Gunbower Forest. 15/12/82; Victoria; 19,931 ha; 35°49'S 144°19'E. State Forest, Wildlife Sanctuary. The second largest periodically-inundated red gum forest in Victoria. Plant distribution is a result of elevation differences that determine frequency and duration of flooding. During flood periods, the forest becomes a major breeding area for waterbirds, including the egrets, Egretta alba, E. intermedia (the only known breeding site in Victoria), E. garzetta and Nycticorax caledonicus. Various species of reptiles and plants are scarce, rare or endangered and are therefore of conservation importance. Human activities include recreational fishing, camping, hunting, silviculture and grazing. An area of 230ha has been set aside for conservation education purposes. Ramsar site no. 263. Most recent RIS information: 1998.