Conservation and Environment

Wetlands home Ramsar home

Gunbower Forest Ramsar Site

The Gunbower Forest Ramsar Site is located 235 kilometres north-west of Melbourne. It is dominated by seasonally flooded River Red Gum open forest and woodland that once contained the course of the Murray River. This site was chosen for its historical significance and wetlands that seasonally support a range of plants and animals including several threatened species. Features of the Gunbower Forest Ramsar Site include: More than 210 native plant species including 3 species threatened in Australia and 18 in Victoria. More than 143 native animal species including one species threatened in Australia and 40 in Victoria. The only breeding colony of the Intermediate Egret in Victoria. Contains many archaeological sites of significance such as Aboriginal shell deposits, mounds, scarred trees, burial remains, a hearth and a sub-surface cultural deposit. A large proportion of the site remains unsurveyed leading to the potential for the discovery of more significant archaeological sites.

Further details can be found in the following Information Sheet, Site Management Plan and Site Map.

Gunbower Forest Information Sheet (PDF - 30 Kb)

Gunbower Forest Ramsar Site Strategic Management Plan (PDF - 1,021 Kb)

Gunbower Forest Site Map (PDF - 489 Kb)