Koondrook, Victoria

Koondrook is a town situated on the Murray River, Victoria, Australia. The town is located in the Shire of Gannawarra local government area, 301km north west of the state capital, Melbourne. At the 2011 census, Koondrook had a population of 769.HistoryThe Barrapa Barrapa Aborigines were thought to have occupied the Koondrook area prior to European settlement commencing in 1843. The Post Office opened on 1 March 1879. In 1889 the Kerang-Koondrook Tramway was opened linking the town to the Victorian railway network, being officially closed on 3 March 1981.PresentKoondrook is connected by a bridge to its twin town of Barham in the neighbouring state of New South Wales. Industry in the area includes dairying on the river flats and citrus production using irrigation supplied from the Murray River. Timber from the surrounding state forests is used in the production of quality redgum timber and furniture.Fishing and camping in the area popular activities for tourists in the surrounding state forests. The forests are important breeding areas for colonial waterbirds and are visited by migratory birds.