Wildlife viewing – The Murray
Autumn, winter and spring bring forth an abundance of wildlife in this region. Kangaroos, emus, and lizards are a common sight and the bird life – wedge-tailed eagles, Major Mitchell cockatoos, parrots, wrens and mallee fowls – is colourful and varied.
Stroll around the riverside boardwalk at Red Cliffs Scenic Reserve near Mildura and you may see the whistling kites, peregrine falcons or pelicans that live on the river year-round. Popular destinations for watching wildlife in the region include Kings Billabong near Mildura, the Hattah Lakes in the Hattah-Kulkyne National Park and the Pink Lakes in the Murray Sunset National Park.
Around Echuca-Moama there is also a wealth of bird watching opportunities. Gunbower Island, west of Echuca, supports protected populations of kangaroos, emus, goannas, possums, snakes and 160 different species of birds. The lagoons and billabongs of Barmah State Park and Forest to the east of Echuca are favoured by birdwatchers for the large native bird rookeries and nearby Ulupna Island is home to populations of koalas and kangaroos, which can be easily seen in their natural setting.
Further east Albury Wodonga's Wonga Wetlands cover about 80 hectares on the Murray River flood plain, with plenty of bird hides and viewing points to see over 150 bird species living in and using the wetlands.
Echuca-Moama and surrounds:
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See 100 different species of Australian birds, animals and reptiles. Kangaroos, emus, wallabies and birds roam at will through the landscaped parklands – a showcase for native flora as well as fauna.
Lake Road, Kyabram
Ph 03 5852 2883
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Kingfisher Wetland Cruises
Enjoy a two-hour cruise through wetlands of international significance in the red gum forest. Marvel at the many species of birds as you cruise by their nests and feeding habitats.
Barmah State Park
Ph 03 5855 2855
Red Gum Retreat Wildlife Tours
Wildlife tours conducted in the red gum forests along the Murray River. Koalas, kangaroos, and Australia's largest eagle nest are the main features of this two-hour bush tour.
Ulupna Island/Strathmerton
Ph 03 5874 5531
Wild Side Outdoors Tours
Experience the Murray River, Kings Billabong, Hattah-Kulkyne National Park and many other wild places on a guided canoe, walking or bike ecotour.
Mildura
Ph 03 5024 3721
Moontongue Eco Adventures
Paddle a canoe around the billabongs and creeks of the Murray River and enjoy the picturesque scenery and abundant birdlife.
Ph 0427 898 317
Albury Wodonga and surrounds:
Wonga Wetlands
Wonga Wetlands, on the Murray River floodplain features 600-year-old red gums and over 150 species of resident birds, which can be viewed from bird hides and viewing points.
Riverina Highway, Albury
Ph 02 6051 3800
Oz.e.Wildlife
See kangaroos, wallabies, koalas, wombats and more. This amazing sanctuary, set in 25 acres of native bushland, offers interactive presentations and a hands-on wildlife experience.
Hume Highway, Ettamogah near Albury
Ph 02 6040 3677
