Every October, Cohuna, Victoria, becomes a hub for bird enthusiasts as the Gunbower Birdwatching Festival takes flight. Set along the Gunbower Forest and River Red Gum wetlands, this festival offers a front-row seat to one of Australia's richest bird habitats. The terrain varies from gentle, flat trails beside the Murray River to woodland tracks weaving beneath towering red gums, making the experience accessible to all adventurers—whether testing beginner binocular skills or tracking elusive species.

The festival routes stretch between 5 to 15 kilometers, mostly flat with light bushland underfoot. Riverbanks dare you closer with their shifting waters, coaxing migratory birds to settle on the banks. Early morning walks catch the air thick with the calls of parrots and honeyeaters, while late afternoons bring silhouettes of majestic raptors circling against expanding skies.

Practical preparation is straightforward but essential. Footwear with solid tread will steady your steps on wetlands edging toward soft mud, and layered clothing guards you against the chill of dawn hours that transition swiftly into warm sun. Hydration is critical; the region’s spring climate balances cool breezes with bursts of warmth that dry out the air faster than it feels. Binoculars and a bird guide or app will greatly enhance your spotting precision.

Beyond the birdlife, the festival hosts workshops that empower visitors with hands-on identification skills, encouraging an engaged and respectful interaction with nature’s rhythms here. Local guides share insights on the indigenous significance of the area, adding depth beyond observation.

Early spring is prime for spotting returning migratory birds, with the tree canopies buzzing with life. The festival experience is more than a walk—it's an engagement with a landscape fiercely itself, from the restless river currents to the vibrant calls that claim the forest canopy. This is birdwatching with a pulse, where every rustle and wingbeat demands attention and respect.

For visitors, staying in Cohuna provides easy access to festival events and the nearby Murray River’s wider trails. This gateway town combines welcoming amenities with a genuine connection to the surrounding natural world, making it an ideal base. Whether you’re a casual walker or a seasoned naturalist, the Gunbower Birdwatching Festival invites you to step into a living gallery of feathers, song, and sky.