Koalas, Camping and Adventure: Your King's Birthday Long Weekend Guide
Looking for the perfect nature escape this June long weekend? Pack your camping gear, lace up your hiking boots, and head to Narrandera Shire where the river red gums tower, koalas nap, and starry skies put on a show.
Whether you're chasing a peaceful getaway or an outdoor adventure, we've rounded up the best ways to make the most of your King's Birthday long weekend in Narrandera.
Pitch a Tent, Roll Out a Swag, or Roll In a Caravan
Nothing says long weekend like waking up to the sound of kookaburras and the scent of eucalyptus in the air. Narrandera Shire offers a range of camping options, from riverside bush camps to family-friendly caravan parks.
- Find your own patch of riverside bliss on the Murrumbidgee. Popular spots include MIA State Forest, Buckingbong Reserve, and Brewery Flat.
- If you prefer a powered site and easy access to facilities, Lake Talbot Tourist Park and Narrandera Caravan Park offer plenty of well-manicured spots and a great base for exploring. Visiting Barellan? The Barellan Showgrounds and the Commercial Hotel Barellan are great options! Grong Grong more your vibe? Be sure to check out the Royal Hotel Grong Grong and Grong Grong Earth Park.
Hike, Bike, and Stroll Through Nature
Explore Narrandera's natural assets on foot or by bike - there's a trail for every pace. Looking for a place to start? Head into the Destination and Discovery Hub to collect a copy of our Bike+Hike map.
- Flora and Fauna Reserve: Stroll along shaded paths and keep your eyes peeled for koalas snoozing in the river red gums. The reserve is a great spot for a quiet walk and a close encounter with Narrandera's most famous locals. Did we mention there were beaches too? First and Second Beach are both located within the reserve and are great spots to cast a line if you're a fishing enthusiast.
- Bundidgerry Walking Track: A scenic riverside series of trails, perfect for a morning walk or afternoon bike ride. The track winds along Lake Talbot and is particularly beautiful in the early morning. There are access points to the trail from both Lake Talbot Lookout and below the Skywalk, providing a great opportunity to take in some truly spectacular views.
- Narrandera Wetlands: A peaceful place for a short wander of picnic. Interpretive signs and bird hides make it a great stop for nature lovers and birdwatchers.
Pack a Picnic and Soak Up the Scenery
When was the last time you spent a lazy afternoon by the river, book in hand and a picnic spread out? This long weekend is your chance.
- Rocky Waterholes: One of Narrandera's most popular spots - perfect for fishing, kayaking, or simply watching the sun set over the water. Our tip? Park at the Flora and Fauna Reserve and take the Rocky Waterholes track along the Canal. Prefer to drive? With Old Wagga Road currently closed, head out to Pine Hill Road and follow the detour signs to Rocky Waterholes.
- Marie Bashir Park: Centrally located with beautiful trees, ample shade, playgrounds and more - it's a classic spot for a relaxed lunch.
Top Tips for the Weekend
- Pack for crisp mornings and sunny afternoons.
- Don't forget your cameras and binoculars - koalas, pelicans, and plenty of other birdlife call this region home.
- Visit the Narrandera Destination and Discovery Hub for hidden gems only the locals know about.
Whether you're a nature lover, a keen camper, or just craving some time under open skies, Narrandera Shire has you sorted this King's Birthday Long Weekend.
