Traditional Yorta Yorta lands lie on both sides of the Murray River, roughly from Cohuna to Wodonga, stretching north to Jerilderie and south to Euroa.
They include towns such as Echuca, Shepparton, Benalla, Corowa and Wangaratta
THE DHARNYA CENTRE
The Dharnya Centre, in Barmah National Park, is the cultural hub of the Yorta Yorta People.
This special place gives the Yorta Yorta People a place to share their knowledge, teach others, celebrate and heal country.
Unfortunately, the centre was damaged in the 2022 floods and has not been open to the public since then.
This will hopefully change with renovations completed and an expected opening date before the end of 2024.
Starting from the Dharnya Centre, take any of the three designated walking trails through the Barmah Forest.
The Yamyabuc Trail includes numerous information boards that tell some of the story of Barmah National Park as a leisurely 45 to 60-minute walk on a designated walking track.
The Lake Loop Walk heads north from the Dharnya Centre, through the forest and then cuts back to the lake, over about 4.5km.
When you go out on that walk, it is like you are the only person in the world at that time, and it is just that tranquil.
Since the 2022 flood event, the forest has flourished, the return of the kangaroos, emus and the bird life is just amazing, and there is a reasonable chance to see them on a walk.
There is also the Broken Creek Loop track, which heads south from the Dharnya Centre and picks up the Broken Creek, where you follow the creek back to Rice’s Bridge and then back to the Dharnya Centre via Sand Ridge Track, a walk of about 3.5km.
If you want a unique perspective, you can book a Yamyabuc Trail Cultural Guided Walk with one of the Yorta Yorta guides, who will share their cultural knowledge of the lands, plants and animals.
KINGFISHER RIVER CRUISES
On board the Kingfisher, take in the Yorta Yorta People’s past, present and future with a 90-minute cruise along the Murray River.
From the comfort of the Kingfisher River Cruiser, you can enjoy the cultural commentary and witness the abundant wildlife that calls these waterways and forests home.
BIRD WATCHING
The Barmah Lakes wetlands and Barmah National Park are Ramsar-recognised sites, home to over 200 bird species.
You can follow the designated trails to witness the forest birds or walk along the edge of the Barmah Lakes and see the many and varied water bird species that frequent this majestic place.
You could see the endangered superb parrot and many other beautiful birds, including parrots, thornbills, honeyeaters and wrens.
For more information about the Dharnya Centre, including opening times, workshops, guided walking tours, bird watching and Kingfisher River Cruises, see https://dharnyacentre.com.au/
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