Explore
River Murray Reserve
Parks and reserves along the majestic Murray River protect significant Aboriginal cultural heritage, towering river red gums, sandy beaches, colourful red cliffs, diverse permanent and seasonal wetlands and a rich array of wildlife.
From its source in the Australian Alps, the Murray River twists and turns through alpine grasslands, rugged mountains, and rolling farmland before flowing into Lake Hume. On its way, it passes Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park, Mount Lawson and Mount Granya State Parks and the River Murray Reserve, changing from a clear mountain stream with gravel bars to the iconic Murray River of the floodplains.
Below Lake Hume, the Murray meanders down through gentle hills and on to extensive floodplains supporting River Red Gum forests and countless lakes and wetlands. The Barmah and Gunbower Forests, Kerang Lakes, and Hattah Lakes, are internationally significant RAMSAR wetlands, renowned for their waterbirds and other wildlife.
The river becomes wider and shallower as it passes through Mallee bushland, providing an oasis for plants and wildlife in this semi-arid landscape. As it approaches Mildura, it cuts through dramatic red cliffs before spilling out into the wetlands of Kings Billabong and Merbein Common. Finally, it winds through Walpolla, Mulcra and Lindsay Islands, part of Murray-Sunset National Park – a remote landscape of starry nights and wide horizons – before reaching the border with South Australia.
From bushwalking and birdwatching, to fishing and watersports, the Murray River offers something for everyone. Its sandy beaches are very popular over the summer and Easter holidays, but there are many secluded riverside camping and picnic sites. Most have few facilities other than occasional picnic tables, fireplaces and boat ramps.
See below to learn more about the different parks, reserves and experiences along each reach of the river, and which visitor sites may be open or closed.
South Australia border to Piangil
Meandering through the dry Mallee, the Murray River is an oasis in an otherwise arid landscape. Its wetlands provide a haven for wildlife and visitors alike. Spend peaceful nights camping under star-filled skies. Swim, fish, paddle or relax on a sandy beach, or explore the natural and cultural history of Nyah Vinifera, Kings Billabong and Merbein Common.
Need to know
River Murray Reserve
Accessibility
Visiting a park can be more of a challenge for people with disabilities, however in Victoria there are a wide range of facilities to help people of all abilities enjoy our wonderful parks around the state.
Assistance dogs are welcome in Parks Victoria parks and reserves. Entry requirements apply for parks and reserves that are usually dog prohibited, such as national parks.
Bushfire safety
The parks and reserves along the Victorian side of the Murray River are in the following fire districts:
- South Australian border to Leitchville – Mallee fire district
- Leitchville to the Ovens River – Northern Country fire district
- Ovens River to Alpine National Park – North East fire district
Bushfire safety is a personal responsibility. Anyone entering parks and forests during the bushfire season needs to stay aware of forecast weather conditions. Check the Fire Danger Rating and for days of Total Fire Ban at www.emergency.vic.gov.au, on the VicEmergency smartphone app or call the VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226. There is limited or no mobile reception away from towns along the river, so check the forecast before you set out and tune into local radio stations for updates.
No fires may be lit on Total Fire Ban days. On Catastrophic Fire Danger Rating days many parks close for public safety. Do not enter parks. If you are already in a park, leave the night before or as early as possible in the morning. Check below for park closures or call 13 1963.
Tree safety
Do not park, camp or rest under or near large trees, like River Red Gums. Branches may fall at any time and swing away from the tree. Whole trees can also fall without warning. Rope swings are not recommended.
Water safety
Rivers may have fast currents, cold water, low visibility, underwater objects, slippery rocks, shallow areas, unstable banks, drop offs and deep holes. Always enter the water slowly, feet first. Do not dive or jump in. Submerged objects can cause neck or spinal injuries. Never swim alone or in flood waters. Drinking alcohol significantly increases the risk of drowning. Always actively supervise children in or near water: children under ten should always be within sight; children under five should always be within reach. Lifejackets and flotation devices are recommended.
When the river is in flood, some areas of the River Murray Reserve may be closed for public safety. Check below for the latest conditions and respect closures and signage. Do not walk, ride, or drive through flooded areas.
