25,000 (VicMap)
There is a separate page on this forest. Click here to enter my page on the Kanyapella Basin.
Kara Kara Park(now part of St. Arnaud Range National Park)
~ a box-ironbark park to the south-west of the region covered by this site. It is covered in Chris Tzaros's book.
Topographic map: Redbank North 7524-2-N 1:25,000 (VicMap).
Kelvin View bushland (Strathbogie Ranges)
This small patch of diversified bushland along the Euroa-Strathbogie Road opposite the GA Waterhouse Reservoir often affords excellent birding opportunities, e.g. Spectacled Warbler, Varied Sittella, Scarlet Robin, Weebill and Eastern Yellow Robin. Plants include Blakely's Red Gum, Stringybark, Stypandra, Geebung, Varnish Wattle, Exocarpus and Common Calytrix.Kerang Lakes
About 50 swamps and lakes surround the town of Kerang. Those between kerang and lake Boga are often referred to as the Kerang Lakes. Several reserves are based on some of the many lakes in the Kerang area. There is a well-signposted water bird hide off the Murray Valley Highway north of Kerang which overlooks an ibis rookery.Collectively, the reserves have been declared an Important Bird Area (IBA). The IBA includes Cullen Lake, Round Lake (near Lake Boga), Lake Tutchewop, Hird Swamp, Lake Murphy and several other wetland areas.
When they contain water, each of the lakes mentioned usually support a wide variety of bird species. On the other hand, such lakes as Lake Boga, Lake Charm and Kangaroo Lake, which are usually kept full or nearly full, support relatively few birds. Lake Tutchewop supports few birds when it is very low because its salinity level becomes very high but sometimes supports many waders and waterbirds when the water is less salty. Birders: Golf Course Lake, Tresco West Bushland Reserve and Goschen Reserve are worth visiting if and when you are in this area.
Kerang Regional Park
VEAC proposed a 1,138 hectare park around the town of Kerang and legislation subsequently passed through both Houses of the Victorian Parliament late in 2009. It is part of a Ramsar wetland and Important Birding Area (IBA). Grazing, forestry, hunting and the use of firearms are not permitted. Camping and dogs are allowed.
Kieta Forest
Located north-east of Balranald, this 628 hectare forest is located between two sections of Yanga National Park. The NSW Natural Resources Commission has assessed the forest and recommended that it be added to Yanga National Park.Kimbolton State Forest
This box forest lies on the western side of Lake Eppalock. Patons Lane (VicRoads 44 J7) winds its way from Bendigo-Redesdale Road through this forest. The land is gently undulating and supports a wonderful display of wildflowers after good winter rains. Good for bushwalking. There are boat ramps, camps and tourist facilities alongside the lake. The following map covers much of the forest: Myrtle Creek 77244-2-2 1:25,000 (VicMap).Kings Billabong Park
~ a park in the Sunraysia incorporating Kings Billabong, Karadoc State Forest, Red Cliffs Scenic Reserve, Mildura Bushland Reserve and other crown land in the vicinity. Legislation about this reserve passed through the Victorian Parliament late in 2009.
Kinnairds Wetlands, Numurkah
Part of a prior stream depression, Kinnairds Wetlands covers an area of about 95 hectares of natural and constructed wetland in Numurkah.Its catchment is the Muckatah Depression but environmental water is sometimes released into the wetland. Apart from swamp land, there is woodland with mature old and regenerating River Red Gum. There are walking and cycling trails, a bird hide but no toilets. A brochure is available from Moira Shire. Environmental water is sometimes released into the wetland.
Kinnairds Wetland (K Stockwell)Whilst you are in the area, the lakes in Numurkah are worth checking out for waterbirds, including Crakes.
Kinypanial Grasslands
In the Kinypanial district south-west of Terricks,there are two Trust for Nature indigenous grassland reserves covering 210 hectares.Trust for Nature purchased the properties with the assistance of the Natural Heritage Trust's National Reserve System program. The Native Plants Preservation Society also assisted Trust for Nature to purchase the first property, while The RE Ross Trust assisted with the purchase of the second property.
Both properties are rare examples of grasslands in a region that has been widely grazed and cultivated for grain production. These paddocks have only ever been lightly grazed and, consequently, many rare or threatened plants have been recorded.
The grasslands are dominated by wallaby grasses and Spear Grass, with a diverse ground cover of native herbs, Saltbush, lillies and daisies, along with scattered Grey Box and Buloke.
Please do not enter the reserve without the consent of the Trust.
Koondrook State Forest
~ see Gunbower-Koondrook-Perricoota Forest page.Koorangie (The Marshes) Wildlife Area
~ a 3,255 hectare reserve on the Loddon-Avoca floodplain.Kooyoora State Park (including Melville's Caves)
This park, straddling the hills at the northern end of the Bealiba Range, has several blocks and covers 11,646ha. It was enlarged in area late in 2002. To reach this park, turn west off the Calder Highway onto the Kingower Road at Inglewood. Pass through Kingower and proceed along the Rheola Road, following directional signs to Melville's Caves. There are car parking areas, picnic grounds and camping areas. There are also some conservation reserves and privately-owned bushland nearby.The main feature of this park is a granitic outcrop. The highest point is Mt. Kooyoora where some of the rocks have fissured to form "caves".
