CCT, locally known as Christies Camping Track or Sand Bank Bend, is a hidden gem for bush campers seeking solitude along the Murray River. Located just upstream from the historic Burkes Bridge crossing, this dispersed camping area sits within the Gunbower State Forest on the Victorian side of the river. It offers a peaceful retreat away from the main tourist hubs of Echuca and Cobram, making it a favourite for those who truly want to disconnect and enjoy the serenity of the bush.
The camping area is characterized by its high riverbanks and dense stands of River Red Gums. Sites are informal and scattered along the track, allowing you to find a secluded nook that suits your setup. Whether you are towing an off-road caravan or pitching a tent, the ground is generally firm and level, though the track itself can be narrow in sections. The river here is wide and meandering, providing excellent opportunities for fishing, with deep holes and snags that attract Murray Cod and Golden Perch.
As a free bush camping site, there are no facilities at CCT. There are no toilets, showers, or tap water. Visitors must be fully self-sufficient, bringing their own portable toilet, water, and power supplies. This lack of amenities helps to keep the area quiet and pristine, attracting campers who respect the environment. Access is via Sand Bank Bend Road (an unsealed track) off the Murray Valley Highway, which is generally suitable for 2WD in dry weather but can become slippery and boggy after rain, so a 4WD is recommended during wetter months.
While you feel miles from anywhere, CCT is strategically located near the Burkes Bridge crossing, giving you easy access to both the Victorian and NSW sides of the river. You are a short drive from the small townships of Barooga (20 mins) and Cobram (25 mins) for supplies, or you can head west towards Koondrook and Barham. Whether you are an angler, a birdwatcher, or just looking for a quiet spot to watch the river flow by, CCT offers an authentic and secluded Murray River experience.
CCT (Christies Camping Track / Sand Bank Bend) – Vic Location Map
CCT (Christies Camping Track / Sand Bank Bend)
- Address: Sand Bank Bend Rd, Burkes Bridge VIC 3568, Australia
- Managed By: DEECA / Parks Victoria (Free Camping)
- GPS Coordinates: -35.82929, 144.37896
Site Information
- Location: Situated on the Victorian bank of the Murray River at Burkes Bridge, approximately 25km west of Cobram and 30km east of Tocumwal.
- Site Suitable For: 4WD campers, off-road caravans, camper trailers, and tents. Access for large motorhomes may be restricted by overhanging branches and narrow tracks.
- Road Access: Unsealed forest track (Sand Bank Bend Rd). 4WD Recommended. The track is clay-based and becomes extremely slippery and boggy when wet. 2WD access is risky in wet conditions.
- Site Surface: Natural bush floor, dirt, leaf litter, and grass.
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 (High bank, some tracks to water).
- Campfires Permitted (In constructed fireplaces only, subject to fire bans).
Essentials to Bring
- Portable Toilet: Mandatory requirement.
- 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/scarce).
- Insect Repellent: Essential near the water.
- Shovel: For campfire safety.
- Recovery Gear: Essential if rain is forecast.
Park Policies & Features
- Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are generally permitted in the Gunbower State Forest areas but must be kept under control to protect wildlife.
- Fishing: Excellent. The river here has deep holes and snags suitable for Murray Cod and Golden Perch. A Victorian Fishing Licence is required.
- Short Walks: Explore the forest tracks on foot along the riverbank.
- Swimming: Possible, but access to the water may be steeper than at the sandy beaches. Be aware of snags and currents.
Local Amenities (Cobram, Barooga & Tocumwal)
Local Pubs
- Barooga Hotel: (Golf Course Rd, Barooga) Approx. 20km East.
- Cobram Hotel: (Main St, Cobram) Approx. 25km East.
- Terminus Hotel: (Tocumwal) Approx. 30km West.
Places to Eat
- Big Mumma’s Kitchen: (Cobram) Approx. 25km East.
- Sporties Barooga: (Barooga) Approx. 20km East.
- Tocumwal Bakery: (Tocumwal) Approx. 30km West.
Local Attractions
- The Big Strawberry: (Koonoomoo) Approx. 15km South-East.
- Cactus Country: (Strathmerton) Approx. 20km South.
- Byramine Homestead: (Burramine) Approx. 35km East.
- Cobram Barooga Golf Club: (Barooga) Approx. 20km East.
- Tocumwal Aviation Museum: (Tocumwal) Approx. 30km West.
Nearest Caravan Parks
- Cobram Oasis Caravan Park: (Koonoomoo) Approx. 18km East.
- Boomerang Way Tourist Park: (Tocumwal) Approx. 28km West.
- Cobram Willows Caravan Park: (Cobram) Approx. 22km East.
Nearest Free Camps
- Bourkes Bend: (Burramine) Approx. 10km East.
- Pebble Beach: (Koonoomoo) Approx. 15km West.
- Ulupna Island: (Strathmerton) Approx. 15km South-West.
Nearest Dump Points
- Barooga Recreation Reserve: (Barooga) Approx. 20km.
- Tocumwal Town Beach: (Tocumwal) Approx. 30km.
Nearest Petrol Stations
- United Petroleum Strathmerton: (Murray Valley Hwy) Approx. 15km South.
- Mobil Cobram: (Murray Valley Hwy) Approx. 22km East.
Nearest Drinking Water Resupply
- Strathmerton: Public taps available. Approx. 15km South.
- Barooga: Recreation Reserve. Approx. 20km East.
Nearest Public Toilets
- Ulupna Bridge: Picnic area toilets approx. 10km away.
- Strathmerton: Public toilets in town approx. 15km away.
Seasonal Weather Forecast for Cohuna / Gunbower
- Summer (December – February): Hot and dry. Average highs 31°C – 34°C. Shade is essential.
- Autumn (March – May): Mild and sunny. Warm days (22°C – 28°C) and cooler nights. Perfect for bush camping.
- Winter (June – August): Cool to cold. Average highs 13°C – 15°C. Nights are cold (3°C – 5°C) with frost likely. Tracks can be muddy.
- Spring (September – November): Pleasant warming trend. Highs 20°C – 26°C. The forest is lush.