Explore Yamyabuc cultural walking trails at Dharnya Centre, Barmah National Park
Come, take a walk into the Barmah Forest with the Yorta Yorta People.
Starting from the Dharnya Centre, you can explore three unique walking trails. Each trail offers a different way to experience river red gum forest, wetlands, wildlife and the living stories of Yorta Yorta Country.
Before you set out, pick up a copy of the official Dharnya walking maps. The trails range from short cultural walks to longer loops through forest and wetland landscapes, giving you the freedom to choose the experience that suits you.
Our Walking Trails
Yamyabuc Trail (1.2 km)
You are welcome to explore the Yamyabuc Trail at your own pace, following the interpretive signs as they guide you through the stories of this landscape.
For visitors seeking a deeper connection to Country, you can also book a guided Yamyabuc walk. A Yorta Yorta Knowledge Holder will lead you along the trail, sharing cultural perspectives, personal memories and insights that bring added meaning beyond what appears on the signs. Guided walks run on select days and can be booked online.
If you do not see available dates in the booking calendar, please contact the Dharnya Centre. Additional guided sessions may be arranged subject to staff availability and group size.
This trail is ideal for families, school groups, visitors looking for a gentle educational walk and guests combining their walk with a Kingfisher River Cruise.
A short cultural trail with 13 interpretive points
The Yamyabuc Trail is our dedicated cultural walking path, beginning and ending at the Dharnya Centre. Along this 1.2 kilometre loop, you will find 13 interpretive markers sharing cultural, ecological and historical knowledge of:
Along the way, you can expect to see:
- Wetlands and wildlife
- Higher ground through forest country
- Uncle Aaron’s story
- Burls and insects
- Oven mounds
- Canoe trees
- Life after ringbarking
- Mistletoe ecology
- Forest changing
- Cultural land and water cycles
- Tree hollows and tree houses
- Water table changes
- Emu eggs and forest life
Broken Creek Loop (4 km)
A forest and creek-side loop
This 4 kilometre track begins behind the Dharnya Centre before winding through tall river red gum forest and leading you to the banks of Broken Creek. The trail then follows the waterway, offering quiet shaded sections and open floodplain views, before looping back through the forest to Dharnya.
This walk is a relaxing half-day option and is well suited to visitors who want a scenic and peaceful forest experience.
Along the way, you can expect to see:
- River red gums leaning over the creek
- Forest shade and dappled light
- Waterbirds feeding and resting
- Seasonal shifts in vegetation
Lakes Loop (5 km)
Wetland vistas and mature forest landscapes
The Lakes Loop is the longest of the three walking options, guiding you through forest country toward the expansive wetlands of the Barmah Lakes. This 5 kilometre loop takes you across a rich ecological zone where forest and wetland meet.
This trail is recommended for walkers seeking a longer, immersive experience through some of Barmah National Park’s most striking natural landscapes.
Along the way, you can expect to see:
- Mature river red gum stands
- Wetland lake edges
- Migratory bird habitat
- Open floodplain views
A Cultural Experience on Country
Every trail invites you to slow down, listen to the forest and experience Barmah through a Yorta Yorta perspective.
- Yorta Yorta relationships with land and water
- Seasonal rhythms across forest and wetland environments
- Wildlife behaviour throughout the year
- Cultural sites and ecological knowledge systems
What You May See Throughout the Year
Spring
Nesting birds, spoonbills, egrets and ibis, young kangaroos and emus, wildflowers and fresh forest growth.
Summer
Turtles basking on warm logs, waterbirds resting along shaded bends, golden forest light and bright reflections across the water.
Autumn
Pelicans, cormorants and darters feeding, migrating species passing through, calm water surfaces and rich forest tones.
Winter
Cool dawn mist rising from the forest, black swans on the backwaters and wedge-tailed eagles soaring overhead.
What to Bring
- Insect repellent
- A hat
- Covered walking shoes
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Drinking water (available at the Dharnya Centre)
- Camera
- Poncho or umbrella in cooler or wet months
To ensure a safe and comfortable walk, we recommend bringing:
If you have accessibility needs, please contact the Dharnya Centre before booking so we can advise on vessel suitability.
Safety and Conditions
1.
Walks take place within Barmah National Park where wildlife is active. Snakes may be present in warmer months.
2.
Please stay on designated walking paths at all times.
3.
Extreme heat, high winds or heavy rain may result in track or guided walk cancellations.
4.
All guided cultural walks are led by trained staff carrying a mobile phone, water and a first aid kit.
Before or After Your Walk
Your visit can continue at the Dharnya Centre, located close to the river. Here, you can:
- Collect a Bird Spotters Guide
- Pick up a visitor map and explore walking trails
- Learn about the region’s wildlife and forest systems
- View cultural displays and Yorta Yorta artefacts
- Meet the Dharnya team and discover more experiences available on Country
Dharnya is the gateway to your cultural experience and an ideal place to begin or end your visit.
Ready to plan your visit?
Explore more
Kingfisher River Cruises
Experience the Murray River from a Yorta Yorta perspective on a guided cruise through Barmah National Park. Relax into the tranquillity of the waterways while learning about the cultural stories, environmental rhythms and living histories that shape this landscape.
Birdlife at Barmah
Barmah and Millewa Forests are home to some of Australia’s most significant bird habitats. If you are interested in birdwatching, explore our dedicated page with seasonal species, viewing tips and information on where to look.
