Moira Lake, Murray Valley National Park. Image credit: DPIE
Massive river red gum forests, Ramsar-listed wetlands, and an easily accessible location make NSW’s Murray Valley National Park a popular location for camping, birdwatching, fishing, bike riding and kayaking. Remember, no dogs are allowed in the national park.
The main part of the park is made of three distinct precincts: Gulpa Island (north-west), Moira (south-west), and Millewa (east). There are also smaller pockets of the national park running east from near Tocumwal almost all the way to Mulwala. Along with designated campgrounds, there are many long stretches of water frontage along the Murray and Edward rivers to set up camp.
Sprawling area east off the road between Echuca Moama and Deniliquin, Murray Valley National Park is easy to access. From Mathoura, a couple of minutes’ drive east will get you to Crane’s Bridge or Poley’s Bride access points, or head south for about 9km to the Moira Drive entrance (around 30km north of Moama).
There is all-weather access to the Reed Bed Bird Hide, Edward River Bridge campground and picnic area and Swifts Creek campground and picnic area via River Road. Smaller pockets of the national park can be accessed at many points off the road between Tocumwal and Mulwala.
Gulpa Island Drive: This dirt-road drive takes you on a couple of loops through the national park, just north-east of Mathoura. The whole drive is about 100km of fairly flat track, but can be cut short if needed. Travel along the Gulpa Creek and Edward River, and past the Reed Beds Bird Hide. It’s a great way to take in the Murray Valley National Park if you’ve only got one day, or have set up camp nearby.
Reed Beds Bird Hide: Take your camera and binoculars to this boardwalk-style bird hide, and keep your eyes peeled for some fabulous native birdlife. If you don’t know your musk duck from your superb wren, there are signs to help you along the way.
If driving past the Edward River Bridge campground in the adjacent Murray Valley Regional Park, stop for a picnic and check out the Sculpture in the Red Gums installation. There’s also the lovely 5km Gulpa Creek Walk, an easy loop stroll (or ride) from Mathoura.
Swifts Creek Campground is the go-to spot for camping of all types. Bring your RV or caravan, pitch a tent, or just sleep in a swag next to your car.
There’s a nearby boat ramp, toilet and covered barbecue area. While the camping is free, you’ll need to book, and a small booking fee applies. Make sure to bring your own water for drinking and cooking, as well as a fuel stove.
Another popular spot is the Edward River Bridge campground. Although it’s technically part of the Murray Valley Regional Park (as opposed to the national park), it’s just across the bridge on Millewa Road, and is a good launching point for the Edward River Canoe/Kayak Trail. Dogs are allowed in the regional park.
Travelling east, there are also campgrounds at Woperana near Tocumwal, as well as the Quicks Beach and Mulwala campgrounds.
For protected red river gums and wetlands spend a day in Murray Valley National Park in Mathoura only a 30 minute drive from Echuca Moama and Deniliquin, or just under an hour from Tocumwal.
Be sure to check the NSW Parks and Wildlife Service website for the latest information before visiting this National Park.
