Photos by Gavin Hansford OEH

The River Red Gums

Looking for a home among GETTING THERE Birdwatching the gum trees? Then look There are more than 150 species of birds The Yanga, Murrumbidgee Valley and in the trees, skies and the wetlands of no further than river red gum Murray Valley Regional and National the river red gum forests. From superb forests of the southern NSW for Parks are ideal places for experiencing parrots and black swans to kingfishers the ultimate bush experience. the river red gums. and owls, the river red gums are THE Towering majestically over a All three can be found in the Western spot for birdwatching. Get up close network of waterways, these district of southern NSW. So if and watch the birds from the hides at reserves in the Western you’re within coo-ee distance of towns , Leeton and Yanga Lake just near . Riverina offer a range of things such as , Balranald, , to do for all ages and interests. Mathoura, , Leeton or Hay, Fishing then you’re in the right place. And if With over 500km of Murray and you’re not, then it’s worth the trip. frontage, and fish ABOUT THE AREA such as Murray Cod and Yellow Belly just TOP THINGS TO DO ready to bite, the river red gum forests River red gums are a type of eucalypt are one of the best spots in NSW to cast Whether you have a day, a week or even and a true-blue Aussie native. Lining the a line. From either a boat or the shore, a month, there’s no shortage of things to banks of rivers and wetlands, sometimes the rivers and creeks here are ideal for see and do amongst the river red gums. growing up to 45 metres in height, they chasing your next catch of the day. provide welcome shade to a myriad of Camping Kayaking/Canoeing plant and animal life, help stabilise river Camping in the river red gums is not Get to know the mighty Murrumbidgee banks, and provide the perfect backdrop only an unforgettable experience, it’s and Murray Rivers from the river itself for a scenic trip back to nature. also completely free. There are family and admire the reflection of the gums in friendly campsites with all the ‘must have’ The river red gum reserves of NSW the water. Whether you’re a paddle sport facilities, as well as those that offer a include a range of national parks, expert or novice, there’s a waterways completely ‘bush’ experience. regional parks and nature reserves, experience just waiting for you. established to conserve these natural Walks Cycling beauties. They’re also a great place to This is a walker’s paradise! Take a stroll You’ll find a great range of tracks for take your next bush adventure. along the Yanga Lake Walking Trail and some back-to-nature cycling in the river Bird Hide in Balranald. Look for birds red gums. The ride from Turkey Flat to amongst the reeds with a stroll along the perfect swimming spot of Middle the Murrumbidgee River and take in the Beach in the Murrumbidgee Valley native bushland of the Hay Nature Walk. National Park is well-known You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to for its abundant birdlife, so you may stunning nature walks. want to pack your binoculars AND your swimmers! Lachlan Valley State Conservation Area

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DONALD ROCHESTER !WANGARATTA ! ! !SHEPPARTON-MOOROOPNA !WEDDERBURN !STANHOPE Photography and the safety!ELMORE of any children in your BENALLA MYRTLEFORD A solid fuel! fire ban applies ! From wildlife to waterways,! treescapes to care. Remember to plan ahead, choose ! ! ! between 31 October and 31 March sunsets, there is no end of subject matter ! your walks and activities to match your ! ! each year. Park management may ! for photography in the river red gum ! stamina and fitness level, and ensure ! forests. The majestic gums lining the you take enough fresh drinking water and vary this if local conditions change. waterways are a truly special sight, one food for your trip. Most importantly tell that you’ll want capture and keep forever. someone where you’re going and when Please don’t feed native animals - it can Don’t wait, grab your camera and you’ll be back. Road conditions can also damage their health and make them start exploring! be hazardous when wet. dependent on campers for food. To avoid attracting scavengers, store food For more information visit PARK RULES and garbage in a secure container. www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au Camping is free in the river red gum Don’t forget, dogs are only allowed SAFETY INFORMATION reserves, and there’s no need to book. in Regional Parks, so best to check Just pull up your caravan or car and pick before you bring Fido along for the ride! As beautiful as they are, river red gums a spot in a campground. are also habitat trees, providing important tree hollows for a range of animals. As Cooking outdoors is part and parcel of TO FIND OUT MORE a result of the tree hollows, sometimes the camping experience, and it’s a good For further information, including branches do fall, so it’s important to be idea to pack a gas or liquid fuel stove detailed maps and directions, visit: aware of what’s happening above you. for your trip. Unlike many other bush camping spots, small campfires are www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au Many NSW parks are rugged places, allowed in the river red gum reserves murray-valley-national-park weather can change quickly, and outside of the solid fuel ban period. If conditions in the bush or on the water www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/ you do have a small campfire, make sure may be unpredictable. When visiting a murrumbidgee-valley-national-park you completely extinguish all fires before national park, be aware of the risks and leaving an area or going to bed. A small www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/ take responsibility for your own safety amount of glowing embers can start yanga-national-park a bushfire.