AG Outdoor | 41A
USTRALIA’S LONGEST NAVIGABLE river runs
through threestates, from NSWand through Vic-
toria before flowing into the Southern Ocean in
South Australia. The Victorian section is hugely
popular with campers and outdoor enthusiasts for many
reasons: the amount of free (and paid) campsites along the
river means no matter where you are, it rarely feels crowded;
the water activities available (canoeing and kayaking to water
skiing or riding on an historic paddle steamer); the fishing
(1500km of waterfront between Wodonga and the South Oz
border, according to Parks Vic – remember to also purchase a
fishing licence); swimming at some of the river’s beaches near
Albury-Wodonga; and all the on-ground activities surround-
ing it (walking, MTB, cycle touring, etc.). Add in the easy
access, and you have the ideal a family camping destination.
The Murray River meanders through a range of landscapes
as it makes it way through Victoria. From the alpine regions
of the Upper Murray (one of our favourite parts of the river)
to the more open and arid Mallee region around Mildura,
camping at different spots along the Murray is a fantastic
way to see how the river and its environs change – and how
the river forms such a huge part of each region you camp at.
The sheer number ofstate parksand national parks that abut
the mighty waterway allow for a variety of campsites; the
Upper Murray is a brilliant kick-off point for any camping
road trip along the river, with the campsites at Jingellic Bend
(accessed via Shelley Road, off the Murray Valley Highway),
Bullock Flat and Burrowye Bend offering a more remote feel.
These campsites are quite popular mainly because they offerfantastic put-in points for canoes/kayaks, but are worth the
little extra effort to get there. The Kurrajongs (in the northern
section of Mount Lawson State Park – a park that also offers
plenty of hikes and bush-based camping) is a large campsite
further west of Burrowye Bend on the river that has similar
watercraft attractions, along with more facilities.
Venture slightly further west to Mount Granya State Park
and you not only have an awesome riverside campsite at
Cotton Tree Creek, but access to the 10.4km-return hike
that leads to the summit of Mount Granya, via pretty Granya
Falls. Continue to Albury and you start to access some of
the Murray’s famous beaches – as well as get the chance to
restock camp supplies in the supermarkets there – before
following the river further on its westward journey.
The region centred around Mildura is our other favourite
Murray River destination; the sheer variety of activities on
offer here, as well as the cool camping and abundance of
wildlife and birdlife, mean you could easily spend two weeks
just ambling from campsite to campsite. The reserves sur-
rounding this famous inland city come under the collective
of the Murray River Parklands and, although mostly day-use
areas, make for the perfect excuse to tackle some town-based
camping as you explore them. The reserves offer great pad-
dling and fishing (Murray Cod and Golden Perch are found
here – but be aware of catch limits and have your fishing
licence) and a couple of days of relaxed exploring here will
prove perfect for younger families.
Venture further west following the Murray and you will
experience the amazing Mallee region of Victoria – its des-
erts and wide-open spaces a massive contrast to the rocky,
heavily timbered mountains of the Upper Murray at the
beginning of your Murray camping journey. With the wide
river bordered by huge river red gums, small islands dotting
the river itself, and the chance to experience a true outback
sunset, finishing off your Murray River camping adventure
with a few nights camping at some of the national parks
here – Hatta-Kulkyne and Murray-Sunset are must-stays- will be the perfect finish to that big camping adventure.
Family camping:
TheMurrayRiver
All year
http://www.murrayriver.com.au
http://www.visitthemurray.com.auMilduraAlburyMt Granya
State ParkMurray
Sunset NPHattah-Kulkyne NP