Attractions
Cohuna and Country.
Attractions in close proximity to the Murray River in Northern Victoria.
The Golf Club at Cohuna is central to Australia’s greatest river and a host of local attractions that bring visitors to the Murray River region.
Gunbower State Forest, Gunbower Island, the Gunbower Island Forest Drive, Garden Park, The Millennium Fountain, Cohuna Children’s Playground, Cohuna Skate Park, Cohuna Pool and Waterslide, Old Butter Factory and Antiques Museum, The Cubby House Quilter, Kow Swamp, Mt Hope, Cohuna Weir, Mathers Waterwheel Museum, Yemurraki Aboriginal Art Gallery, Crystal Paradise Gemstones & Rocks, Major Mitchell Trail, Cohuna Historical Society, Cohuna Opportunity Shop, Cohuna Ski Run and the hidden wonder and golfers sanctuary of the Cohuna Golf Course itself all help make Cohuna a very attractive place to play and stay.
Attractions at a glance.
Gunbower State Forest
Across the Cohuna Town Bridge lies a flood plain located between the banks of the Murray River and the Gunbower Creek. This 26,400-hectare flood plain is called Gunbower Island, internationally recognised as a wetland of significance for its importance to bird life, native mammals and amphibians.
Gunbower Island
Gunbower Island lies in between the Murray River and the Gunbower Creek. Magnificent red gum and box forests cover 80% of this 50-kilometre long island.
The island is home to a diverse range of wildlife including some 160 species of native waterbirds and numerous species of native animals. Because of its totally natural state, Gunbower Island is perfectly suited for bushwalking, canoeing and bird watching.
The Gunbower Forest is home to giant Red gums, some over 400 years old. This forest offers the visitor a really unique wildlife experience. However, recently artists, photographers and wood workers have tried to capture the beauty of these trees in a different way.
The Gunbower Forest is a well used and much loved forest, a haven for wildlife and a source of enjoyment for those that love the outdoors.
Gunbower Island Forest Drive
Beginning in Cohuna, the drive is a leisurely half-day journey linking a number of historical, cultural and ecological sites of interest. One of Gunbower State Forest’s greatest treasures is Wattle Creek, almost rainforest-like damp and moss covered area, which is a refuge for many small animals and birds. Stop along the way for a picnic lunch and enjoy the beauty and tranquillity of the forest.
Collect a map/brochure for directions from the tourist information centre or town newsagency.
Garden Park
Visitors comment on Cohuna’s picturesque surrounds. Garden Park provides the perfect stop off to relax and take in the natural beauty of the Gunbower Creek, while being able to easily access shopping facilities.
The Millenium Fountain
Situated in the Gunbower Creek opposite the shopping centre, this fountain was Cohuna’s icon to welcome in the year 2000. Generous donations, both monies and in-kind, by businesses and residents contributed to Cohuna having an everlasting reminder of welcoming in the new century. The opening celebration was held December 31st 1999 in Garden Park with much fanfare and fireworks.
Cohuna Children’s Playground
The Cohuna playgroup raised 1200 from a sausage sizzle when the John Farnham concert was held in Cohuna in October 2002.
A dedicated and hardworking committee turned this into a 100,000 playground with financial and in-kind donations from locals, as well as government and Gannawarra Shire funding. Located in the Apex Park over the town bridge, this playground provides hours of safe fun for both local and visiting youngsters.
Cohuna Skate Park
Another hardworking and enthusiastic committee have worked over the last six years to bring their dream of a skate park for the local youth to fruition.
The site is in the Apex Park, just over the town bridge and work is now completed.
The youth of Cohuna are already enjoying the activities offered by this amenity.
Cohuna Pool and Waterslide
One of the first waterslides in the region, this slide still attracts thrill-seekers young and old. Located at the Cohuna Swimming Pool over the Town Bridge and turn left.
Old Butter Factory and Antiques Museum
A private display of Vintage Vehicles and Historic Display. A special feature of this display is a 1910 IHC horseless carriage which has been restored over a period of ten years, plus a 1914 3 tonne Leyland truck loaded with kerosene and petrol tin cases. There is a collection of garage and kitchen collectibles and well pumps and many more historic pieces.
Open by appointment. Phone Golden Rivers Tourism on 1800 621 882
Kow Swamp
Kow Swamp was the intersecting point of five aboriginal tribal boundaries and acted as a meeting place. The ‘Cohuna Skull’ was found in the area in 1925 in a large burial ground on the edge of Kow Swamp. The area contains remains dating from 10,000 to 30,000 years old.
Mt Hope
Mt Hope is a point from which Major Mitchell surveyed the local region. While there is no formal walking track, this area provides the perfect landscape for picnicking, walking and has great viewpoints from the top.
Cohuna Weir
The original weir was constructed in 1908 out of local red gum. A new weir was constructed during the winter months of 2005 and is in a slightly altered location. The footbridge across the Weir gives access to some of the marvellous sporting facilities of the town.
Yemurraki Aboriginal Art Gallery
Enjoy a fine display of Aboriginal artwork. The gallery features artefacts painted and carved emus eggs, original paintings of varying sizes, children’s jewellery boxes, cards, bookmarks and more. Phone: 0429 330927
Major Mitchell Trail
Major Mitchell and his party were the first white people known to have passed through the district. In 1836 Mitchell set out on his third expedition, reaching Swan Hill on June 20th and arriving in the district on June 24th. The Major Mitchell Trail has been signposted.
Cohuna Historical Society
The Cohuna Historical Society boasts an accredited museum of memorabilia in a historic chapel, trash and treasure tables and history archive section for the interest of visitors. Open most days with trash and treasure sales Wednesdays and Fridays. Contact Golden Rivers Tourism on 1800 621 882
Cohuna Opportunity Shop
Cohuna Op Shop is surely worth a visit, as it is regarded as one of the best variety opportunity shops in the region. Friendly local volunteers operate this fundraising store for the Cohuna Anglican Church.
Located in Cullen Street opposite the Post Office. Contact Marilyn on (03) 54563495
Cohuna Ski Run
Situated on the Gunbower Creek along Island Road 3kms from Cohuna, this expanse of water has for many years been a drawcard for both locals and visitors.
Maintained by a small group of volunteers, the grassy lawn area, sandy beaches, shady trees, toilet and BBQ facilities provide for a perfect day out for water sports.