Barmah National Park

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Barmah National Park

Parks Victoria respects the deep and continuing connection that Yorta Yorta Traditional Owners have to Barmah National Park, and we recognise their ongoing role in caring for Country. We’re proud to be working with Yorta Yorta Nations Aboriginal Corporation as joint management partners in this Aboriginal cultural landscape. 

“Gulpa Gaka Anganya – Gaka Yawal Ngulla Yenbena Yorta Yorta Woka,” welcome friend – come walk with us the people on Yorta Yorta Country. Barmah National Park is on the lands of the Yorta Yorta people, and they ask that you treat it with respect and care for it as an extension of yourself.   Explore the park via the walking trails through the forests and along the waterways, following pleasant winding creeks and the Murray River. Visitors can see remnants of the long heritage and use of this landscape by the Traditional Owners in the various oven mounds used for cooking. These are found along the Lakes Loop Track and Broken Creek Loop Track. The waters of this park are  popular for fishing, swimming, boating and canoeing. Visitors can choose from one of the many camping areas along the river within the Dungalla (Murray River) zone of the park. 

The park protects 38 rare or threatened plants, including Fruit Saltbush and Winged Peppergrass. Yellow and Grey Box grow on the ridges. River Red Gums line the Murray River and lower lying areas, and these iconic trees can reach 45m and live for more than 500 years. The trees need periods of flooding and can survive inundation for months. Their seeds are washed onto higher ground during a flood, where they germinate and grow before the next flood reaches them.  

Hollows and broken branches provide nesting for galahs, cockatoos, cockatiels and various parrots. The park is even more to a healthy population of the endangered superb parrot. The forest also provides important habitat for waterbirds, with more than 200 species of birds recorded here. It is one of Victoria’s largest waterbird breeding areas. Birdwatchers can spot a number of captivating species, including Brolgas, Night Herons, Spoonbills, Sea Eagles and Azure Kingfishers. Other wildlife abounds throughout the forest, where Grey Kangaroos, Emus and Koalas are common. 

Things To Do

 

Yamyabuc Discovery Trail

This trail is 1.5km long, 30 minutes return Beginning at the Dharnya car park, this trail guides you through the natural and cultural features of the Barmah forest.
Two walkers along a dirt road next to the Murray River in Barmah National Park.

Lakes Loop Track

This track is 4km long, 1.75 hours return Follow this circular walk through mature and regrowth River Red Gums, passing a number of Aboriginal oven (cooking) mounds and the edge of Barmah Lake before reaching the Murray River and Broken Creek.
A Cormorant in its nest in Barmah National Park.

Broken Creek Loop Track

This track is 3.5km long, 1.5 hours return This circular walk skirts Dharnya swamp before passing through River Red Gum and Grey Box woodland to Broken Creek, where you can spot many waterbirds. See the Aboriginal oven mounds on the way to Rices Weir and the 'fish ladder' that allows fish to go back upstream.
A comfortable campsite set up on the banks of the Murray at Barmah National Park.

Camping in Barmah National Park

Camp at one of the sites along the riverbank within the Dhungalla zone or the sandy beaches at Barmah Lakes in the Gulpa Gaka zone. Find toilets at Barmah lakes and Ulupna Beach. Read more about restrictions and activities in the Barmah Camping Guidelines.
A spoonbill wades through water near the rivers edge at Barmah National Park

Birdwatching in Barmah National Park

More than 200 species of birds have been recorded here, and it is one of Victoria’s largest waterbird breeding areas. Spot Brolgas, Night Herons, Spoonbills, Sea Eagles and Azure Kingfishers, as well as lively Galahs, Cockatoos, Cockatiels and other parrots.
A river cruise boat on the Murray River at Barmah National Park.

Boating, canoeing and fishing in the park

Set off from a boat launching area or hop into your canoe and explore along the Murray River, Barmah Lakes and adjoining creeks. Fish for Murray cod, golden perch and yabbies. Make sure you have the correct fishing licence.

Swimming in Barmah National Park

Swim at one of the numerous sandy river bend beaches along these waterways. Take care in cold waters or fast currents and be aware of submerged objects in natural environments.

Barmah National Park

This area is well known for its wildlife. Keep an eye out for:

Antechinus
Emus
Kangaroos
Koalas
Wallabies
Wedge-tailed eagles

Tours and adventure experiences in parks

One of the best ways you can get into nature is with a Licensed Tour Operator.

There are more than 400 Licensed Tour Operators across Victoria who are ready and waiting to help you experience and connect with Victoria’s spectacular parks and waterways.

Discover more than 60 different types of nature-based experiences including hiking, mountain biking, boating, four-wheel driving, indigenous culture tours, birdwatching, surfing, diving and so much more. 

Licensed Tour Operators know all the best places to go and will plan and prepare your visit to ensure you are safe and can enjoy your nature-based adventure to the fullest.

Find a Licensed Tour Operator

How to get there

Barmah National Park

Barmah National Park lies along the Murray River between Barmah and Strathmerton, about 225km north of Melbourne.  Major entry points are from Moira Lakes Road, Barmah-Picola Road and the Murray Valley Highway. 

Need to know

Barmah National Park

Change of Conditions

Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Sites

    Barmah National Park Access update

     
    Most primary access tracks within Barmah National Park are now OPEN for access to the River.
    However, some tracks are flooded or very wet due to recent rain fall and will remain closed for public safety, and to avoid damage to tracks and reduce environmental harm.
     
    Access tracks within Barmah National Park that are now OPEN are still impacted by high river levels and many have water across them in low lying areas and tracks may be in poor condition.
    We recommend Four-Wheel Drive access only and advise that water crossings only be attempted by drivers with four-wheel drive training or experience and stay to the centre of the track.
    Areas Open.
    •  Gulf Track, Tongalong track, Black Engine track, Suttons track, Manion’s track and adjoining parts of River Rd.
    • Sand Ridge Tk is open up to and including the Dharnya Centre, Day Visitor area and the Lakes campground, but there is No access to the River via Sandridge track.
      • Note; Lakes campground toilet at North end is Open, Day Visitor area Toilet and the Southern Lakes campground toilet are closed due to flood inundation.
    • Ulupna Island (Barmah National Park and Tocumwal Regional Park) is Open, Note; Ulupna beach toilet is closed due to flood inundation
    • The Ranch (south of Barmah not shown on map) is Open.
     
    The following Access tracks are Closed within Barmah National Park; Sand ridge track from Dharnya centre to river Rd, River Rd down stream of Gulf Reg, Four Mile track, Sapling landing track, Darlows track, Newman’s Track, Hughes track, Trickeys lane, Gowers track, Bunyip track, Barmah Island (All).
     
    See the attached map for tracks that are open or closed.
    Tracks highlighted Green are open for river access.
    Tracks and entrances highlighted Red indicate that they are closed due to Flood water.
    Note; conditions are subject to change at any time without notice.
     
    For all of the latest change of conditions regarding Barmah National Park and surrounding reserves, please see https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/barmah-national-park.
     
    Current River flows are at 13.500 Megalitre’s a day out of Yarrawonga weir, river flows are forecast to decrease over coming weeks, and we will review access on a weekly basis and open the closed areas as soon as possible.
    Please take care on all tracks due to the wet conditions and if you can avoid using wet tracks, please do so to prevent damage to Tracks and Vehicles.
     
     
    Warning: Mosquito populations in Barmah are currently high and Mosquito borne diseases such as Barmah Fever and Ross River Fever are common. Please take care and cover up.  

    Attachments: access map BNP 22.11.23 (438KB)

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