Much of the Park is open woodland so cross-country compass walking is possible (many walking clubs organise walks in this park). Some trees found in the Park are Blakely's Red Gum, Grey Box, Yellow Gum. Red Stringybark, Red Ironbark and Mallee.
Birding is very good and Echuca bird observers have observed around 50 species here one day recently, including Mallee Ringneck, Rainbow Bee-eater, White-browed Babbler, Wedge-tailed Eagle and Western Gerygone.
There is a pleasant free overnight camping area at the base of Mt Kooyoora. A number of walking tracks lead from the lower picnic ground to Melville's Caves, and the birding along these tracks is excellent. Cross country walking is popular, of moderate difficulty in places.
The drive from near the summit along Kirwan's Road and Old Kingower Road is well-worth doing. The old crystal mine is worth seeing.
Spring is a good time to visit here, when the wattles and many other wildflowers are in bloom. Hot summer days are best avoided.
The Park is about three hours drive from Melbourne along the Calder Highway or about two hours drive west from Echuca via Mitiamo and Serpentine.
Formerly 3,593 hectares in area, this park was increased in area in 2002.
There are large areas of box-ironbark forest and mallee around Wedderburn and Kooyoora State Park. As most of the ironbark forest has been cleared and as little was protected by the parks system, there was a strong case for increasing the area of this park whilst still leaving state forest for timber getting, honey production and other activities.
There are a number of small reserves to the south of the park which afford excellent birding opportunities, e.g. Moliagul Historic Reserve. Swift Parrots are sometimes observed in Winter. These small reserves are frequented by several species of Honeyeater.
Inglewood Nature Conservation Reserve (three blocks) is nearby.
A Friends group helps care for the Park.
Korrak Korrak Grasslands
A Trust for Nature reserve on the Patho Plain west of Kerang, this269 hectare reserve has good populations of such threatened animals as Hooded Scaley-foot, Curl Snake, Tesselated Gecko, Fat-tailed Dunnart and Little Button-quail. Plains-wanderer and Blue-winged Parrots have been observed on the property. Because of the fragile nature of the grassland, please do not enter this private property without permission from the Trust (local manager is Eris O'Brien).Korrak Korrak Nature Conservation Reserve
Korrak Korrak NCR is a high quality Chenopod Grassland and Riverine Woodland recently purchased by DSE. It adjoins Trust for Nature's Korrak Korrak grasslands. Unfortunately, part has been illegally cropped and is in need of revegetation and weed control work. This reserve is in the driest part of Victoria and the grassland is very fragile.Kotta NCR
~ a grassland reserve alongside Whitfield Road Kotta (West of Echuca). It adjoins Glassons Grassland (which is owned by Trust for Nature and managed for the Trust by local naturalists) and privately-owned convenant-protected indigenous grassland. It has been reserved to help protect the endangered Plains Wanderer, Fat-tailed Dunnart and endangered indigenous grasses. Purchased by the Crown in 2004 and temporarily reserved, it may become an outlying section of Terrick Terrick National Park.
Plains Wanderer
© David OngLake Cooper
Located south of Corop, this lake has a water ski club and a caravan park. But it has been dry for a number of years. It can be filled from Cornella Creek and the Western Waranga Channel but it is not currently used as a water storage during a prolonged period of drought. Large numbers of waders sometimes appear on it when it contains shallow water. Apart from this, it has little environmental value. Managed by Goulburn-Murray water as a potential irrigation storage.Lake Gilmour State Game Reserve
~ a wetland between Kerang-Quambatook Road and private property adjoining the Avoca River. Korrak Korrak grasslands (see above) lie across the river and to the north.Lake Murphy Wildlife Area
Located to the west of Hird Swamp and north of Leaghur State Park , Lake Murphy (G90) is a magnet for water birds when it contains water. That part of the lake visible from South Road (VicRoads Map 20 F6) is Little Lake Murphy. Further west is a larger section of the lake. Lake Murphy is one big lake or two lakes depending on the water level.When it contains water, Lake Murphy often supports thousands of water birds and attracts many bird watchers (and, during duck season, shooters). Sometimes large numbers of Freckled Duck congregate here, and it is not unusual to observe Ruff, Brolga, Sharp-tailed Sandpiper and Red-capped Dotterels here. The reserve is 223 hectares in size.
