The County of Gunbower is a cadastral county in northern Victoria, proclaimed on 24 February 1871 with the other counties of the Loddon Land District. It covers about 3,491 km² south of the Murray River, running from Swan Hill to Echuca, and takes its name from a local Aboriginal word.
Key Facts
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| State | Victoria |
| Region | Northern Victoria, south of the Murray River between Swan Hill and Echuca |
| Proclaimed | 24 February 1871 |
| Area | 3,491 km² (1,348 sq mi) |
| Principal towns | Kerang, Cohuna, Murrabit |
| Local government area today | Gannawarra Shire, Campaspe Shire |
Parishes in Gunbower County
- Cohuna
- Gannawarra
- Gunbower
- Gunbower West
- Kerang
- Loddon
- Macorna
- Millewa
- Mincha
- Mincha West
- Mologa
- Murrabit
- Murrabit West
- Patho
- Terrick Terrick East
- Terrick Terrick West
- Torrumbarry
- Torrumbarry North
- Tragowel
- Wharparilla
- Yarrowalla
Towns and Localities Today
Kerang is the county’s largest town, seat of Gannawarra Shire. Cohuna, on the Gunbower Creek, and Murrabit, on the Murray, are the other significant towns. Gunbower township itself, on Gunbower Island, gives the county its name.
Geography
Gunbower lies south of the Murray River between Swan Hill and Echuca. It borders Tatchera to the west, Gladstone to the south, Bendigo to the southeast, and Rodney to the east. The counties of Wakool and Cadell lie across the Murray in New South Wales.
History
Gunbower was proclaimed on 24 February 1871, alongside the other counties of the Loddon Land District. The name comes from a local Aboriginal word, applied to the island and creek before it was carried to the county.
FAQ
Is Gunbower County still used?
Gunbower survives in land titles and property descriptions but has no government function today. Gannawarra Shire and Campaspe Shire administer local government in the area.
Where is Gunbower County?
It sits in northern Victoria south of the Murray River, running from Swan Hill in the west to Echuca in the east.
What towns are in Gunbower County?
Kerang, Cohuna and Murrabit are the county’s main towns.