Casey Bend (Wharparilla) – Peaceful Bush Camping West of Echuca

Casey Bend is a tranquil bush camping spot located within the Wharparilla precinct of the River Murray Reserve, approximately 17 kilometres west of the historic Port of Echuca. Situated on a sweeping bend of the Murray River, this site offers a genuine escape from the hustle and bustle of the main tourist areas. It is a favourite destination for self-sufficient campers who appreciate the serenity of the bush, the majestic canopy of ancient River Red Gums, and the opportunity to camp right on the water’s edge.

The camping area features dispersed, unallocated sites that are spread along the high riverbank and back into the forest. The ground is a mix of compacted earth, leaf litter, and grassy clearings, providing ample space for swags, tents, and off-road caravans. The bend in the river here creates deep, slow-moving water, making it an excellent spot for fishing or launching a tinny to explore the snags. The dense forest provides habitat for a wide variety of native birdlife, ensuring you wake up to the sounds of nature rather than traffic.

As a free bush camping site managed by Parks Victoria, there are no facilities at Casey Bend. There are no toilets, showers, or tap water available. Visitors must be completely self-sufficient, bringing their own portable toilet, water, and power supplies. This “leave no trace” philosophy helps maintain the pristine condition of the environment. Access is via unsealed forest tracks off the Murray Valley Highway (near Wharparilla Road), which are generally navigable by 2WD vehicles in dry weather but can become slippery and boggy after rain, so driving to conditions is essential.

Despite its secluded feel, Casey Bend is less than a 20-minute drive from Echuca. This allows you to enjoy the isolation of the bush while still having easy access to supermarkets, pubs, and cafes when needed. Whether you are an angler chasing Murray Cod, a family introducing the kids to bush camping, or a traveller looking for a quiet stopover on the Murray, Casey Bend offers an authentic and relaxing river experience.

Casey Bend – VIC Location Map

Casey Bend

• Address: Unnamed Road (Access via Wharparilla Rd/Murray Valley Hwy), Wharparilla VIC 3564, Australia
• Managed By: Parks Victoria (Free Camping)
• GPS Coordinates: -36.07448, 144.65739

Site Information

• Location: Situated on the Victorian bank of the Murray River in Wharparilla, approximately 17km west of Echuca. It is located near Pianta Road camping area.
• Site Suitable For: Caravans (off-road preferred), camper trailers, motorhomes, and tents.
• Road Access: Unsealed forest tracks. 2WD accessible in dry weather only. Tracks are clay-based and become slippery/boggy when wet. 4WD recommended if rain is forecast.
• Site Surface: Natural bush floor, dirt, leaf litter, and some grassy patches.

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 (Bank fishing/kayak launch).
• 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 the River Murray Reserve but must be kept under control to protect wildlife.
• Fishing: Excellent. The river here holds Murray Cod, Golden Perch, and Carp. A Victorian Fishing Licence is required.
• Short Walks: Walking tracks wind through the Red Gum forest along the riverbank.
• Swimming: Possible from the riverbank. Always be aware of river currents, submerged logs, and cold water temperatures.

Local Amenities (Echuca & Moama)

Local Pubs

• The American Hotel: (Heygarth St, Echuca) Approx. 17km East.
• The Echuca Hotel: (High St, Echuca) Approx. 17km East.
• The Caledonian Hotel: (Hare St, Echuca) Approx. 17km East.

Places to Eat

• Echuca Curry Club: (High St, Echuca) Approx. 17km East.
• Beechworth Bakery Echuca: (High St, Echuca) Approx. 17km East.
• Antonio’s: (High St, Echuca) Approx. 17km East.
• Port 53: (Murray Esplanade, Echuca) Approx. 17km East.

Local Attractions

• Port of Echuca Discovery Centre: (Murray Esplanade) Approx. 17km East – Historic paddle steamers.
• Great Aussie Beer Shed: (Mary Ann Rd) Approx. 20km East.
• National Holden Motor Museum: (Warren St) Approx. 17km East.
• Echuca Wharf: (Riverfront) Approx. 17km East.
• Silo Art (Rochester/Colbinabbin): Day trip distance south.

Nearest Caravan Parks

• Discovery Parks – Echuca: (Ogden St) Approx. 16km East.
• NRMA Echuca Holiday Park: (Crofton St) Approx. 17km East.
• Rich River Tourist Park: (Crescent St) Approx. 18km East.

Nearest Free Camps

• Pianta Road Camp Grounds: (Adjacent/Upstream) Approx. 2km East.
• Wills Bend: (Downstream) Approx. 8km West.
• Christies Beach: (Upstream) Approx. 10km East.

Nearest Dump Points

• Echuca Public Dump Point: (Rose St, near roundabout) Approx. 17km East.
• Moama Public Dump Point: (Meninya St) Approx. 20km East.

Nearest Petrol Stations

• United Petroleum Echuca: (Northern Hwy) Approx. 16km East.
• Caltex Woolworths Echuca: (Nish St) Approx. 17km East.

Nearest Drinking Water Resupply

• Echuca Public Dump Point: (Rose St) Tap available. Approx. 17km East.
• Lions Park (Moama): Tap available. Approx. 19km East.

Nearest Public Toilets

• Echuca Lions Park (Rest Area): (Murray Valley Hwy) Approx. 15km East.
• Port of Echuca: Public toilets available in town. Approx. 17km East.

Seasonal Weather Forecast for Echuca

• Summer (December – February): Hot and dry. Average highs 30°C – 33°C. The river provides essential cooling.
• Autumn (March – May): Mild and sunny. Warm days (22°C – 27°C) and cooler nights. Ideal 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. The bushland is vibrant.