Lake Tutchewop Wildlife Area (G85)
Located south-east of Lake Boga, Lake Tutchewop is a Ramsar-listed wetland of international importance.This wetland has been a 'terminal disposal basin' for the Barr Creek Drainage Diversion Scheme. It sometimes supports some migratory waders and uncommon waterbirds. It is highly regarded by birders but, when low and extra salty, sometimes disappoints. The reserve extends west of the lake itself. Crimson Chats are sometimes observed on the surrounding salt flats. Mystic Park Bushland Reserve is located immediately to the south. Best approach is on the north side.Salinity is an on-going environmental problem in much of north-western Victoria and southern (Riverina) NSW. Salinity degrades agricultural land, adversely impacts upon downstream water users, aquatic ecosystems and bio diversity, as well as to regional and urban infrastructure. One strategy to manage increasing salinity in the Murray Darling Basin is the construction of 13 major salt interception schemes that divert 550,000 tonnes of salt away from the Murray River each year. The Barr Creek Drainage Disposal Scheme is one of these schemes, diverting saline water into Lake Tutchewop. As the level of water in the lake falls, the salinity of the water increase, so conditions become unsuitable for most waders and water birds. VicRoads Map 14 D10.
Lake Yando Wildlife Reserve
~ an 87 hectare freshwater marsh surrounded by woodland at Yando, near Boort. VicRoads Map 29 E2. Often dry.Leaghur State Park
Leaghur State Park (1556 hectares) lies about halfway along the Boort to Kerang Road and is about half an hour's drive north-west of Terrick Terrick National Park. Lake Merram Reserve is on its northern boundary. Lake Leaghur lies to the south but is a separate reserve. Having been declared a park only recently, in 1992, Leaghur State Park is not mentioned in Victoria's Great Outdoors or in Jane Calder's Victoria's National and State Parks.Part of the Loddon River flood plain, Leaghur State Park, protects one of the best Black Box woodlands in Victoria. This Black Box (Eucalyptus largiflorens) woodland lies on gilgai dark clay soils subject to periodic inundation. Black Box was not particularly attractive to foresters so many old trees remain.
Rises tend to be dominated by Casuarina (Allocasuarina luehmannii) and Native Cypress Pine (Callitris glaucophylla). Because early settlers had little value for the timber, harvesting was limited. There are still fine old trees and lots of wildlife, although a long drought has impacted upon both wildlife and vegetation.
The understorey is very diverse and ranges from grass (e.g. Danthonia duttoniana) to rushes (Eleocharis sp.) and lignum (Muehlenbeckia florulenta).
In April 1997, the Echuca & District birders were shown around the Kerang area by the ranger (then Rob O'Brien). After lunch, he took us south to Leaghur State Park and passed on a note from Simon Kennedy which read in part:
"This patch of Black Box forest is terrific. When I visited, I found more Diamond Firetails that you could poke a stick at, and I disturbed an Owlet-Nightjar from its daytime roost. The fenced-off regeneration area that Rob will take you to was full of Chestnut-rumped Thornbills, Whiteface and Weebills. This is a place that bird-watchers should visit more often. I was only there for ninety minutes and saw 26 species, so you guys should see heaps of stuff."
As it turned out, the group I was with weren't here for all that much longer. It was particularly dry, there having been no decent rain for months.Yet we saw about 70 species that day, many of them in the Park.
It is unlikely that so many species can be observed now since the area has suffered from a prolonged and severe drought. The vegetation is currently under great stress.
Near the entrance are rows of non-indigenous eucalypts planted in 1950 as a forestry demonstration. Mixed species were planted near the picnic area in 1972 to "enhance" the Park. Such practices are no longer followed and park managers now only plant indigenous species. To the north-west of the picnic ground is an area of mallee. East of the Park, along Wandella Creek, is a wide strip of lignum which, hopefully, one day may be incorporated into the Park.
Dairy Track is so named as it used to be an access track to Appin dairy farms.
To the north is an attractive 220 hectare freshwater lake with sandy beaches, Lake Meran. Good water quality, white sandy beaches and surrounding Red Gums mean this is one of the most attractive lakes in northern Victoria. It is popular with holiday makers at Easter and Christmas. Camping is permitted at the southern tip of the lake. The Baptist Church has cabins to the north of the lake. Cost of the camp is around $5 per person per day. However this lake is used as an irrigation storage and does not provide good birding.
Lake Leaghur, to the south of the park, dries occasionally and is, therefore, a better habitat for water birds. Around 100 species have been observed there over the course of about an hour (March 2001).
The managers have accepted the advice of locals that the area remain undeveloped, with minimal facilities. There is a camping area and toilets at the adjoining lake reserve, Lake Meran.
A botanist specialising in native grasses, has identified over 300 plant species in the Park. 95 species of native birds and two introduced species have been observed in or close to the Park.
When many trees are in bloom, this can be a gem of a park. In dry times it can be dusty and devoid of bird life. For further details contact ranger on 03 54 503 951 or write to P O Box 13 KERANG 3579.
Lake Leaghur, which is located just to the south, often affords better birding than Lake Meran because Lake Leaghur dries out periodically and is less constant in height, favouring waders and water birds generally.
