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Environment and Heritage
Environment and Heritage

Riverina bioregion

The Riverina bioregion, in south-west New South Wales, has high soil fertility and generally abundant water, making it a prime food-growing region.

 

About the bioregion

The Riverina bioregion lies in southwest New South Wales, extending into central-north Victoria. It goes from Ivanhoe in the Murray Darling Depression Bioregion south to Bendigo, and from Narrandera in the east to Balranald in the west.

The Murray and Murrumbidgee Rivers and their major tributaries, the Lachlan and Goulburn Rivers, flow from the highlands in the east, westward across the Riverina plain.

The climate is dry and semi-arid with hot summers and cool winters. Most rain falls in winter.

Vegetation ranges from river red gums, along river channels, to saltbush on the plains. There are several threatened species of both plant and animal in this bioregion. Several significant wetlands occur in the Riverina bioregion, including NSW Central Murray Forests and Fivebough and Tuckerbil Swamps, and these support many waterbirds, including migratory species.

The Riverina bioregion has several national parks and nature reserves.

Read Chapter 8, the Riverina Bioregion, in Bioregions of New South Wales: Their biodiversity, conservation and history for more information.

Bioregion area

  • 9,704,469 hectares in total
  • 7,030,950 hectares in New South Wales
Map of New South Wales, Australia, highlighting the Riverina bioregion in green. The rest of the state is shown in white, with some geographical features like rivers and mountain ranges outlined.

Map showing the Riverina bioregion

Parks, reserves and conservation areas

This bioregion includes:

  • A dense forest with numerous tall eucalyptus trees. Several fallen branches and trunks are scattered across the forest floor, some of which are leaning against standing trees. The ground is covered with grass and other vegetation, and there's a body of water in the foreground, suggesting a wetland or swampy area.
    River red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) saplings in Millewa forest
    River red gum (Eucalyptus camaldulensis) saplings in Millewa forest
    Image Credit: N Childs/DPE
  • The image shows a natural landscape featuring a dense grove of trees, likely eucalyptus, with tall green grass covering the ground. In the foreground, there is a body of water, possibly a pond or a small lake, reflecting the surrounding greenery. The scene appears to be a serene and lush wetland area, which could be interesting or relevant for studies related to ecology, botany, or environmental science.
    River red gums (Eucalyptus camaldulensis)
    River red gums (Eucalyptus camaldulensis)
    Image Credit: E Bradbury/DPE
  • The image shows an aerial view of a large, circular body of water surrounded by a vast expanse of flat, green land. The water body appears to be a lake or a pond, with some trees or vegetation emerging from the water near the center. The surrounding land is covered with sparse vegetation, and the horizon is visible in the distance under a clear blue sky.
    Loorica Lake southern end after release of water for the environment
    Loorica Lake southern end after release of water for the environment
    Image Credit: J Maguire/DPE
  • The image shows two ducks swimming in a body of water. The water has some reeds or tall grasses growing in it, and the ducks are navigating through these plants. The ducks have a brownish coloration with some darker markings, and they are both facing to the right side of the image. The water reflects the ducks and the surrounding environment, creating a serene and natural scene.
    Freckled ducks (Stictonetta naevosa)
    Freckled ducks (Stictonetta naevosa)
    Image Credit: Jackie Miles/DPE
  • A forested area with several trees of varying sizes and types. The ground is covered with grass and some fallen branches. The trees have thick trunks and are densely packed, creating a canopy of leaves overhead. This natural, undisturbed woodland is likely in a temperate or subtropical region.
    Inland Grey Box Woodland in the Riverina
    Inland Grey Box Woodland in the Riverina
    Image Credit: Rob Armstrong/DPE
  • The image shows a serene river scene with two people kayaking. The river is surrounded by dense trees and sandy banks. The kayaks are brightly colored, one green and one yellow, and the kayakers are paddling leisurely. The trees are tall and lush, indicating a healthy forest environment. The sky is partly cloudy, adding to the tranquil atmosphere.
    Middle Beach, Murrumbidgee Valley National Park
    Middle Beach, Murrumbidgee Valley National Park
    Image Credit: Gavin Hansford/DPE
  • The image shows a vast, open landscape with a dry, barren tree standing prominently in the center. The ground is covered with low-lying vegetation, which appears to be a mix of green and white plants. In the background, there is a line of trees or shrubs along the horizon. The sky is clear, and there is a sense of desolation and natural beauty in the scene.
    Grasslands, Oolambeyan National Park
    Grasslands, Oolambeyan National Park
    Image Credit: John Spencer/DPE

More information