Gunbower Camping Reserve | Free Murray River Bush Camping & Fishing

Escape to the heart of Australia’s largest inland island and discover the natural wonderland of the Gunbower Camping Reserve. This fantastic free camping area is a quintessential Murray River bush camp, offering a peaceful and authentic experience for self-sufficient travellers. Nestled within the Gunbower State Forest, the reserve is a paradise for nature lovers, anglers, and kayakers, providing direct access to the serene Gunbower Creek, a stunning anabranch of the Murray. The campground is spread out amongst a majestic forest of river red gums, offering numerous shady and secluded spots to set up your caravan, camper, or tent. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect, waking to a chorus of kookaburras and spending your days watching the gentle flow of the creek and the abundant local wildlife, including kangaroos, wallabies, and a spectacular array of birdlife.

This is a back-to-basics campground that rewards visitors with an immersive natural experience. The calm waters of Gunbower Creek are perfect for a leisurely paddle, and the area is renowned as a premier fishing destination, famous for its healthy populations of Murray Cod and Golden Perch. The surrounding state forest and nearby Gunbower National Park are crisscrossed with tracks, making it ideal for bushwalking, birdwatching, and exploring the unique riverine ecosystem. While the campsite feels wonderfully remote, it is conveniently located just a short drive from the charming township of Gunbower, where you can find basic supplies and a classic country pub. For those looking to explore further, the major regional centres of Echuca and Cohuna are within easy reach. For a memorable and budget-friendly bush adventure that captures the timeless spirit of the Murray River region, the Gunbower Camping Reserve is an unbeatable destination.

Campground Information

• Name: Gunbower Camping Reserve
• Address: 26 Gunbower Island Rd, Gunbower VIC 3566

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -35.95296487814571, 144.37549301901836

Website

• Website: This is a free campground in a state forest. Information is available on the Parks Victoria website for the broader national park area.

Location Map

Site Details

• Location: Bush camp on Gunbower Island, on the banks of Gunbower Creek.
• Site Suitable For: Self-contained Caravans, Motorhomes, Camper Trailers, Tents.
• Road Access: Unsealed dirt/gravel road. Can be affected by weather. Check conditions before entry.
• Site Surface: Natural bush setting, grass and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free dispersed camping is permitted.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Please check Parks Victoria guidelines for long stays.
• Facilities: Basic, non-flush toilets may be available in some areas. No showers or power.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Patchy to non-existent. Telstra offers the best chance of service.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, basic non-flush toilets are available at the main reserve area.
• Rubbish Bins: No. This is a strict carry-in, carry-out site.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits or your own contained fire pit, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. BYO firewood.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but please be highly considerate of the natural environment and other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Large, unmarked area with many potential spots.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, toilet paper, rubbish bags, insect repellent, shovel.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a lead in the State Forest sections. Not permitted in the National Park.

Activities

• Fishing: Excellent for Murray Cod and Golden Perch in Gunbower Creek.
• Short Walks: Numerous bush tracks and fire trails to explore.
• Kayaking & Canoeing: The creek is a premier destination for paddling.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • The Gunbower Hotel – Approx. 8 km
  • The Shamrock Hotel (Cohuna) – Approx. 25 km
  • Bower Hotel (Cohuna) – Approx. 25 km
• Places to Eat:
  • The Gunbower Hotel (Bistro) – Approx. 8 km
  • Gunbower Cafe & Takeaway – Approx. 8 km
  • Various options in Cohuna – Approx. 25 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Gunbower National Park & State Forest – You are in it!
  • Gunbower Island Canoe Trail – Starts nearby
  • The town of Echuca – Approx. 45 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Gunbower Riverbend Caravan Park – Approx. 8 km
  • Cohuna Waterfront Holiday Park – Approx. 25 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Numerous other spots along Gunbower Island Rd.
  • Guttrum State Forest – Approx. 20 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Cohuna Public Dump Point – Approx. 25 km
  • Echuca Public Dump Point – Approx. 45 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Gunbower – Approx. 8 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available in Gunbower or Cohuna towns.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite (basic). Full facilities in Gunbower township.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and sunny, ideal for water activities, with average temperatures of 16-32°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Warm, clear days and mild nights, perfect for fishing and walking, averaging 9-26°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and crisp with frosty mornings, but often with clear, sunny days, averaging 4-15°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and pleasant, a prime time for birdwatching and exploring, averaging 8-24°C.