Topographic map: Tragowel South 7626-2-S 1:25,000
Lehmanns Swamp
Located north-west of Violet Town, this wetland is managed by Parks Victoria and relies on local runoff.Little Kotta Nature Conservation Reserve (D39)
This 19 hectare site is located west of Echuca.Little Lake Charm Wildlife Area (G88)
This 61 hectare reserve is located alongside the township of Lake Charm.Loch Garry Wildlife Area
This wetland north of Shepparton is, when it contains water, highly regarded by bird observers. Access is off Shepparton-Barmah Road.Lower Goulburn River National Park
Legislation to create this new national park passed both Houses of the Victorian parliament late in 2009. This national park is long and narrow, and incorporates sections of a number of reserves and forested areas along the lower reaches of Victoria's Goulburn River.Once more information becomes available, a separate page will be created for this park.
Lower Ovens Regional Park
~ a red gum wetland located at the confluence of the Ovens and Murray Rivers.McDonald Swamp Wildlife Area
~ a 251 hectare wetland between Cohuna, Kerang and Koondrook, close to Barr Creek. From Kerang-Koondrook Road, access is via Lancaster Road. Red Gum Swamp lies immediately to the north. These wetlands have been nominated as part of an Important Bird Area (IPA).When the wetland contains water, it often attracts thousands of waterbirds. VicRoads Map 21 B5/C5.McKenzie Reserve, Alexandra
~ Joan Semmens spent about 15 years preparing a book, "Bush Seasons" (Hyland House), about this lovely 45 ha reserve on the outskirts of Alexandra. Read Joan's book and you may be inspired to visit! Hopefully, some surrounding bushland may, one day, be added to this lovely reserve. VicRoads Map 329 P12.Mangalore Nature Conservation Reserve
Situated alongside the Goulburn Valley Freeway, this 71 hectare reserve is home to a number of bush birds, including Gilberts Whistler and Hooded Robin. Some area was lost when the freeway was constructed but adjoining private bushland has been added by way of compensation.
Hooded Robin
~ resident of Mangalore NCR (D Ong)Mansfield Swamp Wildlife Area (G102)
~ a 490 hectare reserve north-east of Corop, east of Green Lake and immediately north of Wallenjoe Swamp NCR. Brolga habitat. Goodwin Road gives access from the Midland Highway. Water comes from a number of depressions and from local storms. Often dry. VicRoads Map 31 F8.Maryborough Regional Park
Situated between Paddys Ranges State Park and the town of Maryborough, this 524 hectare park is noted for its impressive spring wildflower display and old Box and Ironbark trees. It is located to the south-west of the region covered by this site.Metcalfe NCR
~ a small bushland reserve east of Elphinstone, between Redesdale and Malmsbury.Millewa National Park; Millewa Forest and Moira Forest
Millewa Reserve
~ renamed Cantwell NCR to avoid confusion with Millewa Forest. See Cantwell Nature Conservation Reserve.Milloo NCR (proposed, D35)
~ a 61 hectare indigenous grassland on the north side of Milloo Hall Road, between Milloo and Tennyson. VicRoads Map 30 H6.Moama State Forest (and Perricoota Road TSR) ("The Five Mile")
This bushland area includes Moama State Forest and the adjacent travelling stock route. "Five Mile Reserve", as it is locally known, lies between Perricoota Road and the Murray River 7km west of Moama (VicRoads Map 31 D3). There is regenerating bush on the opposite side of Perricoota Road. Excellent bird habitat! Look for Varied Sittella, Zebra Finch, Red-browed Finch, Diamond Firetail and Bush Stone Curlew. Other TSR reserves are located further north-west along Perricoota Road; an area opposite Perricoota Woolshed often provides excellent birding and another, the "10 Mile", is home to a colony of Grey-crowned Babblers. Perricoota Road helps provide access to the Benarca and Perricoota State Forests.The NSW Natural Resources Commission has recommended that this forest be upgraded to a Regional Park in which logging and cattle grazing will not be permitted.
Moliagul Historic Reserve
This 1,010 hectare reserve at the edge of Moliagul is highly regarded as a birding site (VicRoads Map 43 C6). A good spot for honeyeaters and parrots, including the endangered Swift Parrot. Surface mining occurred at this site sometime last century so it has been greatly disturbed. Box forest occurs on infertile soils.Moira Flora Reserve
~ see Barmah State Park, Barmah Forest, Moira Forest, Millewa Forest and Gulpa IslandMoodies Swamp, Warrarandall ~ Located south of katamatite, this public wetland is managed by Parks Victoria. It is a large, deep freshwater marsh dominated by Cane Grass. It was supplied with some environmental water in May 2008.
