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Enjoy camping in the Kerang area. Walking, cycling, bird watching, fishing, boating, scenic drives, and water sports are just some of the popular activities in the region.
| Preparing for the Camping Trip
Camping opportunities in the Kerang Region range from formal camp grounds with facilities to basic bush camping. Before you leave home decide on the type of camping you want to do and prepare accordingly. | Planning your trip
Keep your party small. Large parties have more environmental impact and can adversely affect the experience of other visitors.
Go off peak where possible to avoid the peak times of the year, December to February, and the more popular areas. This way you will miss the crowds and spread the impact, giving the environment a chance to recover.
Protect yourself and your family against cold, wind and rain. Take warm clothing and raincoat and wear strong shoes.
Sunlight burns even on cold or cloudy days. Protect your skin and always wear a hat and sunscreen.
Let someone know before you go. Tell them where you are going and when you plan to return.
| Campsites
All camps must be 20 metres from any waterway.
Camping is not permitted in designated 'Day Visitor' areas or licenced water frontages adjacent to private property.
Permanent structures or camps and unauthorised works are not permitted. Maintain your campsite in a clean and tidy manner at all times and ensure that all traces of litter are removed prior to leaving. |  | History
The Kerang Region has a diverse and colourful history with scar trees, ring trees and oven mounds as a reminder of Aboriginal people who hunted there, and settlers seeking materials for shelter.
|  | Shooting
Firearms are prohibitted in most Murray River Parklands. Call 13 1963 to check with the local Parks Victoria Office. | Leaghur State Park
Leaghur State Park is 25kms south-west of Kerang on the Kerang-Boort Road. Leaghur State Park protects some of the most significant Black Box wetland and woodland communities in Victoria. The park provides opportunities for visitors to enjoy and experience its natural and cultural values in the midst of a largely agricultural landscape. There are some seasonal closures to minimise damage during flooding that can occur during winter and spring. The flooding replenishes the park with vigorous growth, resulting in rich, stunning wetlands.
Camping is only permitted in the two designated picnic areas, one near the main entrance and one near Lake Meran. Though Lake Meran has been dry for a number of years.
Leaghur State Park is home to Whistling Kites, Brown Falcons, Pelicans, Swans and many other birds. Also homes to wildlife such as wallabies and kangaroos. | The Murray River Parklands
The Murray River Parklands provides the ideal backdrop for camping and watersports with its majestic River Red Gums, sandy beaches and large variety of wildlife.
The Murray River Red Gums and forests provide an important habitat for a variety of plants and animals. Kangaroos, emus and koalas are common. Over 200 species of birds have been recorded and the river is one of the largest breeding grounds for water birds in Victoria. The river is also a breeding grounds for native fish species such as the Murray Cod and Golden Perch.
For thousands of years, local indigenous people have lived along the Murray River. When exploring you may discover ring trees, scar trees and earth middens (kitchen hearths) and burials. All these testify to a rich human history spanning more than 10,000 years. These Australian heritage sites are protected by law.
Today, the Murray is a major source of domestic water for around 1.25 million people and is often referred to as the "food bowl" of Australia. Fruit (fresh and dried, canned and juiced), dairy produce, vegetables, rice and other cereals, wine, meat and vegetable oil, many of which are exported, all these are products of the Murray. Keeping the parklands clean is important to ensure the quality of this food and water.
Precautions
Avoid camping, picnicking or parking under River Red Gum trees. They may drop heavy branches at any time without warning.
Swimming in the Murray can be hazardous because of currents, hidden snags, cold water and shifting sands.
Do not dive or jump into the river or use any kind of swing attached to trees or other structures.
Be self-sufficient with drinking water. Carry it in and/or know how to make untreated water safe for drinking. For more information contact Parks Victoria on 13 1963 | Gunbower Island (Entry via Koondrook)
Gunbower Island is the section of land sandwiched between the Murray River and its anabranch, Gunbower Creek. 50 km long, it is reputedly Australia's largest inland island. It runs from Koondrook to Torrumbarry Weir.
The island is characterised by swamps, enormous river red gums and, on the higher ground, box forest. The beautiful red gums make excellent timber and have been milled since the 1870s.
Gunbower supports a diversity of native animals (including kangaroos, emus, goannas, possums and snakes) and 160 bird species. Still entirely in its natural state it is ideal for bushwalking, bush camping, birdwatching and canoeing. | Fishing
Fishinf Licences can be obtained from your local tackle or sports shop.
For fishing along the Murray River, a NSW Amateur Fishing Licence is required.
For fishing in Rivers and Lakes in Victoria, a Victorian Fishing Licence is required.
| For more regulations and guidelines including Fires, Vehicles, Rubbish, Firewood and Vegetation, Toilets and Dog and Other Pets there is a brochure available from the Kerang Information Centre or from Parks Victoria.
| For More Information
Including Parknotes and Maps Contact-
Parks Victoria
Information Centre
13 19 63 or
Parks Victoria
Kerang Office
Weelington St
Kerang 3579
(03) 5452 3951 | To find out more check these pages-
Kerang Information Centre Leaghur State Park and Lake Meran Fishing Birdwatching Bushwalking
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