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South Australia border to Piangil

River Murray Reserve

Passing through the dry Mallee, the Murray River and its wetlands provide a haven for wildlife. The landscape is relatively flat and open, offering easy access to the river and its sandy beaches, except where it passes through the dramatic Red Cliffs near Mildura. Campers can spend peaceful nights gazing up at the stars after days delighting in the river.  

Lindsay, Walpolla and Mulcra Islands, part of Murray-Sunset National Park, lie between Mildura and the South Australian border. There are many remote and secluded camping area along the sandy bends of the river suitable for self-sufficient campers with 4WD vehicles. Relax, fish or swim at a secluded campsite beside a river, or head out on a birdwatching or canoeing adventure along the many creeks and billabongs, or visit the historic Lock 9 Millewa Pumps.  

Near Mildura, Kings Billabong Park and Merbein Common in the proposed Murray River Park  have a network of walking tracks with many water birds and other wildlife to appreciate, as well as great fishing and canoeing opportunities. Look out for signs about local heritage, such as the Psyche Bend Pumps. Dispersed Camping is permitted along the river. Kings Billabong Lookout and the Red Cliffs Scenic Reserve and boardwalk are not to be missed for fantastic views of the wetlands and the striking Red Cliffs. 

Murray-Kulkyne Park lies between the Murray River and Hattah-Kulkyne National Park, offering the best of both river and Mallee country. Nature lovers flock to the Hattah Lakes for their abundant birds and other wildlife – an oasis among dry bushland – also popular for canoeing. Murray-Kulkyne offers dispersed bush camping suitable for self-sufficient campers in 4WD vehicles.

The river is wide and slow-moving downstream of Swan Hill. It is shallower with many snags and best suited to slower boating and vessels with a shallow draft. Waterskiing is popular in suitable stretches, such as near Robinvale and Mildura. 

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

 
A body of water in the distance surrounded by trees

Kings Billabong Park

Located on the outskirts of Mildura, Kings Billabong has a network of walking tracks through permanent wetlands rich in birdlife. The Park also offers opportunities for fishing, boating, canoeing, picnics and dispersed bush camping.
Wallpolla Island in the Murray Sunset National Park.

Lindsay, Mulcra and Walpolla Islands

Part of Murray-Sunset National Park, these islands along the Murray River offer a remote camping experience for self-sufficient visitors. Relax, fish or swim at a secluded campsite or enjoy a birdwatching or canoeing adventure.
Two kangaroos graze in a clearing of trees

Murray-Kulkyne Park

Sandwiched between the Murray River and Hattah-Kulkyne National Park, Murray-Kulkyne offers visitors the opportunity to explore both river and Mallee country. Camp, fish, boat or canoe, or relax and enjoy the local birds and wildlife.
The sky between the trunks of tall eucalyptus trees

Karadoc Nature Nature Conservation Reserve

A small nature reserve located south east of Mildura near Iraak. A secluded spot for nature-based activities. There is a camping area with a toilet and picnic table. Dogs are prohibited.
The sky between the trunks of tall eucalyptus trees

Gadsen Bend Park

Located 5km south west of Robinvale, Gadsen Bend Park offers several basic bush camping areas and large sandbars with opportunities for fishing, swimming, canoeing and appreciating nature. Dogs are prohibited.

How to get there

South Australia border to Piangil

Mildura is 550km from Melbourne via the M79/A79 and 400km from Adelaide via the A20. Robinvale is 465km north-west of Melbourne via the M79 then the Calder, Loddon Valley and Murray Valley Highways.

When to go

This reach of the river may be quieter over summer than areas closer to Melbourne, but favourite riverside camping spots may still be busy. It is a good time for watersports and to enjoy being on and by the water. It can get very hot in the Mallee, so bring plenty of drinking water. As local wetlands dry out, birds and other wildlife are drawn to the river. 

Need to know

South Australia border to Piangil

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

    Murray River Reserve - Flood Event August 2023

    Murray River Reserve is affected by flooding. High river levels are inundating camping areas and affecting track access. Roads and visitor sites are temporarily closed until floodwaters recede and sites can be assessed as safe.

    River Track and camping sites are affected between Colignan and Mildura, as a result the following bends or sections of these bends are closed:

    - Graces Bend Camping Area, Colignan

    - Lambert Island Nature Conservation Reserve

    -Karadoc Sandbar Camping Area

    Flood Damage

    Some areas are affected by flooding from the Murray, Campaspe and Goulburn Rivers.
    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.

    Murray River Reserve 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.

    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 - PARTIALLY OPEN, lower camping sections are still flooded.
    Betha Bend - OPEN
    Arnold Bend - OPEN
    Baillieu Bend - OPEN
    Baillieu Lagoon - OPEN
    Tolhurst Bend - OPEN
    Barra Bend - CLOSED
    Young Bend - CLOSED
    Crossman Bend - CLOSED
    Turner Bend - CLOSED
    Horseshoe Bend - CLOSED
    Norris Bend - CLOSED
    Jones Bend - CLOSED
    Williams Bend - CLOSED
    Gona Bend - CLOSED
    This water may be present for a couple months to come. Please drive with caution and do not drive through flood waters.

    Closed camping areas within Proposed Murray River Park (Part), River Murray Reserve in the vicinity of Strathmerton & Barmah

    The following camping areas remain closed due to wet and boggy conditions on roads and within Visitor camping areas following flooding:

    Wallpolla and Mulcra Island Closed

    Mulcra and Wallpolla Islands are closed due to riverine flood damage affecting both access and visitor safety.

    Guttrum State Forest and Benwell State Forest closed

    As a result of flooding in the area, Guttrum and Benwell State Forests have been closed to the public until 30 November 2023. Due to these state forest closures, access to campsites in the area is not available. See MapShareVic for road and track closures, and for more information, please visit the Forest and road closures page.

    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 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

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

    Seasonal road closures 2023

    Seasonal road closures apply to areas within and tracks bordering this park from 15 June 2023. See MapshareVic for locations of the closures. Visit the seasonal road closures page for more information

    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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