Going Bush
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.
Camping
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.
Walking
Echuca Moama offers a variety of scenic walking trails that showcase the region’s stunning natural beauty. Whether you’re strolling along the banks of the Murray River or exploring lush bushland and wetlands, the walking trails cater to all levels of fitness and adventure.
Popular trails include the picturesque Riverwalk, which offers stunning views of the river, and the Moama Heritage Walk, which highlights the area’s rich history. These well-maintained paths provide a chance to connect with nature, spot local wildlife, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, making Echuca Moama a fantastic destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Below are some of our favourite trails and bushwalks in the region ranging from half-day bush walks to a short stroll around town taking in some of the interesting sites.
Cycling
Echuca Moama is the perfect place to ride a bicycle! With a comfortable climate, minimal rain and generally flat topography, Echuca Moama is ideal for all ages to get around by bike.
Known for its rich history, picturesque landscapes, and outdoor lifestyle, Echuca Moama is a cyclist’s paradise, featuring a range of trails suitable for all skill levels. Whether you’re cycling along the riverbanks, through the lush forests, or across the historic townships, the area offers a mix of smooth paths, quiet country roads, and stunning natural beauty. From leisurely rides to more challenging routes, cycling in Echuca Moama provides an opportunity to experience the vibrant culture and serene surroundings of this popular destination.
Not only is cycling a fun activity to do with your family and friends, it has proven health benefits for both physical and mental health and is a low impact exercise that all ages and abilities can enjoy.
There are many delightful destinations in Echuca Moama that are in close proximity to the two towns, and cycling is often the quickest way to travel short distances. Don’t waste time sitting in traffic or searching for a car park: simply cycle right to the front door.
To get you started, we have listed some of our favourite all ages bicycle rides.
Click here for Bike Hire available through Green Pedal Cycles
SELF RIDE BIKE TOURS
ECHUCA RIDES
All rides start at the Old Pumphouse Building in Heygarth Street, Echuca
- Port of Echuca– 800m one way (Easy)
Pedal along the shared pathway connecting with the Murray Esplanade enjoying the sights and sounds of the historic Port of Echuca. Imagine a time when bicycles were a common mode of transport.
- Banyule State Forest - 500m one way (Easy to Intermediate)
Connect to the forest via the pathway under the Echuca Moama bridge. If you want a variety of forest pathways that let you enjoy sights of the Murray River, bask in the dappled sunlight that penetrates the river gum forest and potentially run into a mob of kangaroos, then this is the ride for you!
- Campaspe River Shared Pathway – 3.5km one way (Easy)
A scenic ride along a peaceful shared pathway that meanders alongside the Campaspe River. There are also two pedestrian bridges that allow for easy access back to downtown Echuca.
- Warren Street Shared Pathway – 3.5km one way (Easy)
A new shared pathway connecting the west of Echuca. Create a loop and combine with the Campaspe River shared pathway.
- Christie's Beach – 8.7km one way and other spots along the river. (Easy to Intermediate)
A fabulous ride with spectacular views of the Murray River. There are tracks along the Murray River for most of this ride. Always a chance to see some local wildlife.
MOAMA RIDES
All rides in Moama start at the Kerrabee Sound Shell, Blair Street, Moama
- Moama Beach – 2 km one way (Easy)
Pack your swimmers and a picnic and head down to the beach.
- Horseshoe Lagoon/Chanter/Bett Street to the Murray River – 3.5km one way (Easy to Intermediate)
Ride under the bridge along a combination of on and off road tracks that initially meanders along the Murray River, and then swings back inland past historic sites before re-connecting with the Murray River.
- Botanical Gardens/Moama Adventure Playground – 3.6km one way (Easy)
Pack a picnic and enjoy the garden and adventure playground.
- 5 Mile Mountain Bike Trail – 9.8km one way (Easy to Difficult)
The ride out to 5 Mile Boat Ramp and Picnic area is a predominantly shared pathway that is separated from vehicular traffic. Pack a picnic or pick up supplies at a local cafe or supermarket along the way. Test your skills on the 7km of purpose-built mountain bike trails.
- Moama Loop – 13.7km return
Blair Street/Kiely Road/Lignum Rd/Martin Road/Twenty Four Lane - Complete a circuit of Moama by bicycle.
Additional trail maps for the Banyule State Forest and 5 Mile Mountain Bike Trail can be found here:
https://www.trailforks.com/region/echuca/
The Yellowbelly Track is a 200km bike route in Northern Victoria, from Echuca to Tallarook, following the Goulburn River.
To download the information sheet for the Yellowbelly Track please click here
To visit the Yellowbelly Track Website please click here
There has never been a better time to start cycling! Cycling allows you to enjoy fresh air and sunshine whilst staying physically and mentally fit in a social distancing compliant way.
Experience some of our favourite cycling routes or create your own adventure! There are local cafes, restaurants, wineries and sights to enjoy along the way.
Active Transport Echuca and Moama (ATEAM) is a group of like-minded individuals who are passionate about everyone in Echuca and Moama being able to safely walk and cycle as part of their daily life.
ATEAM has been working with the Campaspe and Murray River Shires to increase the number of footpaths, bike paths and safe crossing points across Echuca and Moama.
Anyone interested in joining ATEAM can do so by emailing
Health references
https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/cycling-health-benefits
Explore our Outdoors
Get Outdoors in Echuca Moama - we offer a vibrant escape for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
Immerse yourself in a diverse range of outdoor activities, from exploring lush riverbanks and tranquil forests to enjoying water sports, hiking, and cycling. Spend a few days camping by the riverbank or throw in a line for that elusive Murray Cod.
Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adrenaline-fueled adventure, Echuca Moama provides the perfect blend of relaxation and excitement, all set within a stunning natural landscape that promises unforgettable experiences.