Safety in our parks and forests

The Echuca Moama region is home to a number of state and national parks and forests, including Barmah National Park, Murray Valley Regional Park and Murray Valley National Park, Rushworth State Forest, Banyule State Forest, and Gunbower National Park. Our parks and forests are home to an abundance of flora and fauna, including the iconic Murray river red gums.

Every year the Murray River attracts thousands of visitors to its waters and surrounds including the magnificent river red gum forests and internationally significant wetlands. Together the parks along the Murray River in Victoria and New South Wales form the largest river red gum forest in the world with an abundance of flora and fauna and wildlife. Many of these parks and forests offer walking trails, cycling trails, fishing spots and camping locations.

A feature of river red gums is that they drop their limbs in times of drought to conserve water. River reds and many other eucalypts have an ominous nickname, “Widow Maker”, as they have a habit of dropping large boughs (often half the diameter of the trunk) without warning, especially when you least expect it in calm, hot weather. The hollows created by the falling of the limbs make perfect habitats (homes) for a host of wildlife, making the River Red Gum a magical ecosystem along the inland waterways of the Australian bush.

Please note: Never camp or park your car underneath a river red gum just in case the tree falls or drops branches.

Safety first - always

'Going bush' comes with many responsibilities. Conditions in our parks and forests can change very quickly for many reasons.

Before you stay in our region, please check for any changes affecting the park or forest you intend to visit. ALWAYS check current road and weather conditions before you head 'bush' as many tracks become inaccessible due to rain and/or high water levels. It is best to avoid bush tracks after rain.

For more information on bush and river track closures during winter and also road closures due to bush revegetation or rehabilitation throughout the year please visit the Parks Victoria website or NSW National Parks website.

In the warmer seasons, please check total fire bans and ratings before you enter a park or forest. In Victoria, please check the CFA website for Total Fire Ban declarations. In NSW please check the NSW National Parks website for details.