Morgans Beach
A popular swimming, picnic and camping area located on the Victorian side of the Murray River between Ulupna Island and Barmah Forest, north of Strathmerton (VicRoads Map 22 G7). Koalas are often observed in this vicinity. Reference map: Strathmerton 7926-S 1:50,000 (Central Mapping Authority of New South Wales). Note: this NSW map covers both sides of the Murray. Likely to be a part of the proposed Barmah National Park.Morrl Morrl Nature Conservation Reserve
The 1200 hectare Morrl Morrl Conservation Reserve is located north-west of Navarre (VicRoads Map 41 G8). The predominant trees are Grey Box, Red Ironbark, Yellow Box and Yellow Gum. There are some very old trees. Threatened under-storey plants found here include Eutaxia and Veined Spider Orchid.Mt. Alexander Regional Park ~ Mt Alexander is a steep-sided granite mass east of Castlemaine. Communications towers atop the mountain serve a wide area. There are some walking tracks and picnic grounds. Koalas are sometimes observed in the reserve. South of the region covered by this web site.
Mt. Black Flora Reserve
~ see Heathcote-Graytown National Park of which it is now a part.Mt. Bolangum Nature Conservation Reserve ~ 2,930 ha south-west of St. Arnaud. VicRoads Map 42 B6.
Mt Egbert (The Granites Nature Conservation Reserve) ~ 7km north of Koorong Vale, this reserve features old ironbark trees. Birding is usually excellent amongst the boulders on the slopes beneath the summit. It is also worth birding in the bushland around the nearby quarry. VicRoads Map 29 C6.
Mt Granya State Park
~ located in north-east Victoria outside the area covered by this site.Mt Hope Nature Conservation Reserve
This 106 hectare reserve is located between Pyramid Hill and Hird Swamp (VicRoads Map 21 E9). It is a dry area vegetated by xerophytic plants, including a range of native grasses, box trees and shrubs. Two adjoining private properties are partly covered by indigenous vegetation, including native grassland; the owners have taken out Trust for Nature covenants to protect the indigenous vegetation, effectively doubling the area of protected bushland/grassland.Mt. Ida Flora Reserve ~ see Heathcote-Graytown National Park, of which it is now a part. Topographic maps: Ladys Pass 7824-3-1 and Heathcote 7824-3-2 1:25,000 (VicMap)
Mt. Korong Nature Conservation Reserve
Formerly a Scenic Reserve, Mt Korong NCR covers 106 hectares south-east of Wedderburn. There are some old Ironbark trees and the understorey comprises a number of species, including Deane's Wattle and Inland Pomaderris. The Turquoise Parrot has been sighted here. Access via Wedderburn-Serpentine Road. VicRoads Map 29 E9.Mt. Lawson State Park ~ located in north-east Victoria outside the area covered by this site.
Mt. Meg Nature Conservation Reserve
Located a few kilometres south of Thoona, Mt Meg is an attractive bushland reserve. The reserve has two sections which are separated by privately-owned bushland (which is protected with a Trust for Nature Covenant). At times, especially in winter, lots of robins can be observed in the reserve, including Scarlet Robin, Flame Robin and Hooded Robin. Bird species commonly seen here include White-winged Chough; Goldfinch (introduced); Chestnut-rumped, Yellow-rumped and Yellow Thornbill; Jacky Winter and Wedgetailed Eagle.Mt. Sugarloaf Nature Conservation Reserve
Located on the eastern side of Wellsford Forest, this 660 ha reserve is immediately west of the Fosterville Gold Mine. Murphy Road, which runs between the McIvor Highway and the Epsom-Fosterville Road, runs through the reserve. Mt Sugarloaf and its ridge is clothed in thick scrub. Heathy vegetation is found in the north-western part of the reserve. Chestnut-crowned Heathwrens have been observed at the northern end of the Sugarloaf Ridge. This is, in my opinion, the most interesting part of Wellsford Forest as far as bush walking and birding are concerned. Much of the forest west of the reserve has been cut for timber and is something of a monoculture; a handful of old ironbarks remain in areas of ironbark forest. Note: Murphy Road is incorrectly labelled as Sugarloaf Road on the Bagshot 1:25,000 map. Topographic map: Bagshot 7724-1-2 1;25,000 (VicMap)Mt. Terrick Road native grasslands
~ three small parcels of indigenous grassland alongside Mt Terricks Road near Mitiamo have been added to the reserve system.Muckleford Nature Conservation Reserve
Located 5m south-east of Maldon, this 543 hectare reserve is surrounded by the Muckleford State Forest. The dominant vegetation is Yellow Gum, Red ironbark and Grey Box, with some Red Box and Red Stringybark on higher areas and some Yellow Box on lower spots. Many species of honeyeater visit the reserve. Access via Pullans Road. VicRoads Map 59 C2.
Murphy Swamp Wildlife Area
Previously home to Brolgas, much of Murphy Swamp north-west of Echuca has been drained. There are now two remnant wetland sections separated by private farmland.A remnant south of the Murray Valley Highway (between Hattwell and Fimmell Roads, VicRoads Map 31 B3), is covered in reeds, and, when it contains water, is home to Snipe and other interesting birds; at times, in summer, Budgerigars have been observed here. Best approach is via Hattwell Road (off Mt Terricks Road): a winding track around part of the wetland starts alongside the Murphy Swamp sign. This section may be completely dry.
