Find the best spots to enjoy the outdoors life on the banks of the central Murray.
Camping, river fun and fishing is a once-in-a-lifetime dream for some. But if you’ve done it before, you know how addictive it is. Once is never enough.
We’ve got regional town centres humming with activities, unique shopping, history, caravan parks and top-notch places to eat and stock up on supplies (Echuca, Cobram, Tocumwal, Yarrawonga).
And then there are the smaller towns with hidden delights, gourmet treats and close proximity to riverside campgrounds and free camping areas (Barmah, Koonoomoo, Bundalong and more).
So whether you’re a first-timer or one of our regular guests, come and join the action along the Murray.
Beaches? You betcha! Sandy open areas alongside the Murray are at their best on this stretch of the river. Set up camp, relax and splash, or push the tinny out and see what’s biting. Here are just a few of our best.
THOMPSON'S BEACH
A few minutes' drive from the centre of Cobram, Thompson's Beach is a lovely and popular spot to soak up the best of Murray River life. Australia’s official Beach Ambassador Brad Farmer has even recognised Thompson’s Beach as one of the very best beaches (coastal beaches included) in Australia!
Towering red gums, short bushwalks, native animals, river cruises, a nearby restaurant and heaps of fun family activities are on offer at possibly the largest inland beach in the Southern Hemisphere.
DEAD RIVER BEACH
Ten minutes from the centre of Cobram on a horseshoe bend, this beach and simple campground is surrounded by flood-plain forest abundant with native bird life. Geography buffs can relax in the shade and debate the age-old question of whether they’re in Victoria or New South Wales!
On the way, and even closer to town, is Big Toms Beach. With 300 metres of beachfront, it’s another great option.
SCOTTS BEACH
Just a few kilometres south-east of Cobram, Scotts Beach has a large camping and day visitor’s area. On the way, pull over and cross the footbridge to the Quinn Island wetlands, an ecologically significant nesting area for waterbirds.
OTHERS
Put these ten Murray River beaches into your search engine, or contact our Visitor Information Centres for more information about these river beach highlights. Choose from simple cleared areas to established campgrounds with water, barbecues and toilets.
From east to west…
… and at least another dozen beach camping spots west towards the Barmah (Vic) and Murray Valley (NSW) National Parks.
We love visitors, and all of our towns have welcoming caravan parks. But for those looking for the true Murray River experience, we’re lucky enough to have some caravan parks that have real river frontage, or are just a short stroll away. So if you’re looking for a place to park the van or RV, pitch a tent, have a splash and launch the kayak or tinny, you’re in luck!
Here are our favourites, from east to west:
The dictionary defines camping as ‘spending a holiday living in a tent on the glorious Murray River in Sun Country’. True! Whether you’re cruising the open road in an RV, throwing a tent in the back of the car with the kids or just unrolling your swag, there are lots of riverside camping adventures to be had in the Sun Country.
Some prefer the creature comforts of a caravan park, while others are happy to set up wherever there’s a clearing. Here are some of our top riverside freedom camping locations.
Learn more about fresh water, dump points and RV parking at our freedom camping page.
We love doggos up here, but not all areas allow you to bring pets. Check ahead if you’re travelling with your pooch: to protect native species, we need to keep some areas off limits.
Contact us for more information
If you're caravanning or camping, it's important to know what you can and can't do during Fire Danger Periods and Total Fire Ban days. Read the Fire Safety Guide below:
For the latest information please visit https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/
