Barmah State Park

Barmah State Park, straddling the Murray River in southern New South Wales, is a vast floodplain forest of ancient river red gums. This is Australia's largest stand of these majestic trees, creating a cathedral-like canopy that filters sunlight and shelters abundant birdlife. The park is a haven for paddlers, birdwatchers, and those seeking a quiet, off-grid escape into one of the country's most distinctive riverine landscapes. The nearby Barmah National Park (Victoria) extends the experience across the river.

Highlights & What to See

• River Red Gum Forests – Paddle or drive through towering red gums, some over 500 years old, with their distinctive gnarled trunks and sprawling branches.
• Murray River Paddling – Canoe or kayak along the Murray's placid backwaters and anabranches; the Barmah Choke is a narrow, serene channel perfect for beginners.
• Birdwatching – Spot superb parrots, white-bellied sea eagles, and the endangered regent honeyeater; the park is a key site for bird conservation.
• Barmah Lake – A large, shallow lake that attracts waterbirds and is a popular spot for fishing and picnicking, especially after rain.
• Aboriginal Heritage – The Yorta Yorta people have lived here for millennia; look for scar trees and middens along the river, and visit the nearby Cummeragunja mission site for deeper cultural insight.

Suggested Time to Spend

Dedicate at least a full day to explore the park's core: paddle the Barmah Choke in the morning, picnic at Barmah Lake, and drive the forest trails in the afternoon. For a deeper immersion, camp overnight at one of the basic riverside sites (no facilities) to experience the dawn chorus of birds and the stillness of the floodplain. Two days allow you to also cross into Victoria's Barmah National Park and walk the Barmah Forest Heritage Trail.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Echuca – A historic port town on the Murray, 40 minutes south, with paddle steamers, heritage buildings, and lively cafés.
• Barmah National Park (Vic) – The Victorian side of the same forest, offering additional walking trails and the Barmah Forest Visitor Centre.
• Deniliquin – A charming rural town 50 minutes north, known for its wool industry and the Peppin Heritage Centre.
• Murray Valley National Park – Downstream from Barmah, with more red gum forests and the Gulpa Creek wetlands.
• Mungo National Park – A 2.5-hour drive west, home to the iconic Walls of China lunette and ancient Aboriginal history.

Please check official sources for current details.