For those seeking a classic, unstructured, and free bush camping experience on the iconic Murray River, Bottle Bend is a fantastic and highly accessible destination. Located within a Murray River Reserve just a short drive from Mildura and Red Cliffs, this area offers a serene escape into a beautiful riverine landscape dominated by majestic river red gums. It is a quintessential Australian bush camp, perfect for self-sufficient travellers, especially those with a passion for fishing, kayaking, and relaxing by the water’s edge. The camping area is not a formal campground but rather a large, dispersed area with numerous tracks leading to secluded spots right on the riverbank. This allows campers in tents, camper trailers, and off-road caravans to find their own private piece of paradise.
The main attraction at Bottle Bend is the mighty Murray River itself. The slow-moving, wide expanse of water is a prime location for anglers targeting the legendary Murray Cod and Golden Perch, and the numerous sandy banks and fallen logs create excellent habitat. It’s also a perfect spot for launching a kayak or canoe to explore the tranquil waterways and abundant birdlife. The back-to-basics nature of the camp means it’s a place to disconnect and enjoy the simple pleasures: stoking a campfire under the vast Mallee sky, listening to the evening chorus of kookaburras, and watching the incredible sunsets reflect off the water. While it offers a wonderful sense of isolation, its proximity to the amenities of Red Cliffs and the major regional hub of Mildura means supplies are never far away. For a memorable and budget-free adventure that captures the timeless spirit of the Murray, Bottle Bend is a top choice.
Bottle Bend Camping – VIC Location Map
Bottle Bend
- Address: Red Cliffs VIC 3496
- GPS: -34.30543548843429, 142.29840829295995
- Website: This is a free camping area within a Murray River Reserve. Information is available on the Parks Victoria website.
Site Details
- Location: Riverside bush camp on the Murray River.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, and Off-road Caravans/Motorhomes. Access can be tight for large rigs.
- Road Access: Unsealed dirt tracks. Can be slippery and boggy after rain. 2WD accessible in the dry with caution.
- Site Surface: Natural dirt and sand base.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free dispersed camping.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe Parks Victoria guidelines for river reserves.
- Facilities: No facilities. This is a fully self-sufficient bush camp.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Patchy. Telstra offers the best chance of a signal.
- TV Reception: Unreliable.
- Onsite Public Toilets: No. You must have your own toilet.
- Rubbish Bins: No. This is a strict carry-in, carry-out site.
- Open Fires: Permitted in contained fire pits, subject to seasonal fire restrictions. BYO firewood from outside the park.
- Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of the natural environment and other campers.
- Number of Sites Available: Many unmarked, dispersed sites along the river.
- Essentials to Bring: Your own toilet, all drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, insect repellent, fishing gear.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a lead.
Activities
- Fishing: Premier location for Murray Cod, Golden Perch, and crayfish (in season).
- Short Walks: Enjoy leisurely walks along the riverbank tracks.
- Kayaking & Canoeing: Direct river access makes it perfect for paddling.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- Red Cliffs Club (Red Cliffs) – Approx. 15 km
- The Gateway Tavern (Mildura) – Approx. 18 km
- The Corporate Moose (Mildura) – Approx. 20 km
- Places to Eat:
- Numerous cafes, bakeries, and pubs in Red Cliffs – Approx. 15 km
- Extensive “Feast Street” restaurant precinct in Mildura – Approx. 20 km
- Local Attractions:
- Red Cliffs Scenic Reserve & Big Lizzie – Approx. 15 km
- Australian Inland Botanic Gardens (NSW) – Approx. 15 km
- Murray River Paddle Steamers (Mildura) – Approx. 20 km
- Mildura Arts Centre – Approx. 20 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Red Cliffs Caravan Park – Approx. 15 km
- BIG4 Mildura Getaway Holiday Park – Approx. 18 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Psyche Bend Pump Station Reserve – Approx. 25 km
- Numerous other Murray River reserves nearby.
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Mildura Visitor Information Centre Public Dump Point – Approx. 20 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Red Cliffs has multiple options – Approx. 15 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available at the Mildura Visitor Information Centre.
- Public Toilets:
- The nearest public toilets are in Red Cliffs township.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and sunny, ideal for river activities, with average temperatures of 17-33°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Warm, dry, and sunny days, perfect for camping and fishing, averaging 10-26°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and crisp with cold nights and sunny days, great for campfires, averaging 5-16°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild to warm and generally sunny, a beautiful time to be on the river, averaging 9-24°C.