Mosquitoes
Mosquito-borne diseases, including Ross River Fever and Barmah Forest Virus occur in the area. Avoid being bitten by using repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants, particularly around dawn and dusk.
Change of Conditions
Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.
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Notices Affecting Multiple Sites
Flood affected areas within Gunbower National Park and Murray River Reserve
High river levels and environmental watering within Gunbower Island are inundating camping areas and affecting access to and via River Track. Multiple roads and visitor sites are temporarily closed until floodwaters recede and sites can be assessed as safe. Tree-fall may be an ongoing issue with wet soils and strong winds. We recommend you reconsider your travel plans. For safety reasons, do not drive through flood waters or past road closures. Areas that are open have also been impacted by flooding and road access is poor in some locations. Four Wheel Drive vehicles are recommendedAreas within the State Forest are also affected. See MapShareVic for road and track closures, and for more information, please visit the Forest and road closures page.River track is impacted between Nursery Track and Koondrook, resulting in access to the following bends being closed:Barton TrackRobertson TrackCemetery BendWattle TrackMcClure BendPeter CreekWee Wee RupThompsons TrackFive SleeperWire FenceWhistlerIron PuntBlack SwampBarham Mill BendNugent BendMorton BendMilverton BendTi Tree PlainFence TrackSpur TrackSovereign BendClump BendMcKenzie BendThis park has been impacted by recent significant weather events and is partially closed.
For public safety, Parks Victoria will close areas impacted by severe weather. Closures are necessary while assessments and works are undertaken to remove risk and repair damage before reopening for visitors. For your safety, please avoid these impacted areas.
During your visit to the Murray, you may see smaller areas fenced off or areas blocked by bollards. These areas have been closed due to safety and protection reasons. Please do not enter, remove fixtures or drive beyond them.
Visitors should be aware that river banks have been eroded by flood waters and may be unstable. Holes may have opened up in the ground and should be avoided. Trees along the river banks could be unstable. There is always a risk of trees dropping limbs.
Parks Victoria is working with Traditional Owners and other government agencies to manage the temporary levee in Echuca’s west. Visitors must not interfere with the levee.
All camping areas between Torrumbarry Weir Road and Young Road remain closed
Closed visitor sites within Proposed Murray River Park (Part) & River Murray Reserve near townships of Strathmerton and Barmah
The following camping areas have been close due to high volumes of rainfall and rising river levels. Closures have been put in place for public safety and to avoid damage to tracks and the environment.- Barmah Island Central Camping Area
- Barmah Island North Camping Area
- Barmah Island South Camping Area
- Barmah Willows
- The Ranch Camping Area Site 1
- The Ranch Camping Area Site 2
- The Ranch Camping Area Site 3
- The Ranch Camping Area Site 4
- The Ranch Camping Area Site 5
- The Ranch Camping Area Site 6
- The Ranch Camping Area site 7
We will review access weekly and open closed areas as soon as possible.Flood affected areas in the Murray River Reserve
Some areas are affected by flooding from the Murray, Campaspe and Goulburn Rivers.Visitors should be aware that some river banks have been eroded by flood waters and may be unstable. Do not walk, ride, drive or dig on unstable banks, they may collapse.Trees along the river banks and tracks could be unstable and there is always a risk of trees dropping limbs.Sections of track have been/are degraded by floods and recent rainfall, areas of track may still be holding water.The Murray River Reserve is affected by these flood events and River Track and camping sites are affected between Echuca and Torrumbarry Weir Road, as a result the following bends or sections of these bends are:Burnanga Bend - OPENBraund Bend - OPENPianta Bend - OPENCasey Bend - OPENWills Bend - OPENEmu Bend - OPENPoint Rd Bend - OPENFarley Bend - OPENBetha Bend - OPENArnold Bend - OPENBaillieu Bend - OPENBaillieu Lagoon - OPENTolhurst Bend - OPENBarra Bend - OPENFulham Bend- CLOSEDYoung Bend - CLOSEDCrossman Bend - CLOSEDTurner Bend - PARTIALLY OPEN- SOME AREAS STILL FLOODEDHorseshoe Bend - OPENNorris Bend - OPENJones Bend - OPENWilliams Bend - OPENGona Bend - OPENThis water may be present for a couple months to come. Please drive with caution and do not drive through flood waters or around closed areas.Barmah National Park Access update
Most primary access tracks within Barmah National Park are now OPEN for access to the River.However, some tracks are flooded or very wet due to recent rain fall and will remain closed for public safety, and to avoid damage to tracks and reduce environmental harm.Access tracks within Barmah National Park that are now OPEN are still impacted by high river levels and many have water across them in low lying areas and tracks may be in poor condition.We recommend Four-Wheel Drive access only and advise that water crossings only be attempted by drivers with four-wheel drive training or experience and stay to the centre of the track.Areas Open.- Gulf Track, Tongalong track, Black Engine
track, Suttons track, Manion’s track and adjoining parts of River Rd.
