River Murray Reserve

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River Murray Reserve

The Murray River is part of an Aboriginal cultural landscape. Parks Victoria respects the deep and continuing connection that Traditional Owners have to these lands and waters, and we recognise their ongoing role in caring for Country. 

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. 

A narrow section of the Murray River surrounded by trees

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

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.

  • 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 recommended
     
    Areas 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 Track
    Robertson Track
    Cemetery Bend
    Wattle Track
    McClure Bend
    Peter Creek
    Wee Wee Rup
    Thompsons Track
    Five Sleeper
    Wire Fence
    Whistler
    Iron Punt
    Black Swamp
    Barham Mill Bend
    Nugent Bend
    Morton Bend
    Milverton Bend
    Ti Tree Plain
    Fence Track
    Spur Track
    Sovereign Bend
    Clump Bend
    McKenzie Bend

    This 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 - OPEN
    Braund Bend - OPEN
    Pianta Bend - OPEN
    Casey Bend - OPEN
    Wills Bend - OPEN
    Emu Bend - OPEN
    Point Rd Bend - OPEN
    Farley Bend - OPEN
    Betha Bend - OPEN
    Arnold Bend - OPEN
    Baillieu Bend - OPEN
    Baillieu Lagoon - OPEN
    Tolhurst Bend - OPEN
    Barra Bend - OPEN
    Fulham Bend- CLOSED
    Young Bend - CLOSED
    Crossman Bend - CLOSED
    Turner Bend - PARTIALLY OPEN- SOME AREAS STILL FLOODED
    Horseshoe Bend - OPEN
    Norris Bend - OPEN
    Jones Bend - OPEN
    Williams Bend - OPEN
    Gona Bend - OPEN
    This 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)

  • 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.

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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.

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