Nathalia, Victoria is located on the Broken Creek

Founded in 1875 and located on the beautiful Broken Creek, Nathalia is “the gem of the Northern Country” on the Murray Valley Highway.

A welcoming place with a country lifestyle, the largest number of historic buildings in the Shire and a thriving arts community, it is the perfect destination for the tourist or traveller exploring the Murray Valley.

Country lifestyle and hospitality is wonderfully apparent here and the visitor is always welcomed with warmth and a friendly smile. There is much to do in and around this charming small town and many annual events bring visitors back year after year. Nathalia provides all the essential services in peaceful surroundings, and is becoming a popular haven for tourists seeking that ‘get away from it all’ location.

The Broken Creek in the centre of town provides a wonderful resting spot to relax and rejuvenate under the shady trees. The town still boasts some wonderful historic buildings from the turn of the nineteenth century, and a leisurely stroll along the main street provides the best vantage point.

All shops are located in the wide main street; Nathalia has excellent sporting facilities, accommodation and meals.

A visit to Nathalia would not be complete without having a hit of golf at the challenging yet rewarding Nathalia Golf Club. If golf isn’t your thing, Nathalia has a fantastic art culture and gallery housing artworks and exhibitions from a number of local artists.

Barmah Forest Heritage & Education Centre /
Visitor Information Centre

Visit the Barmah Forest Heritage & Education Centre and find out about the fascinating and diverse history of this iconic region. From pre-history to the present day, learn of the struggles and be amazed at the achievements of our forefathers. Stories are told in an easy going style that educates and enlightens. Learn about local indigenous history, the timber industry, woodcutters, riverboats, leech and feather collectors, cattlemen and more.

The centre is open daily from 9.00am to 5.00pm and is a must see before venturing to the magnificent Barmah National park. Our helpful staff will assist you with maps and suggested tours to ensure you see the Barmah National Park at it’s best.

Nathalia Historical Museum

Located in the old Mechanics Institute in Pearce Street, houses a collection of artifacts and memorabilia from Nathalia's past. Open every second Sunday of the month.

GR.A.I.N Store

The G.R.A.I.N Store is located in a converted grain store shopfront in the middle of town and open Thursday to Saturday or by arrangement. The G.R.A.I.N Store is a not for profit emerging rural arts centre with a regular schedule of exhibitions.  Performances and workshops are held on the the first Friday and Saturday of each month.

The G.R.A.I.N. Store has been designated as a "Model Project" for rural development and arts and a unique relationship has been established with La Trobe University.  It fosters art which furthers community, the environment, rural health, reconcilliation and education locally, statewide and nationally while contributing to the economic development of the area.

Cockatoo Island Art Retreat

Art classes at Cockatoo Island Art Retreat are on the banks of the Broken Creek.

Classes are available to all ages and to artists from beginner to acomplished. Painting and sculpture classes are available in a relaxed and welcoming environment. Glenda Cornell teaches and produces art (paintings, sculptures & murals), produces public art on a commission basis and works with schools as an artist in residence.

Community art projects include producing murals and working on street beautification projects. Glenda also works on private commissions and produces art work for local art shows.
A large range of art supplies are also available, as well as paintings and sculptures for sale.

Points of interest close by

Barmah National Park

Off the Murray Valley Highway towards the west at Picola-Katunga Road you'll find the township of Barmah. Take the Moira Lakes Road, next to the Barmah Hotel, for 9 km, to the edge of the forest and then follow Sandridge Track to the Dharnya Centre and cattle muster yards.

Barmah National Park together with the adjoining Millewa Forest in New South Wales forms the largest River Red Gum forest in the world. The complex ecology of the forest is closely linked to the Murray River and its flooding regime, creating a diverse natural habitat for a variety of wildlife, particularly waterbirds.

The Barmah – Millewa forest (River Red Gums National Park) is an internationally recognised wetland under the Ramsar convention and represents all four freshwater wetland types in Victoria. It is home to 220 species of birds, 35 species of mammals, 28 species of fish, 20 species of reptiles, 10 species of amphibians, and an unconfirmed number of inverebrates such as insects and up to 550 species of plants.it is also the last know nesting place of the Superb Parrot.

Wetland Kingfisher Cruise

Wetland tours of the Barmah Forest are conducted on Kingfisher, a 32-seater punt that takes visitors through the Barmah Forest lakes and creeks. Kingfisher Cruises (2 hours duration) departs Barmah Lake. Minimum numbers apply, bookings essential, groups by arrangement.

Flat-water Canoeing

Morgans Beach to Barmah township: The Murray can be entered at Morgans Beach, some 56 km east of Barmah. Take the Murray Valley Highway and turn off to the left. The return car ferry takes about 1.5 hours. This section of river offers the flat-water canoeist a wonderful glimpse of Australia's wildlife and is best taken when the river is high during the summer months.

Morgans Beach to Picnic Point: The first stage between Morgans Beach and Picnic Point, a holiday resort in New South Wales, takes about 2 days (12 hours) paddling. There are numerous creeks and backwaters which give better access to view the wildlife. Numerous camping sites are available. However, keep a sharp look out for snakes.

Picnic Point to Barmah Lakes: A half days paddling (3 hours) from Picnic Point brings you to the Barmah Lakes. The Moira Lakes on the northern bank of the Murray are in New South Wales.

Barmah Lakes to Barmah Township: A further 3 hours paddling downstream brings you to Barmah Township. Here the river widens and the river banks increase in height. The journey onto Echuca takes a further 6 hours paddling but is not as interesting as the previous two day's paddling.

Discover gourmet delights

Visit Aintree Almonds and Apairy, taste the award winning wines at Cape Horn Vineyard or buy some local produce from the Nathalia Barmah Visitor Information Centre.

Brief Nathalia History

For some reason or other, it seems that the town was named after the Queen of Serbia, possibly because some of the early settlers migrated from that country. Situated almost midway between the Murray and Goulburn rivers, land was first taken up in 1843 and the town founded in 1875. Some of the buildings in the town, the Browne, Corke & Co. building and the old Post Office are classified by the National Trust.

Local Services

• Groceries
• Chemist
• Fuel
• Hotels and Cafes

Distances

• Melbourne: 232 kms
• Adelaide: 734 kms
• Sydney: 519 kms
• Canberra: 726 kms

Must See and Do

• Barmah Forest Heritage and Education Centre
• Gallery and Art Retreat
• Walking tracks along the Broken Creek
• Historic buildings
• Nathalia and District Historical Museum

Events

• Rotary Art Show
• Bardi Gras festival and Easter Bush Bash
• Nathalia Lawn Tennis Club Tournament
• New Year’s Eve Carnival
• Rotary Show and Shine

Towns close by down river: Echuca Moama, Barmah, Mathoura
Towns close by up river: Tocumwal, Strathmerton, Cobram, Barooga, Yarrawonga