The reserve is part of a bigger Wetland Complex with diversity of habitats, lagoons and open floodplains.
Overland Corner Reserve surrounds the historic Overland Corner Hotel established in 1859 on the northern banks of the River Murray downstream from the township of Barmera. It is 300 hectares in size and conserves a large floodplain associated with the River Murray. It includes the Herons Bend Reserve.The reserve is part of a bigger Wetland Complex that has a High Conservation rating and has a diversity of habitats, including temporary lagoons and open floodplains. When flooded the wetland provides important breeding and feeding habitat for waterfowl.
Over 132 indigenous plant species have been recorded including 16 rated as Significant for the Murray Mallee Region. The reserve also conserves a historic quarry containing fossil evidence of animals now extinct within the region.
Unfortunately, the wetland has been affected by the construction of Lock 3 upstream, which has reduced the frequency and duration of flooding, and impacted on the vegetation and associated wildlife. Restoration work, however, is underway to re-introduce the flooding and drying that would have occurred before European settlement.