- Sand
Ridge Tk is open up to and including the Dharnya Centre, Day Visitor area and
the Lakes campground, but there is No access to the River via Sandridge
track.
- Note; Lakes campground toilet at North end is Open, Day Visitor
area Toilet and the Southern Lakes campground toilet are closed due to
flood inundation.
- Ulupna Island
(Barmah National Park and Tocumwal Regional Park) is Open, Note; Ulupna
beach toilet is closed due to flood inundation
- The Ranch
(south of Barmah not shown on map) is Open.
The following Access tracks are Closed within Barmah National Park; Sand ridge track from Dharnya centre to river Rd, River Rd down stream of Gulf Reg, Four Mile track, Sapling landing track, Darlows track, Newman’s Track, Hughes track, Trickeys lane, Gowers track, Bunyip track, Barmah Island (All).See the attached map for tracks that are open or closed.Tracks highlighted Green are open for river access.Tracks and entrances highlighted Red indicate that they are closed due to Flood water.Note; conditions are subject to change at any time without notice.For all of the latest change of conditions regarding Barmah National Park and surrounding reserves, please see https://www.parks.vic.gov.au/places-to-see/parks/barmah-national-park.Current River flows are at 13.500 Megalitre’s a day out of Yarrawonga weir, river flows are forecast to decrease over coming weeks, and we will review access on a weekly basis and open the closed areas as soon as possible.Please take care on all tracks due to the wet conditions and if you can avoid using wet tracks, please do so to prevent damage to Tracks and Vehicles.Warning: Mosquito populations in Barmah are currently high and Mosquito borne diseases such as Barmah Fever and Ross River Fever are common. Please take care and cover up.Attachments: access map BNP 22.11.23 (438KB)
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Richardsons Bend Camping Area (River Murray Reserve)
Richardson's Bend - Area Closed due to flood damage
Richardson's Bend is currently closed - Due to severe flooding Richardson's Bend Murray River Reserve sustained substantial damage to the track network. This area will remain closed until repairs can be undertaken and access tracks reinstated. -
Echuca Village Reserve Day Visitor Area (River Murray Reserve)
Echuca Village Reserve Day Visitor Area partially closed
Some areas are affected by flooding from the Murray and Goulburn Rivers.Visitors should be aware that river banks have been eroded by flood waters and may be unstable. Do not walk, ride, drive or dig on unstable banks, they may collapse.Trees along the river banks could be unstable. There is always a risk of trees dropping limbs.Echuca Village Reserve Day Visitor Area has been effected by flooding. Sections of track have been/are degraded by floods and recent rainfall, areas of track may still be holding water.The reserve is partially closed due to flood damage and large trees over the main track, the main track is not completely accessible by vehicle.Please drive with caution and do not drive through flood waters or around closed areas. -
Notices Affecting Multiple Parks
Murray River Adventure Trail
Stage One of the long-distance nature-based Murray River Adventure Trail will encompass a series of new and upgraded trails and other facilities from Barmah National Park (near Picnic Point) to Koondrook. The trail will pass through Lower Goulburn National Park, Gunbower National Park, Murray River Reserve and Echuca. Find out more about the project.
Tours and adventure experiences in parks
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There are more than 400 Licensed Tour Operators across Victoria who are ready and waiting to help you experience and connect with Victoria’s spectacular parks and waterways.
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Licensed Tour Operators know all the best places to go and will plan and prepare your visit to ensure you are safe and can enjoy your nature-based adventure to the fullest.