Cabrooga Beach is a delightful and often quieter alternative to the busier camping areas along the Murray River in the Cobram region. Located within the Cobram Regional Park, this dispersed bush camping site sits on a picturesque bend of the river, framed by towering River Red Gums and native bushland. Its name, a playful blend of “Cobram” and “Barooga,” hints at its location right in the heart of this twin-town region, yet it feels miles away from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
The site features a series of dispersed camping spots along the high bank and near the water’s edge. The river here creates a inviting sandy beach area (water levels permitting), which is perfect for swimming, launching a kayak, or simply pulling up a chair to watch the river flow. The ground is a mix of compacted earth, leaf litter, and grassy patches, providing a solid base for caravans, camper trailers, and tents. Because it is slightly less well-known than the massive Thompson’s Beach or Scott’s Beach, Cabrooga often offers a better chance of finding a secluded spot during peak times.
As part of the Cobram Regional Park, Cabrooga Beach is a free bush camping area with no facilities. There are no toilets, showers, or drinking water available on-site. Visitors must be fully self-sufficient, bringing their own portable toilet, water, and power supplies. This “leave no trace” philosophy helps maintain the natural beauty of the area and protects the local wildlife. Access is via unsealed forest tracks off River Road, which are generally accessible by 2WD in dry weather but can become slippery and boggy after rain.
Despite its secluded bush setting, Cabrooga Beach is incredibly convenient. You are less than a 10-minute drive from the centre of Cobram, where you can access supermarkets, cafes, and pubs. The site is also close to the Quinn’s Island Wetland Sanctuary, a haven for birdwatchers and walkers. Whether you are casting a line for a Murray Cod, enjoying a sunset campfire, or exploring the nearby tracks, Cabrooga Beach offers an authentic and relaxing Murray River escape.
Cabrooga Beach – VIC Location Map
Cabrooga Beach (Cobram Regional Park)
- Address: Unnamed Road (Access via River Rd), Cobram VIC 3644, Australia
- Managed By: Parks Victoria (Free Camping)
- GPS Coordinates: -35.91697, 145.67872
Site Information
- Location: Situated on the Victorian bank of the Murray River, approximately 5km east of the Cobram town centre. It is located between Quinn’s Island (West) and Scott’s Beach (East).
- Site Suitable For: Caravans (including off-roaders), camper trailers, motorhomes, and tents.
- Road Access: Unsealed access via River Road. Tracks are generally hard-packed dirt suitable for 2WD in dry weather. Caution: Tracks turn to slippery clay mud after rain; 4WD recommended in wet conditions.
- Site Surface: Natural bush ground, dirt, leaf litter, and some grassy areas under trees.
Available Facilities
- Bush Camping (No Amenities)
- No Toilets (You must bring a portable toilet).
- No Showers.
- No Drinking Water.
- No Rubbish Bins (Carry in, Carry out).
- River Access (Sandy beach/bank).
- Campfires Permitted (In constructed fireplaces only, subject to fire bans).
Essentials to Bring
- Portable Toilet: Mandatory requirement as there are no facilities.
- Water: Bring all drinking and washing water.
- Rubbish Bags: You must take all waste with you.
- Firewood: Bring clean firewood (collection in the park is often restricted).
- Insect Repellent: Essential near the water.
- Shovel: For campfire safety.
- Recovery Gear: Recommended if rain is forecast.
Park Policies & Features
- Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted in Cobram Regional Park but must be kept under control to protect wildlife and other campers.
- Fishing: Excellent. The river bend provides good habitat for Murray Cod and Golden Perch. Bank fishing is popular here. Victorian Fishing Licence required.
- Short Walks: Walking tracks connect Cabrooga Beach to Quinn’s Island Wetland Sanctuary (West) and Scott’s Beach (East).
- Swimming: Good swimming access from the sandy beach. Always be aware of river currents, submerged logs, and varying depths.
Local Amenities (Cobram & Barooga)
Local Pubs
- Cobram Hotel (The Top Pub): (Main St) Approx. 5.5km
- Barooga Hotel: (Golf Course Rd, Barooga NSW) Approx. 8km
- Sporties Barooga: (Burkinshaw St) Approx. 8.5km
Places to Eat
- The Beach Cafe: (Thompson’s Beach) Approx. 4km – Great spot for coffee/meals by the river.
- Big Mumma’s Kitchen: (High St) Approx. 5.5km
- Presto Pasta & Pizza: (High St) Approx. 5.5km
Local Attractions
- Quinn’s Island Wetland Sanctuary: (River Rd) Approx. 2km West – Birdwatching and walking trails.
- Thompson’s Beach: (Rockarama Rd) Approx. 4km – Huge shaded inland beach.
- The Big Strawberry: (Koonoomoo) Approx. 11km.
- Cobram Barooga Golf Club: (Barooga) Approx. 8.5km.
- Cactus Country: (Strathmerton) Approx. 20km.
Nearest Caravan Parks
- Cobram Willows Caravan Park: (Murray Valley Hwy) Approx. 5.5km.
- RACV Cobram Resort: (Campbell Rd) Approx. 7km.
- Oasis Caravan Park: (Koonoomoo Rd) Approx. 6km.
Nearest Free Camps
- Scott’s Beach: (Upstream) Approx. 2km East.
- Little Toms Beach: (Downstream) Approx. 4km West.
- Big Toms Beach: (Upstream) Approx. 4km East.
Nearest Dump Points
- Federation Park Cobram: (Punt Rd) Approx. 5.5km.
- Barooga Recreation Reserve: (Barooga) Approx. 9km.
Nearest Petrol Stations
- Mobil Cobram: (Murray Valley Hwy) Approx. 5.5km.
- Woolworths Petrol: (Bank St) Approx. 6km.
Nearest Drinking Water Resupply
- Federation Park: (Punt Rd) Taps available. Approx. 5.5km.
- Cobram Showgrounds: (Bank St) Check availability. Approx. 6km.
Nearest Public Toilets
- Thompson’s Beach: (Rockarama Rd) Approx. 4km.
- Federation Park: (Punt Rd) Approx. 5.5km.
Seasonal Weather Forecast for Cobram
- Summer (December – February): Hot and dry. Average highs 30°C – 33°C, often higher. The river provides essential cooling.
- Autumn (March – May): Mild and sunny. Warm days (22°C – 27°C) and cool nights. Perfect for camping.
- Winter (June – August): Cool to cold. Average highs 13°C – 15°C. Nights are cold (3°C – 5°C) with frost likely. Campfires essential.
- Spring (September – November): Pleasant warming trend. Highs 19°C – 26°C. Great for outdoor activities.