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
Areas closed due to inundation - Yarrawonga through to Cobram (Yarrawonga Regional Park, River Murray Reserve)
Areas temporarily closed due to inundationDue to recent high rainfall, gullies and tracks into beaches and camping areas between Yarrawonga and Cobram have been inundated. Over the coming days, releases through Yarrawonga Weir will increase as water moves down from the catchments. The following areas between Yarrawonga and Cobram are temporarily closed:· Yarrawonga Common· Chinaman’s Bend· Forges Beach 1 & 2· Bruces Beach 1 & 2· Zinettis 1 & 2· Nevins Beach· Duffys Beach· Bourkes Beach 1, 2 & 3· Cobrawonga Island· Scott’s BeachFloodwater is impacting access tracks, making them impassable to all vehicle types.Stay informed – monitor your local conditions and remain alert.· Parks Victoria has closed some park access gates due to rising river levels. These closures are in place for your safety.· Do not drive through floodwater or around road closure signs.· Avoid walking through flooded areas.· Boating in floodwaters is dangerous due to debris, submerged trees and other hidden dangers.· Stay up-to-date with any warnings issued by downloading the VicEmergency app and establishing a personal watch zone for your local area or the area you are travelling to. Updated forecasts are also available on the Bureau of Meteorology website at bom.gov.au.Closed areas Barmah national park
Areas of Barmah National Park, Proposed Murray River Park and Tocumwal Regional Park have been closed for public safety and to avoid damage.Open Areas,• Sand Ridge Track part (up to the Dharnya centre)• Lakes Camping area (North end only)• River Road part (from Haynes Road to Black Engine track)• Wasers Beach camping areas 1,2,3, 5 ,6 & 8• Boundary Track part (from Haynes Road to Crawfords Road)• Pinnucks Camping Area 1 & 2• Crawfords Boat Ramp Camping Area 1 & 2• Reserve Track part (from entrance to The Junction camping area on Ulupna Island)• The Junction Camping area Ulupna• Carters Track (to Carters Beach)• Carters camping area 1• Carters camping area 2• Carters camping area 3• Labbetts Beach• Dr’s Beach• Point Beach• Wide Beach• Pump Beach• Long Beach• Brean’s beach• Forest BeachTake care and monitor the situation• River Levels are Rising and Additional areas may be closed or become inaccessible at any time.• we encourage community members to take extra care around rivers, creeks and lakes as water levels may rise quickly and without warning. We encourage those travelling to new or unfamiliar areas to exercise additional caution.• If camping never camp under trees or branches and avoid camping on low-lying land near creeks, rivers, streams, and other waterways.• If conditions outside appear dangerous over the coming days, please stay inside. If you are driving and conditions deteriorate, safely pull over away from drains, trees, low-lying areas and floodwater.• Stay up-to-date with any warnings issued by downloading the VicEmergency app and establishing a personal watch zone for your local area or the area you are travelling to. Updated forecasts are also available on the Bureau of Meteorology website at bom.gov.au.• Local flood guides are also available at ses.vic.gov.au to aid preparation.Attachments: Barmah National Park- 12 August 2026 (991KB)
No Vehicle access to Farley Bend
This section of the River Murray reserve is closed to vehicles due to the poor and unsafe condition of the roads.Alternative camping areas can be found at Fraiser Road, Young Road, Headworks Road, Torrumbarry Weir Road, O'dwyer Road, Pianta Road, Braund Road.In the interest of visitor safety, this area is closed until further notice.Gunbower National Park and Murray River Reserve access changes
Recent rainfall and a high river event has resulted in some natural flooding inflows impacting Gunbower National Park and the Murray River Reserve on Gunbower Island.Access to some areas may be restricted and 4WD vehicles are recommended due to slippery access roads. Please do not drive through flood water or around road closures.Some track closures within Gunbower State Forest may be implemented for safety reasons - please check the DEECA public access map for details.
Wills Bend 2 campground toilet closure
The toilets at Wills Bend 2 campground are closed due to structural damage .The toilet block will remain closed until it can be repaired to ensure the safety of users.There are toilets located in nearby Wills 1 campground, or other public toilets in Echuca.All portable toilets must be located 100m from a waterway, and dispose of your toilet waste correctly by digging a pit or disposing in a dump point in Echuca.No Drinking Water Available Beyond Quarantine Station
There is no drinking water available beyond the Quarantine Station. Visitors are advised to carry water with them when visiting other areas of the park such as Fort Nepean. -
Notices Affecting Multiple Parks
Murray River Adventure Trail
Stage One of the Murray River Adventure Trail proposes new canoe and kayak launches, pedestrian links and new facilities at key visitor sites from Barmah National Park to Koondrook. Stage One will pass through Echuca, Murray River Reserve, Gunbower National Park and Lower Goulburn National Park. Find out more about the project.
Tours and adventure experiences in parks
One of the best ways you can get into nature is with a Licensed Tour Operator.
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.
Discover more than 60 different types of nature-based experiences including hiking, mountain biking, boating, four-wheel driving, indigenous culture tours, birdwatching, surfing, diving and so much more.
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.