Koala walking track
Murrumbidgee Valley Nature Reserve
Overview
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.
- Accessibility
- Medium
- Distance
- 2.2km return
- Time suggested
- 1/2 hr - 1hr
- Grade
- Grade 2
- Opening times
- Koala walking track is open in dry weather but access roads will be closed during and after rain.
- What to
bring - Binoculars, drinking water, food supplies, sturdy shoes, suitable clothing, sunscreen, hat
- Please note
- Koala walking track in Murrumbidgee Valley Nature Reserve is always open. However, access is through Narrandera Flora and Fauna Reserve managed by Narrandera Shire Council. During and after wet weather, the council closes the access gate and roads.
- There are no toilet facilities in the reserve. The nearest toilets are in the town of Narrandera or the water park nearby.
- Dogs are not permitted in the reserve but they’re allowed in adjoining Narrandera Flora and Fauna Reserve managed by Narrandera Shire Council.
- Eastern grey kangaroos live here. These are wild animals and should be admired from a distance.
- Be careful of falling tree branches, especially if it’s windy. There may also be fallen logs across the walking track.
Koala walking track in Murrumbidgee Valley Nature Reserve is a short walk that packs in plenty of wildlife and Murrumbidgee River scenery. More than 200 healthy koalas live in the reserve, making it an ideal place to see these lovely animals.
Plan your walk for the early morning, late afternoon or dusk as these are the best times to see koalas. You could also see other animals like grey kangaroos and various parrots including eastern rosellas and galahs. Remember to bring your binoculars and camera.
Stroll through a landscape of river red gums, white cypress and the striking red banks of Murrumbidgee River. At the end of the track, have a relaxing riverside snack at Koala picnic area. On the way back, look out for wildflowers such as the garland lily and common everlasting.
You could go fishing in the river or enjoy a cooling swim. You could also combine this short walk with a trip to adjoining Narrandera Flora and Fauna Reserve for more walkways, wildlife and picnic areas.
Nearby
-
Koala picnic area
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.
Map
Map legend
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/walking-tracks/koala-walking-track/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
Visitor info
All the practical information you need to know about Koala walking track.
Track grading
Features of this track
Distance
2.2km return
Time
1/2 hr - 1hr
Quality of markings
Clearly sign posted
Experience required
No experience required
Gradient
Gentle hills
Steps
No steps
Quality of path
Well-formed track
Getting there and parking
Koala walking track is only 7.3km from Narrandera, but it can take half an hour to drive there because of unsealed roads and speed limits.
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 (Koala reserve) during and after wet weather. Roads can be slippery and boggy for some time after rain.
- Mixture of sealed and unsealed roads
Vehicle access
- Most roads require 4WD vehicle
Weather restrictions
- Dry weather only
Parking
Parking is available at the entrance to Murrumbidgee Valley Nature Reserve (Koala reserve). There are no designated parking areas.
By bike
The walking track can also be used as a cycling track.
No electric bikes or motor bikes can be used in the reserve, as these disturb wildlife.
Best times to visit
Spring
In August to September you can see baby koalas on their mothers’ backs.
In spring, you can hear koalas bellowing their mating calls. Many eucalyptus and wattle trees are blossoming.
Summer
In December, the river red gums give shade while you walk and picnic. You can also wade, fish or swim in the river.
Facilities
There are no bins so you’ll need to take all rubbish away with you.
Picnic tables
Carpark
Maps and downloads
Accessibility
Disability access level - medium
The track is natural terrain with some obstacles such as fallen branches, gentle hills and uneven surfaces.
Permitted
Swimming in Murrumbidgee River is permitted.
Cycling
Fishing
A current NSW recreational fishing licence is required when fishing in all waters.
Prohibited
No electric bikes or motor bikes are permitted in the reserve as these disturb the wildlife.
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
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.