An 85 hectare segment south of the Murray alongside the Murray Valley Highway (west of Fraser Road, VicRoads Map 31 B3 but not shown) usually contains water ~ sometimes hundreds of water birds are present.
Murray River Park
VEAC proposed a 32,028 hectare linear park along the Murray River in Victoria.This linear reserve system incorporates some State forests, Wodonga Regional Park, Yarrawonga Regional Park, Cobram Regional Park, Tocumwal Regional Park, Echuca Regional Park and a number of other reserves alongside the Murray River. Firewood collection is not permitted.More information on this new park will be provided when more data becomes available.
Murrindindi Scenic Reserve
Murrindindi Scenic Reserve is located east of the Melba Highway, south of Yea in the Great Dividing Range (VicRoads Map 62 A7). Features of the reserve include Wilhemenia Falls and Murrindindi Cascades. Much of the reserve was burnt by wild fire in February 2009..Prior to the fire, the reserve, surrounded by state forests, was very popular with walkers and campers. A long walking track follows the Murrindindi River downstream from some cascades. Part of the walking track is along old tramways which were used to carry lumber to mills. Leaving this riverside track is the Boondarra Walk; it takes over an hour to walk up it to the top of Wilhemenia Falls; return by a track down the side of the falls. A shorter well-signposted track from the riverside walk leads to the falls and a stepped boardwalk with a wooden viewing platform.
Murrumbidgee State Forests (proposed National Park and Regional Parks)
The majority of State Forests along the Murrumbidgee lie between Narranderra and Darlington Point. River Red Gum is the dominant forest tree.One of these forests is the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area 1 State Forest. There is a tourist drive for 18.5km through this3187 hectare forest. Access is via the Leeton-Narranderra Road. There are numerous river bends and beaches as well as Yanco Weir.
A second drive, 12km in length, through the 2544 hectare MIA2, can be accessed from Euroley Road and River Road near Yanco. Middle Beach can be accessed from this drive. Middle Beach, a popular picnic spot, is one of the longest and most accessible beaches along the Murrumbidgee. Another good beach is Ski Beach, alongside the Leeton Ski Club. It is popular with boaters.
The River Road between Yanco and Darlington Point gives access t the 739 hectare MIA3, and Cuba (q.v.) State Forests. The forests, fishing spots and camping spots are easily accessed from the River Road.
West of Darlington Point along the Murrumbidgee River Road toward Carrathool is Willbriggie, Dunnoon Lagoon and Benerembah State Forests. Dunoon lagoon and Benerembah provide suitable camping and fishing locations but may be inaccessible in wet weather.
The NSW Natural Resources Commission has conducted a forest assessment and recommended that MIA1, MIA2, MIA3, Billenbah, Euroley, Banandra, Jurambula, Cuba, Uri, Dunnooon Lagoon, Carabury, Bererenbah and Yarradda State Forests be consolidated into a national park along the riparian corridor of the Murrumbidgee River. Furthermore, Maude, Willbriggie and Narrandera state Forests are likely to be upgraded to Regional Park status. A copy of the assessment and a copy of the recommendations can be downloaded from the NRC web site.
Mysia NCR (proposed, D18)
VEAC proposes adding two blocks to the existing reserve which contains significant areas of Plains Grassland and Plains Woodland. Larger block is alongside Days Road Mysia. CFA Rural Directory Region 20, Map 249 Grid reference 486 875Mystic Park Bushland Reserve ~ a 646 hectare reserve between Mystic Park and Lake Tutchewop.
VEAC's draft proposal is for this reserve to be incorporated into Leaghur-Koorangie National Park.Nanneella Bushland Area
Nanneella residents have spent much effort attempting to restore this 28 hectare bushland area which was, until recently,overrun with weeds and infested with rabbits and foxes. VicRoads Map 31 E6.Nardoo Hills Reserves
Covering 788 hectares, the Nardoo Hills Reserves (incorporating the Judith Eardley Reserve) contributes to the protection of some of the most threatened ecosystems in southern Australia. The reserves adjoin the Wychitella Nature Conservation Reserve and should help safeguard the elevated grassy woodland habitats of many declining woodland bird species. The property is particularly important for the vulnerable Hooded Robin.On its eastern and part of its southern boundary, it abuts the Wychitella Nature Conservation Reserve, a series of blocks of remnant habitat totalling about 6300 hectares. With a protected reference area of 460 hectares to the south-east, the Bush Heritage reserves will bring the reserved land to over 7000 hectares
Nathalia Natural Features Reserve
This 321 hectare reserve is managed in conjunction with Broken-Boosey State Park. The reserve's eastern boundary lies to the west of Nathalia township, and the reserve continues downstream along the length of Broken Creek for approximately 15 km, varying in width from just 82 to 309 metres.Naringalingalook Indigenous Grassland Reserve (private property)
The Trust for Nature has purchased a number of paddocks in the region which are covered in native grasses. The first such paddock purchased was in Loofts Road Naringalingalook (VicRoads Map 33 B3). Native wildflowers bloom on the paddock during Spring. Please do not enter without prior permission from the Trust. There are relatively few paddocks of native grassland remaining in northern Victoria. DSE has purchased several of these and several; are now outlying blocks of Terrick Terrick National Park. In southern (Riverina) NSW, at least two grassland areas have been proclaimed national parks, Oolambeyan National Park and Yanga National Park. There are a number of privately-owned indigenous grassland paddocks in the southern Riverina but many have been lost to cropping over recent decades.Native Dog Flora Reserve
This 43 hectare Red Gum wetland was in NSW but the Murray River has changed course, so it is now effectively an inkier and contiguous with the Ulupna Island section of the proposed Barmah National Park.
