Barham Bridge, is iconic to the twin town’s identity and early settler history.
The bridge, which was built in 1904, crosses the Murray between Koondrook and Barham is one of the oldest on the river.
It was constructed so that the central section could be lifted so that paddle steamers plying the river between South Australia and Echuca could
pass under the bridge.
From 1904 until it was mechanised in 1997 the lift section of the bridge was raised and lowered by two men using a system of pulleys and weights.
Today it is rarely raised but it remains largely operational.
The Koondrook Barham Redgum Statue River Walk which commenced in November 2002 with the carving of Alexander “Sandy” Arbuthnot, is a wonderful attraction iconic to the twin towns heritage and cultural identity.
The carvings depict wildlife and local people who are of great significant to the region.
The walk is an evolving project, as new sculptures are added to the collection each year.
There are now fifteen statues (two in Barham and 13 in Koondrook) including such notables as Alexander Arbuthnot (located just outside the Arbuthnot Sawmill), a range of local characters and iconic local animals as a Murray Cod, kookaburra and wedge-tailed eagle.
The incredibly crafted, redgum sculptures are carved by chainsaw by Kevin Guilders, a world renowned chainsaw carver from Melbourne, who has produced most of the sculptures in the ‘Walk’.
Koondrook Track on Gunbower Island, affectionately referred to as ‘Victoria’s Kakadu’ or the Gannawarra Wetlands as a treasure trove for avid bird watchers and native enthusiasts.
Visitors flock to the wetlands to marvel at the abundance of native flora, fauna and birdlife.
An astounding 160 different species of birds and countless numbers of native fauna can be found in this wonderful marshland habitat.
Barham Lakes is a must see when visiting the region.
The wonderful 32 hectare lake complex constructed by the Barham Services Club, includes amenities such as sheltered picnic areas, playgrounds and barbecues, making it an ideal spot for a restful break.
There are also wide expanses of lawn, 4.5 km of cycling/walking tracks and the lake system is stocked with native fish
The Log Buggy, located on the corner of Main Street and Punt Road is an old log buggy owned and operated by William Thomas Grass.
It was built around 1930, was hauled by bullocks, and was used to carry logs from the local forests to Arbuthnot Sawmill.
In the middle of Main Street is the Koondrook Tramway Station, it was not built until 1913 despite the rail line opening in 1889.
The track beside the station now holds some interesting old rolling stock from the Kerang & Koondrook Tramway which, when it was first constructed, carried produce and passengers between Koondrook and the railhead at Kerang.
The railway closed in 1978.
Punt Road, named because a punt operated from 1884 until the Barham bridge opened in 1904, was the main road leading down to the river crossing.
The punt can still be seen, along with a number of wrecks, when the river is low. It was also here that barges and paddle boats were constructed between 1881 and 1923.
A remarkable relic of the town’s boom period in the 1880s and 1890s is the Arbuthnot sawmill, which was built in 1890 for Alexander Arbuthnot and which is still operational today
