The main population centres are Kerang 4,100 people and Cohuna 2,200 people. These are important service centres for surrounding areas providing commercial and community services to a catchment of 18,000 people including New South Wales border towns. Other towns include Quambatook. Lalbert, Leitchville, Lake Charm, Koondrook and Murrabit.
The climate is generally mild with average temperatures ranging in January from 11 to 37 degrees Celsius, and in June from one to 16 degrees. Annual average rainfall is 400mm.
The Gannawarra Shire boasts a wealth of natural resources including wetlands, creeks, rivers and lakes. Rivers include the Murray, Loddon and Avoca. Lakes Kangaroo, Meran, Lalbert, Charm and numerous flood filled lakes are recognised world wide as an important wetlands link in the regional ecosystem. The many waterways provide opportunities for watersports, including water skiing, sailing, ski racing, fishing, bird watching, camping, bush walking and recreation.
The western area of the Shire comprises the Mallee towns of Quambatook and Lalbert which are typical Mallee grain growing towns. The lakes and wetlands, such as the Avoca River and Lake Lalbert, are part of a unique mallee eco system.
