Koala picnic area
Murrumbidgee Valley Nature Reserve
Overview
Koala picnic area is part of Murrumbidgee Valley Nature Reserve, and home to more than 200 koalas. It’s a great place for walking, bird watching and wildlife spotting.
- Type
- Picnic areas
- Accessibility
- Medium
- Opening times
- Koala picnic area is open in dry weather but access roads will be closed during and after rain.
- What to
bring - Hat, sunscreen, drinking water
- Please note
- Although the majestic river red gums that line Murrumbidgee River create shady picnic spots, try to avoid sitting or standing directly underneath them as they are notorious for dropping large branches without warning.
- Access to Murrumbidgee Valley Nature Reserve is through Narrandera Flora and Fauna Reserve managed by Narrandera Shire Council. In wet weather, the council closes the access gate and roads.
- Eastern grey kangaroos live here. These are wild animals. Do not approach them or try and stroke them.
- Dogs are not permitted in the reserve. They are however allowed in adjoining Narrandera Flora and Fauna Reserve which Narrandera Shire Council manages.
- There are no toilet facilities in the nature reserve. The nearest toilets are in the town of Narrandera or at at a nearby water park.
- Remember to take your binoculars if you want to spot koalas or bird watch.
At Koala picnic area, the whole family will love seeing koalas in the wild. This is an ideal environment for them - river red gums are a great source of food and Murrumbidgee River offers a cooler location on hotter days. Look out for them in branches overhanging the river.
In 1972, when no koalas had been seen around these parts since 1900, koalas were re-introduced into Narrandera district from Victoria and Queensland. Through heatwaves, flooding and fire, a healthy population has survived.
Roll out a picnic blanket and enjoy lunch on the grass or head to the river where you'll find some picnic tables. Then either walk or cycle along Koala walking track through the reserve to see how many koalas you can spot, or contact Narrandera Visitor Centre for information on tours.
Nearby
-
Koala walking track
It’s so exciting to see koalas along Koala walking track in Murrumbidgee Valley Nature Reserve. This easy 2.2km return riverside trail near Narrandera is one of the best places in NSW to see wild koalas.
Map
Map legend
Map
Local alerts
For the latest updates on fires, closures and other alerts in this area, see https://www.nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/things-to-do/picnic-areas/koala-picnic-area/local-alerts
General enquiries
- National Parks Contact Centre
- 7am to 7pm daily
- 1300 072 757 (13000 PARKS) for the cost of a local call within Australia excluding mobiles
- parks.info@environment.nsw.gov.au
Park info
- in Murrumbidgee Valley Nature Reserve in the Murray-Riverina region
- Koala picnic area is open in dry weather but access roads will be closed during and after rain.
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about the Koala picnic area.
Getting there and parking
Koala picnic area is in Murrumbidgee Valley Nature Reserve. From Narrandera visitor centre:
- Drive South of Narrandera on Newell Hwy for 140m.
- Turn left onto Larmer Street and travel for 700m.
- Turn right onto Lake Drive and continue for 850m.
- Turn right onto Elizabeth Street over the bridge.
- Turn right again onto Oakbank Street.
- Enter the council-managed Narrandera Flora and Fauna Reserve.
- Follow the red arrows pinned on the trees until you come across the green entrance panels to Murrumbidgee Valley Nature Reserve.
Road quality
Check the weather before you set out. Narrandera Shire Council closes the access roads to Murrumbidgee Valley Nature Reserve during and after wet weather. Roads can be slippery and boggy for some time after rain.
- Unsealed roads
Vehicle access
- Most roads require 4WD vehicle
Weather restrictions
- Dry weather only
Parking
Parking is available at the entrance to Koala picnic area.
Weather, temperature and rainfall
Summer temperature
Average
16°C and 32°C
Highest recorded
47.7°C
Winter temperature
Average
4°C and 16.5°C
Lowest recorded
-4.8°C
Rainfall
Wettest month
May
Driest month
January
The area’s highest recorded rainfall in one day
93.3mm
Facilities
Drinking water is not available in this area, so it’s a good idea to bring your own.
Picnic tables
There are picnic tables at the end of the track that leads to the river.
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - medium
There are some minor difficulties such as a grassy surface, fallen branches and uneven surfaces.
Medium access presents some minor difficulties, such as a grassy surface. You may require a little assistance to get around in some areas.
Permitted
Cycling
No electric bikes and motor bikes can be used in the picnic area, as these disturb the wildlife.
Fishing
A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.
Prohibited
Camp fires and solid fuel burners
Camping
Drones
Flying a drone for recreational purposes is prohibited in this area. Drones may affect public enjoyment, safety and privacy, interfere with park operations, or pose a threat to wildlife. See the Drones in Parks policy.
This area may be a declared Drone Exclusion Zone, or may be subject to Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) rules for flying near airports, aerodromes and helicopter landing sites. See CASA's Drone Flyer Rules.
Commercial filming and photography
Commercial filming or photography is prohibited without prior consent. You must apply for permission and contact the local office.
Gathering firewood
Generators
Horses
Pets
Pets and domestic animals (other than certified assistance animals) are not permitted. Find out which regional parks allow dog walking and see the pets in parks policy for more information.
Smoking
NSW national parks are no smoking areas.