VEAC recommends that an agreement be reached with NSW authorities so that this reserve can be administered by Parks Victoria as 'part' of Barmah National Park.Niemur State Forest
~ a red gum wetland (SF383) bordering the Niemur River, which flows from the Edward River to the Wakool River south of Moulamein. Access is difficult, especially in wet weather.Numurkah Natural Features Reserve
The 688 hectare Numurkah Natural Features Reserve is located predominantly alongside Broken Creek, and partially on Nine Mile Creek, from the Nathalia-Katamatite Road and Cargee Road intersection, to Thompson Road east of Nathalia.A number of roads, public land water frontage, and Numurkah divide the reserve into three sections. The reserve is
approximately 21 km in length and varies in width from just 30 metres to 689 metres. The park incorporates the former Wunghnu
Common Bushland Reserve (33 ha), Wunghnu Town Reserve (7.5 ha), Whitty Bushland Reserve (23 ha), Katamatite Bushland Reserve (17 ha), plus small parcels of former town land, and larger sections of streamside reserve and public land water frontage.The reserve protects remnant grassy box woodland with a shrubby under-storey. Most of the indigenous vegetation away from the creek has been lost owing, mainly, to cultivation and other commercial activities.
It shares the same management plan as Broken-Boosey State Park and a number of other similar reserves in the region.
Nyah-Vinifera Park
Legislation to create this Red Gum wetland park was passed by the Victorian Parliament late in 2009. The park lies to the north-west of the region covered by this site.
O'Keeffe Rail Trail
A walking and bicycle trail follows the route of a dismantled railway from Axedale (VicRoads Map 45 A6) to the edge of Bendigo. The Axe Creek 1:25,000 topographic map covers part of the route. A brochure with a map of the trail is usually available from the City of Greater Bendigo's tourist information centre. Some small bushland reserves fringe the trail in places, e.g. the Bendigo Field Naturalist Club's reserve.One Eye State Forest
A regenerating Box forest, with very few old trees,One Eye Forest is west of Heathcote (Victoria) a short distance to the south of the McIvor Highway. A coloured A4-sized map is available from Heathcote Information Centre. Good birding spots include Hidden Dam (incorrectly labelled Evan Dam on the map), Evan Dam (near the corner of One Eye road and Evan Road)and Sawpit Dam (off Mud Hut Track). Hills Road and Derrinal Road, which run off the McIvor Highway, give access to the forest. Good for birding.
Hidden Dam, One Eye Forest (D Ong)One Tree Swamp NCR ~ a 676 hectare wetland between Lake Cooper and Lake Waranga. It is portion of a braided stream with lignum wetland and supports several vulnerable plants, e.g. Pale Spike-wedge, Bluish Raspwart and Swamp Buttercup). Brolga habitat. Adjoins Two Tree Swamp Wildlife Reserve. Access both swamps from Wanalta-Corop Road, which runs north off the Bendigo-Murchison Road. Filled by storm events, irrigation runoff and/or by environmental water allocations. Managed by Parks Victoria. Received environmental water in May 2008. See also Two Tree Swamp. VicRoads Map 45 G2.
Oolambeyan National Park
"Oolambeyan Station", a 21,980ha property situated in the heart of Plains Wanderer country north of Conargo, recently acquired by the NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, was the first and until recently the only national park in the Southern Riverina (apart from a park near Griffith to the north of the region covered by this site). The new park has a variety of habitats, including sandhills dominated by pine, box flats, cane grass meadows, lignum swamps and native grasslands. The bird list is around 111 species, including Plains Wanderer, Rufous Whistler, Grey-crowned Babbler, Australian Pratincole, Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater and Budgerigar. And it has the potential to cough up a few more!From Echuca-Moama, Oolambeyan is fairly easy to get to. Head up the Cobb Highway to Deniliquin, take the Conargo Road through Conargo and over the Billabong Creek. Continue north toward Carrathool, and past "Steam Plains". The road turns to dirt until Four Corners Road. Continue along the bitumen northwards for approximately 22km, turning left onto Oolambeyan Road. Follow this road through the main gate toward the homestead.
