This reach of the river has many beautiful sandy beaches and towering River Red Gums. Look out for koalas and large flocks of cockatoos and corellas high up in the trees and kangaroos and emus below. Take a wander through the open forest, take a refreshing dip in the river, or relax on the banks and watch the birds and boats go by.
Explore one of the self-guided walking tracks in Barmah National Park or Quinns Island in Cobram Regional Park to learn about the cultural significance of the area and some of its plants and animals to the Yorta Yorta People.
Cobram, Echuca, Tocumwal and Yarrawonga Regional Parks offer a range of opportunities for recreation and relaxation, including camping, fishing, canoeing, picnics and walking (dogs are permitted in Regional Parks but must be kept on a lead) close to those communities.
Between Echuca and Barmah the river is very popular for boating and canoeing, and can be busy over warm weekends and holidays. Fishing is also popular between Echuca and Yarrawonga, and where the Goulburn and Campaspe rivers join the Murray. Carp, redfin, crayfish, golden perch, and the iconic Murray Cod can all be found. Fish from the shore or launch a boat from one of the boat ramps on either side of the river.
Self-sufficient campers with 4WD vehicles have a staggering range of camp sites to choose from, but there is high demand for the small number of sites close to boat ramps, toilets or with 2WD access. Barmah Lakes is an excellent choice for campers who enjoy the convenience of good facilities.
All riverside campsites are free, no bookings required. For more information about the different sites along this reach of the river, including what regulations apply (for example whether dogs and campfires are allowed), click on the links below the map. Check out additional advice on campfire regulations and safety.
When you’ve decided where to visit, please check the change of condition notices in the need to know section. Visitor sites along the Murray are sometimes closed for your safety due to floods or damaged roads and amenities.
Things to do
Barmah National Park
Cobram Regional Park
Echuca Regional Park
Lake Moodemere
Lower Ovens Wildlife Reserve
Tocumwal Regional Park
Yarrawonga Regional Park
How to get there
Echuca East to Barnawartha
When you're there
Need to know
Echuca East to Barnawartha
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
he parks and reserves along the Victorian side of the Murray River between Echuca East and The Ovens River are in the Northern Country fire district.
The parks between The Ovens River and Garnawartha are in the 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
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
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 BendClosed 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. -
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.