Plan Your Visit
Whether you’re visiting for a school camp, cultural experience, river cruise, or conference, this page will help you plan your journey.
Discover Dharnya Centre
Located within the stunning Barmah National Park, Dharnya Centre offers a unique opportunity to connect with Yorta Yorta culture.
Many visitors choose to spend two or three days exploring Yorta Yorta Country. From world-class wildlife experiences and ancient River Red Gum forests to Aboriginal art, historic river towns, wineries and the mighty Dhungala (Murray River), there is so much to discover throughout the region.
Getting Here
Dharnya Centre is located in Barmah National Park, along the Murray River in northern Victoria.
Approximately 2.5 hours from Melbourne
Accessible via Shepparton and Barmah township
On-site parking available for cars and buses
- Mobile reception may be limited in some areas — plan ahead before arriving.
What to Do
There are a range of experiences available depending on your visit:
Cultural Experiences
Learn about Yorta Yorta culture through guided tours, storytelling, and immersive experiences on Country.
Bird Watching
Barmah National Park is home to a diverse range of birdlife, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.
Kingfisher Cruises
Explore the Murray River with a guided cruise, offering insights into the environment, wildlife, and cultural significance of the region. Cruises typically run for approximately 90 minutes.
Walking Trails
Discover the Yamyabuc Trail and surrounding landscapes at your own pace. Walks can be short or extended depending on your route and time available.
Featured Partner
- Caring for Country
- Living Culture
- Interactive Experiences
Kyabram Fauna Park
Located just 35 minutes from Dharnya Centre, Kyabram Fauna Park is one of northern Victoria’s leading family attractions and a proud member of Zoos Victoria.
Set across 55 hectares of natural bushland and wetlands, the park is home to more than 400 Australian native animals, including koalas, dingoes, kangaroos, wombats, emus, reptiles and the ever-popular meerkat exhibit. Visitors can enjoy daily keeper talks, animal encounters, scenic walking trails and one of the region’s favourite water play parks, making it an ideal destination for families during the warmer months.
Dharnya Centre and Kyabram Fauna Park proudly work together to share the natural and cultural stories of Yorta Yorta Country. Throughout the park, visitors can discover cultural interpretation developed in partnership with the Yorta Yorta Nation Aboriginal Corporation, providing a deeper understanding of the connection between Country, wildlife and Yorta Yorta culture.
For the best regional experience, we recommend visiting both attractions. Experience Australia’s unique wildlife at Kyabram Fauna Park before connecting with the living culture, stories and traditions of the Yorta Yorta People through the immersive experiences at Dharnya Centre.
Explore Yorta Yorta Country
School Camps & Education
Dharnya Centre is a leading destination for school camps and educational programs, welcoming students and educators from across Victoria and beyond. Facilities include:
- Group accommodation
- Commercial kitchen and dining areas
- Indoor and outdoor learning spaces
- Structured education programs aligned to curriculum
Conferences & Group Events
Dharnya Centre offers a unique setting for conferences, workshops, and corporate retreats, surrounded by natural bushland and cultural significance.
Please note: on-site accommodation is primarily designed for school groups. Conference and corporate bookings are typically day-based or can be supported with nearby accommodation options
- Flexible indoor and outdoor spaces
- Catering options available
- Opportunities to include cultural experiences and guided tours
Accommodation
On-site accommodation at Dharnya Centre is specifically designed for school groups and educational visits.
Facilities include:
- Group-style bunk accommodation
- Separate amenities for students and teachers
- Easy access to learning spaces and outdoor areas
- Proximity to all on-site activities and programs
This setup supports structured, immersive camp experiences on Country, with everything located in one place.
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes
Weather-appropriate clothing (hat, sunscreen, jacket)
Water bottle
Camera or binoculars for wildlife viewing
Accessibility
Entry to the Dharnya Centre via a compressed crushed granite path, that has an incline of 1.2m over 20 metres The car park has plenty of parking, with generous space. There is access from the Car Park to the All abilities toilets (x 2) via a flat crushed granite path. Additionally there is a disabled car space at the rear of the bunk house with improved wheelchair access with ramps to the dharnya centre.
The Kingfisher River Cruiser, as an early 1980s design and built vessel, has very limited accessibility, that includes steps (x 3) from the entry platform, going down into the vessel. The access rows between the fixed seating, is unsuitable for wheelchairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — bookings are recommended for all group visits, cruises, and programs to ensure availability.
Yes — individual visitors are welcome to explore walking trails and book available experiences such as Kingfisher Cruises, subject to availability.
Dharnya Centre is open year-round. Spring and autumn are particularly popular due to mild weather and active wildlife.
A Kingfisher Cruises river cruise typically runs for approximately 90 minutes.
Walking trails can vary depending on your pace — visitors can plan a shorter walk or a longer hike. We recommend reviewing the trail map before your visit.
Yes — Dharnya Centre is specifically designed for school camps and education programs, with facilities and experiences tailored to structured learning.
Yes — on-site accommodation is available for school groups only as part of structured education programs.
Yes — Dharnya Centre offers facilities for conferences, workshops, and retreats. These are typically day-based events, with accommodation available off-site if required.
Yes — catering can be arranged for school groups, conferences, and events. Please enquire in advance to discuss your requirements.
We recommend bringing comfortable walking shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, sun protection, and water. Binoculars are also useful for bird watching.
Dharnya Centre offers accessible facilities where possible. If you have specific requirements, we recommend contacting the team ahead of your visit.
Start Planning Your Visit
Whether you’re organising a school camp, booking a river cruise, or planning a conference, our team can help tailor your experience.
