Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
at Bendigo. There are daily V/Line coaches to Mildura ($25, three hours) and Echuca
($15.30, two hours).
WORTH A TRIP
GUNBOWER NATIONAL PARK
One of the great spots for free camping along the Murray River, superb
Gunbower Island
is formed the Murray
River and Gunbower Creek and is said to be the largest inland island in the world. In 2010 Parks Victoria created
the 88 sq km Gunbower National Park (previously a state forest) to protect its beautiful river-red-gum forests. As
well as the majestic red gums, which have been extensively logged for timber since the 1870s, the park is home to
abundant animals and bird life. You might see kangaroos, possums, goannas, turtles and snakes, and more than
200 species of birds have been recorded here. A network of 'river tracks' criss-cross the island and lead to more
than 100 numbered bush-camping spots by the riverbank (only on the Victorian side). The roads are dirt and a bit
rough, but are passable to conventional vehicles when it's dry - after heavy rain, though, it's 4WD-only.
The main access points to the island are from Cohuna in the north and tiny Gunbower in the south.
