NSW Top Tourism Town Finalist
Welcome to Barham
Small Town: population between 1,500 - 5,000 residents
09:00 Weds 13 April - till - 17:00 Weds 27 April.
Members of the public may lodge only one vote for one town in each category. See Terms & Conditions.
Barham Koondrook – be surrounded by nature
Just a three-hour drive from Melbourne, Barham Koondrook is a beautiful and easy-to-reach destination, ideal for a lazy break spent on riverbanks and golf courses, in pubs and boutique shops, and among Australia’s unique bird and animal life.
The gentle pace of life in this part of the world, reflected in the quiet flow of the glorious Murray River, makes the twin towns of Barham Koondrook especially popular with couples who are keen to enjoy peace, fresh air, and natural surrounds and the pleasures of world-class local produce.
Barham, NSW, and Koondrook, just over the bridge on the Victorian side of the border, ooze character galore. These pretty historical towns are full of country charm, offering a variety of fun and unique shopping, food and drink, activities, and experiences.
Visitors can enjoy a generous meal at a pub or club, a tasty pastry at a bakery, and local arts, crafts and produce at a weekend farmers’ market. Wherever you go, you’ll bump into friendly, welcoming locals keen to share their stories and their hospitality.
Loving BARHAM?
Vote for this amazing Small town in the 2022 Top Tourism Town Awards
.
Town and country: Blessed by our location on an especially lovely stretch of the mighty Murray, Barham Koondrook is surrounded on all sides by national parks, state forests, and easily accessed walking and cycling trails. It’s an area longing to be discovered by visitors at their own pace, whether on foot, bicycle or car.
The twin towns can be explored over a couple of days, making this an ideal getaway destination for a weekend or mid-week escape. But many visitors to Barham Koondrook prefer to take their time, enjoying town and river walks, as well as exploring the surrounds further afield.
If you’re towing a caravan, driving an RV or packing a tent, you’ll find comfortable and well-equipped caravan parks and campgrounds, as well as quiet free camping options. If you’re more a ‘comfy bed’ type, there’s no shortage of boutique accommodation in Barham Koondrook. How about a real experience to remember? Imagine 'glamping’ on the bank of the Gunbower Creek at the Koondrook Retreat, complete with a private barbecue and even wi-fi. Now that’s the life!
River Life: Not surprisingly, many activities in Barham Koondrook are based around the iconic Murray River, including wetland cruises, fishing, camping, bushwalking and canoeing. Picture the scene: you're exploring nature’s elements, off the beaten track…
Whether you're on a signposted trail, following a map, or in the hands of one of our expert local guides, the river is alive with native birds and wildlife along with the river red gums that tower overhead. Simply glorious!
Alongside the Murray, bushwalkers and canoe enthusiasts can explore tranquil waterways such as the Little Murray River through Campbells Island, or the amazing expanse of the Koondrook State Forest, just east of Barham Koondrook.
Our towns are equally rich in heritage and pioneer culture. A leisurely stroll along the riverbank in Barham will take you past some exceptional statues, carved out of red gum and depicting the region’s great pioneers and local wildlife. Then take a step back in time to the age of steam and see some of the finest restored machines of yesterday at the Border Flywheelers Club. Enjoy a cuppa and a chat while you’re there.
Within the townships, this vibrant river community hosts a surprising range of boutique and niche shops. Check out homewares, rustic collectibles, handmade jewelry and specialised products not easily found in big towns and cities. A supportive artistic community adds to the diversity and creativity of our towns.
Fresh produce in abundance: The abundance of local produce and wide range of eateries deserves to be explored too. Look for oranges, avocados, walnuts, organic meats, free-range paddock eggs, garlic and homemade preserves.
Barham Vines’ quirky shipping-container cellar door is the perfect sport to crack a full-bodied red or a crisp dry white at Restdown Wines. And provedore 'Little Pork Deli' stock award-winning local pork, small goods and charcuterie produced onsite.
Discover the best of this part of the world on the popular Backroads Trail, a self-guided drive that showcases the region’s rich culture, artistic and social heritage, as well as ethically and sustainably grown artisan produce. All along the trail, you’ll find special niche businesses offering you delicious delights, and you’ll also see how we have lived on and shaped this land from Dreamtime prehistory to the present day.
Take your time, and bed down for the night in a comfy village B&B, a small-town camping ground, or a hotel or motel in the bigger towns of Deniliquin, Echuca Moama and Mathoura. If you’re looking for a relaxing and restful break, spend a weekend or a week at Barham Koondrook, a unique and easy scene of natural delights and boutique food, wine and cultural experiences.
.
Three days in BARHAM
The gentle pace of life, reflected in the peaceful flow of the Murray, makes Barham popular with couples keen to enjoy fresh air, natural surroundings, and world-class local produce.
Four days for foodies, outdoor and culture lovers. The twin towns of Barham (NSW) and Koondrook (Victoria), located on the mighty Murray River ooze charm and character, and offer many choices for a day trip, weekend or extended holiday.
Beyond the expected country hospitality and charm, the towns feature national parks, state forests, picturesque recreation areas and a scene of natural activities, and boutique food, wine and culture experiences. Barham Koondrook is the perfect destination for people who love the outdoors.
.
Share the love
If you believe this top town deserves a top spot at this year's awards, get your friends and family on the case.
Share this page with your network via the social icons below.