If you love exploring places where nature still calls the shots, you’ll feel right at home in Gunbower. Set on the edge of Australia’s largest inland island, this region is shaped by water, wildlife, and warm country hospitality. From sunrise paddles among towering red gums to lazy pub dinners and golden sunsets over quiet wetlands, this two-day escape is all about slowing down and soaking up the natural beauty of rural Victoria.
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DAY ONE - CREEKS, FORESTS AND COUNTRY HOSPITALITY
Morning
Start your day early with breakfast at your accommodation or grab an egg and bacon roll and hot coffee from the Gunny Roadhouse.
Then it’s time to hit the water. Launch your kayak or canoe from Gunbower Creek Park right in town or head north to Koondrook to explore the Gunbower Island Canoe Trail, a tranquil 5km loop through Safe’s Lagoon. Glide past mossy logs and overhanging gums as kookaburras call through the forest. The calm waters and chorus of birds make this a truly peaceful paddle.
If you’d rather let someone else lead the way, join a guided tour with Murray River Adventures.
Haven’t got you own gear? Hire a kayak or SUP from Murray River Adventures in Cohuna or Barham Adventure Hire (they even provide portable roof racks for easy transport).
Afternoon
Head to Cohuna for lunch at The Big Cohuna Stockyard. Their waffles are a local favourite and the perfect reward after a morning on the water.
After lunch, set out along the Gunbower Island Forest Drive, a scenic 33km loop through one of Victoria’s most ecologically rich wetlands. Here, towering red gums stand guard over billabongs teeming with life. Keep an eye out for kangaroos grazing in the shade, pelicans gliding low over the water, and the occasional wedge-tailed eagle circling above.
Evening
Treat yourself to a hearty dinner at the Gunbower Hotel, famous for its farm-to-plate menu featuring locally raised, dry-aged steaks from the publican’s own property. Pull up a stool, share a yarn with the locals, and toast to a day well spent.
DAY TWO - LOCAL ART, HISTORY AND SUNSET MAGIC
Morning
Ease into your day with breakfast at the Gunbower Workshop Cafe, a warm, character-filled spot full of antiques, collectables and good food. Browse between bites, then wander around town to explore Transformations Gallery and Gifts and the neighbouring Kevin Williams Gallery, an Indigenous fine art gallery. Both showcase local artists and the stories that shape this region.
Afternoon
Before leaving town, grab a light lunch or something to go and head for Torrumbarry Weir, a heritage-listed site that brings the region’s river story to life. Visit the interpretive centre to learn about the weir and marvel at the fish ladder, an innovative way for fish to migrate upstream.
Just below the weir is a great spot for fishing. Find a quiet corner, cast your line and see if you can hook a famous Murray Cod or some Golden Perch. It’s a wonderful way to slow down, soak up the calm waters, and savour that laid-back Murray lifestyle.
Evening
End your trip with a sunset that will stay with you long after you’ve left. Stop for an early dinner at the Leitchville Hotel then make your way to Kow Swamp.
As the sun sinks behind the horizon, the wetlands glow gold and pink, and the sound of waterbirds fills the air. It’s peaceful, grounding, and deeply beautiful, the perfect farewell to Gunbower’s quiet charm.
Where to stay
Stay in the heart of Gunbower or on a quiet property just out of town. From converted historic buildings to peaceful retreats and family-friendly caravan parks, there’s something for every kind of explorer.
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The Travelling Bishop
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Sandcliffe Dairy Luxury Farmstay
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Torrumbarry Weir Holiday Park
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Gunbower Camping Reserve