Wangaratta’s Kaluna Island is a serene getaway spot located near the city center. The island is bordered by the King River and one of its anabranches, which creates an island, and adjoins Kaluna Park.

The only way to access the island is via foot traffic over a concrete bridge located on the other side of the levee wall at the bottom of Thomas Street, off Wilson Road. This bridge crosses the anabranch and leads to a cleared walking track that circles the reserve.

The 18-hectare remnant of River Red Gum riverine woodland is filled with trees that are over 300 years old. These trees have scars that tell ancient stories of their importance to local Aboriginal people. Keep an eye out for the Apple Box, a rare species of Eucalyptus, and old River Bottlebrush. The area also features many beautiful native grasses, including large stands of Kangaroo Grass. Ongoing habitat restoration works ensure the island’s bushland is home to an abundance of native wildlife.

Please note that access to Kaluna Island may be difficult during periods of high river flow, which may last for weeks at a time.