Barmah–Millewa Forest

Doctors Point Swamp during a flood
Photo: Keith Ward

Australia’s largest river red gum forest and the biggest ecosystem of its type in the world

The Barmah–Millewa Forest is the largest river red gum forest in Australia, covering 66,000 hectares of floodplain between Tocumwal, Deniliquin and Echuca.

Many threatened native plants, birds, fish and reptiles make this forest and its wetlands their home. Spring floods keep river red gums healthy and allow waterbirds to breed and raise their young. It is also an important habitat for native fish.

The Living Murray first step ecological objectives

• Successful breeding of thousands of colonial waterbirds in at least 3 years out of 10
• Healthy vegetation in at least 55% of the area of the forest (including virtually all of the giant rush, moira grass, river red gum forest, and some river red gum woodland)

Click here to view the environmental management plan for the Barmah–Millewa Forest icon site.  

The Murray-Darling Basin Authority is conducting the Barmah Choke Study to research options associated with river management and the Barmah Choke.  

Links to other icon sites

Gunbower–Koondrook–Perricoota Forest

Hattah Lakes

Chowilla Floodplain and Lindsay–Wallpolla Islands

Lower Lakes, Coorong and Murray Mouth

River Murray Channel

Further information

Programs to deliver The Living Murray