Ovens River reserves
A VEAC draft recommendation was for a linear park along the Ovens River upstream and downstream of Wangaratta to link with the present Warby Range State Park to be named Warby Range-Ovens River National Park. Most reserves along the Ovens River are now part of the new Warby Range-Ovens River National Park which encompass the former Lower Ovens State Forest, Lower Ovens Regional Park, Killawarra Forest, Warby Range State Park and Peechelba Flora Reserve.
The following are some of the reserves starting with the letter P through to Z outlined on page 2:
Paddy's Ranges State Park
Patho Native Flora Reserve and NCR
Perricoota Road TSR reserves ~ see Moama State Forest
Piantas Road River Reserve
Pilchers Bridge NCR
Pinegrove NCR
Plumpton NCR
Polly McQuinn's
Prairie NCR
Pyramid Creek NCR
Pyramid Hill
Red Gum Swamp Wildlife Reserve
Reed Beds, the
Reef Hills
Rowland NCR
Roslynmead Flora Reserve
Runnymeade Natural Features Reserve
Rutherglen NCR
St. Arnaud Range National Park and St. Arnaud Regional Park
Salomon Gully NCR
Sand-dune Pine Flora Reserve ~ see Barmah...
Shelbourne Nature Conservation Reserve
Shepparton Regional Park
Spring Creek NCR
Spring Plains NCR
Tang Tang Swamp NCR
Tarnagulla Flora Reserve ~ now part of Waanyarra NCR
Terrick Terrick East NCR
The Granites NCR, Wychitella
The Rock Nature Reserve
Thule State Forest
Thunder Swamp Wildlife Area
Tocumwal Regional Park
Tomara Gilgais NCR
Tooborac NCR
Too-rour State Forest and Lima Falls
Tootool Wetlands
Torogo Wildlife Reserve (Thule Swamp)
Torrumbarry area reserves
Tottington Nature Conservation Reserve
Toupna Creek Reserve
Tragowel Swamp Wildlife Reserve
Tresco West Bushland Reserve
Tungamah Nature Conservation Reserve
Tutchewop Wildlife Area (G85)
Two Tree Swamp Wildlife Reserve
Ulupna Island
Victoria Park, Echuca
Vinnifera State Forest
Waanyara NCR
Waanyara Nature Conservation Reserve
Wakool riverside reserves
Wallenjoe Swamp State Game Reserve
Wandella Flora and Fauna Reserve (formerly Wandella State Forest & Recreation Reserve)
Warnup (Wanurp) NCR
Wehla Nature Conservation Reserve
Wellsford Forest
Werai Forest
Wetuppa State Forest
Wharparilla Bushland Reserve
Whipstick Nature Conservation Reserve
Whroo Nature Conservation Reserve
Whymoul State Forest
Willbriggie State Forest ~ see Murrumbidgee State Forests
Wills Bend
Woolshed Swamp Wildlife Reserve, Boort
Wooroonook Lakes Wildlife (State Game) Reserve
Wychitella Nature Conservation Reserve
Wyperfeld National Park
Wyuna River Reserve
Yambuna Bridge Streamside Reserve
Yanga National Park
Youanmite NCR
* * * * * * * * * * * * * Several maps available for sale cover part of the area covered above. For NSW Forests, refer Central Murray Valley State Forests (Western Forest Region) 1:250,000 (NSW Forestry 1992) ~ also covers part of northern Victoria. Topographic maps of the area are available by phone order from Information Victoria. Local topographic maps are sold at the Mathoura Rural Transaction Centre, Cobb Highway Mathoura. For bushwalking, 1:25,000 maps are best. However, only 1:50,000 maps are available for much of the region. Hayman Maps has produced excellent maps of the Barmah-Echuca and Cohuna-Gunbower Island areas and these two maps are available through Information Victoria and local tourist information centres.
Abbreviations: G=Natural Features Reserve; NP=National Park; NCR=Nature Conservation Reserve; TSR=Travelling Stock Route Reserve; SF=State Forest.
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Northern Victoria and Southern Riverina Conservation and Environment Site
Section 1: Conservation news Section 5: Bush photographs Section 2: Bushwalking Section 6: Bushland reserves Section 3: Birding Section 7: Indigenous animals Section 4: Indigenous plants Section 8: Conservation Links
Click here for Echuca Landcare Group's home page
Click here for Echuca and District BOCA home page Created April 1997; redesigned and amended February 2006; last revision January 2010 by Keith Stockwell. The information above is based on various DSE publications, Box-Ironbark Investigative reports, newspaper articles, tourist brochures, maps, word of mouth, emails and personal observation. E&OE: if you detect errors or wish to make suggestions, email stocky at mcmedia dot com dot au
