Discover the ‘Kakadu of the South’ – a hidden marvel on the Murray

An oasis of wetlands, wildlife and walking trails await.

If you consider yourself an outdoor enthusiast, you’re probably well-versed in Australia’s natural wonders, from national parks and UNESCO sites to deserts, mountains and islands. But there are many picturesque pockets of the country that remain elusive to even the most seasoned explorers – places like Gunbower Forest. Chances are you haven’t heard of it before – but once you have, you’ll be planning a visit, stat.

Where is Gunbower Forest and why should I visit?

Tucked away in rural Victoria, Gunbower Forest sits pretty on the banks of the Murray River – the only place in Australia to make National Geographic’s Best of the World list in 2025. The wetlands cover almost 20,000 hectares of the Murray floodplain, making it Australia’s largest inland island and creating a unique ecosystem that has remained relatively untouched for centuries.

Flora and fauna

Gunbower Forest is home to an array of native birdlife, including white-bellied sea eagles, spoonbills, kingfishers, herons and sparrows. Rare reptilian species like the endangered carpet python can be spotted, as well as freshwater turtles, frogs, blue-tongue lizards and goannas.

Many mammals live here too, from kangaroos, wombats and swamp wallabies to emus, sugar gliders and pygmy possums. The wetlands also provide a safe environment for native fish to flourish, such as golden perch, Murray River cod and the native Australian catfish. Obviously, it’s paradise for any animal lover.

More of a botany buff? Gunbower Forest is a haven of diverse vegetation, from native woodlands full of red gums and river box eucalypts to both sedgelands and rushlands. These two types of wetlands are distinctly different – characterised by the types of plants that grow there – but in certain conditions, they thrive alongside each other.

Due to these rare environmental circumstances, Gunbower Forest has been listed as one of just 65 Ramsar sites across Australia. The Convention on Wetlands of International Importance, also known as the Ramsar Convention, was signed in Iran back in February 1971.

The treaty aims to protect rare wetlands of significant biological diversity – just like Gunbower Forest. This unique status, as well as its remarkable biosphere of plants and wildlife is exactly why it’s been dubbed the ‘Kakadu of the South’ – and why it’s worth a visit.

How to spend your time at Gunbower Forest

Those keen to explore this incredible destination won’t be short on things to do. A great way to experience Gunbower Forest is simply by walking through it. Try the 3.2-kilometre Goanna Walking Trail, a gentle riverside walk perfect for wildlife spotting. Or BYO kayak and paddle the Safes Lagoon Canoe Trail, then pull over for a picnic lunch or head to one of the Murray’s sandy bends to set up there.

The wetlands are part of the new Murray River Adventure Trail as well – an expanse of connected walking, cycling and paddling trails that cross over 500 kilometres of country Victoria. The project is in its final stages of development, slated to open in late 2025.  There are also plenty of camping spots, so you won’t have to squeeze it all into one day, either. But if that’s all the time you have, the leisurely Gunbower Island Forest Drive packs all the highlights into a half-day trip.

Gunbower Forest is a place of deep significance for its Traditional Owners, the Barapa Barapa and Yorta Yorta people, who actively care for Country. There are a number of cultural sites that can be visited, just be sure to remain respectful at all times.

How to get to Gunbower Forest

Gunbower Forest is located near the town of Koondrook in northern Victoria, around a 3.5-hour drive from Melbourne. The quickest route is along the Calder Freeway. If you’re coming from Sydney, fly into Bendigo Airport and hire a car for the two-hour drive. Entry to Gunbower Forest is free and there is plenty of parking onsite once you arrive.