By Brad East
For many, finding the best Murray River campgrounds opens a whole new view of Australia. It lets you explore one of the nation’s greatest marvels and discover new worlds and stories hidden from the naked eye.
The best Murray River campgrounds can be found next to stunning inland beaches, large natural lakes as well as historic towns entrenched with centuries-old traditions.
No matter if you are camping in NSW or Victoria, the Murray winds its way through the Australian countryside switching from alpine meadows to desert-tinged grassland.
It marks an interesting journey that captivates all travellers no matter their age, background or interest. So what are the best Murray River Campgrounds/
The best Murray River campgrounds revealed
Indi Bridge Campground
Upper Murray Rd, Towong Upper, VIC 3707
There are some picturesque campgrounds in the upstream sections of the Murray. However, few provide a range of activities quite like Indi Bridge Campground. Nestled on the Victorian side of the river, this campground is perfect for exploring the upper reaches of the Murray. Access to the river is easy and makes an excellent spot for fishing in the winter or swimming in the warmer months. It is also an excellent spot for spotting colourful birdlife and serene for picnics.
Whilst there are not lots of amenities at the campground, there are still toilets as well as picnic facilities allowing for all basic needs to be catered for. It’s the perfect base for exploring the river before it becomes the almighty behemoth further downstream.
Ludlow’s Reserve
2932 Murray Valley Highway, Ebden, VIC 3691
The Albury/Wodonga region attracts many tourists being on the main route between Melbourne & Sydney. Yet just east of the town, the Murray is dammed forming the sprawling Lake Hume which stretches over 20,000 ha. You will find no shortage of holiday parks scattered on the lake’s foreshore including the picturesque Ludlow’s Reserve.
On the southern tip of Lake Hume, this reserve provides excellent access to the water with a boat ramp, swimming facilities and more to maximise its shore-side location. The site also comes with a host of amenities including electric BBQs, toilets and showering facilities. It’s worth noting that this free campsite only allows berths for 24 hours and is suited only for caravans and motorhomes.
Despite that, it makes for a great place to enjoy Lake Hume and everything in the surrounding vicinity of Albury.
Lake Mulwala Holiday Park
186 Melbourne St, Mulwala NSW 2647
The dual towns of Yarrawonga and Mulwala are hugely popular spots for Melbournians and Sydneysiders to enjoy watersports. Yet few spots enjoy the ability to enjoy the water quite like Lake Mulwala Holiday Park – a holiday park in Mulwala. It’s perfect for families with cabins and campsites right on the water’s edge. There are also plenty of amenities such as play areas, a jumping pillow and full dining amenities.
Access to the water is extremely easy and the park also has its own private marina which caters for both local and interstate customers alike. It provides the perfect base to explore the greater region which is close to the Ovens River Valley and the foothills of the Australian Alps as well. One of the best Murray River campgrounds to cater for all audiences
Quicks Beach
Barooga, NSW 3644
The middle and upper stretches of the Murray are known for amazing inland beaches. These are found in abundance around Cobram and Tocumwal and some are perfect for camping.
A perfect example – is Quicks Beach. Just 3km south of Barooga, this small campground sits on a small beach on the northern bank of the Murray.
Quicks Beach has golden banks lining either side of the Murray and is perfect for a dip in the Australian icon. The site itself is away from bustling eyes and has toilets on hand to provide basic amenities for those staying.
It’s best suited for larger motorhomes and vans although the adjacent Kerr’s Beach campsite is well-suited for those with smaller caravans. It’s a great way to stay and camp at one of the Murray’s signature inland beaches without crowds or noise.
Christie’s Beach
Echuca, VIC 3564
Echuca has developed into one of the Murray’s biggest hubs thanks to its hub as a river port and access to Melbourne. Whilst many stay in the Victorian town or its NSW twin Moama, there are several great campsites nearby to avoid crowds. One of these is Christie’s Beach – a rather basic but well-placed campsite.
Just a few minutes from Echuca, you can explore everything the region has to offer and take a trip back in history. Alternatively, this camping spot offers direct access to the river itself making it perfect for a quick dip or fishing.
With it offering a bit more peace than a more established camping spot, it may also help you spot residents such as kangaroos, echidnas or a platypus. A great alternative way to experience the Echuca section of the Murray without the crowds.
Swifts Creek Campground
Swifts Creek Road, Mathoura NSW 2710
As the Murray snakes along the central border of NSW and Victoria, it forms a natural maze of river gums and wetlands. It forms the basis of the Murray Valley National Park – a natural haven waiting to be explored.
The best place to do this is Swifts Creek – one of the best Murray River campgrounds for exploring nature at its heart.
The campground itself is located near Mathoura and you can use it to go for stunning bushwalks and explore the bush at its finest. With over 60 endangered animals calling the park home, be sure to be on the lookout for some unusual critters when exploring.
There’s a boat ramp for exploring the Murray itself as well as showering facilities and BBQs to dine out in nature. The perfect way to see how the Murray has shaped Australian nature for millennia without any distractions.
Cohuna Floral Reserve
Tennis Rd, Cohuna, VIC 3568
At the joining of Gunbower Creek and the Murray, the vast Gunbower Island provides a raft of different environments to explore. To get the most out of this, camping nearby allows excellent ways to see wildlife of all kinds. Access can be limited so staying in towns like Cohuna is a great way to anchor your visit and explore at your leisure.
Located in the town of Cohuna itself, the Cohuna Floral Reserve is a campground that is not only easy to access but suits all campers.
Adults can explore riverside tracks to spot wildlife whilst there are play areas and BBQ facilities for those staying with kids that want to snack and explore. All of this is free in the heart of the Victorian town making it one of the best Murray River campgrounds to blend both town and country.
Merbein Common
Merbein, VIC 3505
As the Murray reaches Mildura, the river widens to become a paradise for living on the water.
The area is known for boating and experiencing life on the water. Whilst the area is thriving with holiday parks, head west of the city to find an unsung campground – Merbein Common.
Merbein Common is a campground based on low wetlands near the Murray and has direct access to the river and surrounding wetlands. Keen explorers can explore nearby billabongs as well as tracks that show how the river breathes life into the surrounding bush and Mallee lands. Alternatively, you can also head into Mildura itself and see how the city has become one of the nation’s great farming capitals.
Conclusion
No matter where you choose to stay along the Murray, there’s bound to be something for everyone to enjoy. The best Murray River campgrounds not only allow you to interact directly with the river but also tell how life has developed on its banks.
From historic cities to thriving natural landscapes, there is something for everyone to do and see. Furthermore, finding the right campsites lets you enjoy the river life in tranquillity or close to civilization depending on what you prefer. It’s why the best Murray River campgrounds can be enjoyed by anybody all year round.
Click here for a free finance quote
More Information:
