River Redgum Parks along the Murray

Explore, experience and enjoy the beautiful river red gum parks and reserves along the Victoria / New South Wales border. There's nothing better for your wellbeing than getting out in nature. Every year the Murray River attracts thousands of visitors to its waters and surrounds including the magnificent river red gum forests and internationally significant wetlands. Together the parks along the Murray River in Victoria and New South Wales form the largest river red gum forest in the world with an abundance of flora and fauna and wildlife. 

A feature of River Red Gums is that they drop their limbs in times of drought to conserve water. River Reds and many other eucalypts have an ominous nickname, “Widow Maker”, as they have a habit of dropping large boughs (often half the diameter of the trunk) without warning, specially when you least expect it in calm, hot weather.

The hollows created by the falling of the limbs make perfect habitats (homes) for a host of wildlife, making the River Red Gum a magical ecosystem along the inland waterways of the Australian bush.

Please note: Never camp or park your car underneath a river red gum just in case the tree falls or drops branches.

All images on this page courtesy NSW National Parks. Photos by OEH/G. Hansford and D. Finnegan.

Driving in the bush

Conditions change in parks for many reasons. Check for any changes affecting the park you intend to visit. ALWAYS check current road and weather conditions before you head 'bush' as many tracks become inaccessible due to rain and/or high water levels. It is best to avoid bush tracks after rain so try and stick to the safer, main roads. For more information on bush and river track closures during winter and also road closures due to bush revegetation or rehabilitation during different times of the year please visit the Parks Victoria website or NSW National Parks websits.

In the warmer times of the year, please check total fire bans and ratings (Country Fire Authority) before you enter a park, please check the CFA website for Total Fire Ban declarations including a 4 day forecast.

Special Offer from National Parks

Look out for a $15 discount on Annual Passes to NSW national parks (All Parks Pass and Multi-Parks) when you renew a NSW vehicle registration online. This will sort out vehicle entry for a whole year’s worth of activities such as your next ski trip, a couple of picnics in spring, and bushwalks to your favourite secluded beach on hot summer days.

Your support helps maintain visitor facilities, protect bio-diversity and conserve sites of cultural significance. Click here nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/DAP for more information.

Echuca Moama is a fantastic destination for camping, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. Located along the Murray River, the region boasts a variety of campgrounds, from riverside sites to lush bushland settings. Whether you prefer powered sites with modern amenities or more secluded, off-the-grid camping experiences, there’s something for everyone.

Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, fishing, kayaking, and stargazing, all while immersed in the peaceful, picturesque environment.

With its warm climate and proximity to the river, Echuca Moama is an ideal spot for a relaxing and memorable camping getaway.

Some of the best bush camping locations include:

Christie's Beach - Echuca Regional Park

Free camping  I  Pit toilets  I  Picnic tables  I  Fireplace  I  Dogs permitted
Access via Simmie Road, Echuca

Located approximately 8.5km from the Echuca Moama Visitor Centre, Christie's Beach provides free river beach camping right on the banks of the Murray. Christie's Beach has pit toilets, picnic tables and fireplaces. Dogs are permitted.

Betts Beach - Echuca Regional Park 

Free camping  I  Dogs permitted
Access via Simmie Road, Echuca

Located approximately 8km from the Echuca Moama Visitor Centre, Betts Beach has no facilities, but does offer beautiful riverside beach camping surrounded by the iconic Murray bush. Dogs permitted.

Barmah Lakes - Barmah National Park 

Free camping  I  Toilets  I Picnic tables  I  Fireplaces
Access via Moira Lakes Road, Barmah

Barmah Lakes Campground is located 37km from the Echuca Moama Visitor Centre in Barmah National Park, home to the largest River Red Gum forest in the world. The campground has toilets, fireplaces and picnic tables. Dogs are not permitted.

Wills Bend - Murray River Reserve

Free camping  I  Pit toilets  I  Dogs permitted
Access via O'Dwyer Road, Echuca

Located in the Murray River Reserve, Wills Bend Campground is approximately 17.5km from the Echuca Visitor Centre, near Wharparilla. It offers bush camping with access to the sandy beach for swimming and river access. The campground has pit toilets and dogs are permitted.

Gunbower Island - Gunbower National Park 

Free camping  I  Fireplaces
Access via Cohuna Island Road, Cohuna

Gunbower Island is Australia's largest inland island, located between the Murray River and Gunbower Creek. It is an internationally recognised wetland of significance and an important indigenous site, where Artefacts such as shell middens, scar trees and oven mounds can still be seen today. The Gunbower Island Campground is approximately 80km from the Echuca Moama Visitor Centre. Dogs are not permitted.

Swifts Creek - NSW

Toilets  I  BBQ  I  Picnic tables  I  Boat ramp l Bookings are required, with a $6.00 booking fee
Access via Porters Creek Road, Mathoura

Swifts Creek Campground is located in the Murray Valley National Park and has toilets, BBQ facilities, picnic tables and a boat ramp. The Murray Valley National Park is approximately 36km from the Echuca Moama Visitor Centre. While camping is free, bookings are essential. A $6 booking fee applies. Bookings can be made on the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service website. Dogs are permitted in the Regional Park, but are not permitted in the adjacent National Park.

Edward River Bridge - NSW

Toilets  I  BBQ  I  Dogs permitted  l Bookings are required, with a $6.00 booking fee
Access via Millawa Road, off Picnic Point Road, Mathoura

Edward River Campground is located in the Murray Valley Regional Park, adjacent to Murray Valley National Park. The campground is located 47.5km from the Echuca Moama Visitor Centre and has toilets, BBQ facilities, and sculptures. While camping is free, bookings are essential. A $6 booking fee applies. Bookings can be made on the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service website. Dogs are permitted in the Regional Park but are not permitted in the National Park.

Benarca - NSW

Dogs permitted l Bookings are required, with a $6.00 booking fee
Access via Benarca Forest Road

The Benarca Campgrounds are located in the Murray Valley Regional Park, approximately 16km from the Echuca Moama Visitor Centre. The area is made up of nine separate campgrounds spread across approximately 2km of river frontage, surrounded by the majestic River Red Gums and river views. While camping is free, bookings are essential. A $6 booking fee applies. Bookings can be made on the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Service website. Dogs are permitted in the Regional Park.

Rotary RV Park Echuca

Rotary RV Park Echuca is a perfect stopover for self contained campers with toilet facilities onboard, located at Rotary Park, 1-7 Rose Street, Echuca.  

This community facility features large, well maintained sites, dump point for treated septic waste, potable water fill up station, domestic waste disposal for resident campers, pet friendly areas (on leash) and is walking distance to town attractions. The volunteer manager can be contacted on 0448151295 during business hours. 

Bookings are not required, however a donation is requested to support the community initiatives of the Rotary Club of Echuca. 

Please click here to download the brochure with map of the facility. 

Camping checklist:

• Please remember that camping is not permitted within 5km of the Echuca Moama town centres, and while many of our regional parks and reserves are dog friendly, pets are not permitted in the National Parks. 
• Some roads, tracks and campgrounds experience seasonal closures to reflect current weather conditions. ALWAYS remember to check conditions BEFORE YOU TRAVEL 
• For comprehensive camping information and park alerts please check the Parks Victoria or NSW National Parks websites and in the warmer times of the year, please check the Country Fire Authority website before you enter a park for Total Fire Ban declarations in Victoria, or the NSW RFS website in NSW
• Please help keep our parks and reserves litter free by taking your rubbish with you when you leave and always remember that wildlife is just that, wild. Please don't feed the wildlife.