Christies Beach is one of the most popular free camping destinations along the Murray River in the Echuca region. Located within the Echuca Regional Park, this expansive area offers a classic Australian river experience with the convenience of being just a short drive from a major tourist town. The site is famous for its long, sandy beaches which are perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and launching boats or kayaks. Whether you are looking for a fun family holiday or a quiet spot to cast a line, Christies Beach delivers a memorable riverside escape.
The camping area is set amongst a forest of River Red Gums, providing ample shade and shelter for campers. The sites are dispersed and unallocated, allowing you to choose your own patch of ground along the high bank or closer to the water’s edge. The area is quite large, so even during busy periods, you can usually find a spot to set up your caravan, camper trailer, or tent. The river here is wide and generally calm, making it a magnet for water skiers and wakeboarders during the summer months.
Unlike many other free bush camps, Christies Beach features **pit toilets**, which is a significant convenience for campers. However, there are no showers, drinking water, or power available, so you will still need to be largely self-sufficient. Access is via Simmie Road, which is unsealed but generally well-maintained and suitable for 2WD vehicles and caravans in dry weather. However, after heavy rain, the tracks can become slippery and boggy, so it is always best to check conditions before heading in.
Christies Beach is ideally situated for exploring the Echuca-Moama region. You are less than 15 minutes from the historic Port of Echuca, where you can ride a paddle steamer, visit museums, or dine at top-quality restaurants. The nearby Banyule State Forest and Echuca Regional Park also offer excellent walking and cycling tracks. Whether you’re here for the water sports, the fishing, or just to relax by the campfire, Christies Beach is a top-tier free camping destination.
Christies Beach – VIC Location Map
Christies Beach (Echuca Regional Park)
- Address: Unnamed Road (Access via Simmie Rd), Echuca Village VIC 3564, Australia
- Managed By: Parks Victoria (Free Camping)
- GPS Coordinates: -36.10598, 144.81369
Site Information
- Location: Situated on the Victorian bank of the Murray River in Echuca Village, approximately 8-10km east of the Echuca town centre.
- Site Suitable For: Big rigs, caravans, motorhomes, camper trailers, and tents. Spacious areas available.
- Road Access: Unsealed access via Simmie Road. 2WD accessible in dry weather. Tracks are clay-based and can become slippery/boggy when wet.
- Site Surface: Natural bush floor, dirt, leaf litter, and large sandy beach areas.
Available Facilities
- Bush Camping with Toilets
- Toilets (Drop toilets available on-site).
- No Showers.
- No Drinking Water.
- No Rubbish Bins (Carry in, Carry out).
- River Access (Large sandy beach for swimming/boats).
- Campfires Permitted (In constructed fireplaces only, subject to fire bans).
Essentials to Bring
- Water: Bring all drinking and washing water.
- Rubbish Bags: You must take all waste with you.
- Toilet Paper: Supplies in the drop toilet may not be regular.
- 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 Echuca Regional Park but must be kept under control to protect wildlife and other campers.
- Fishing: Excellent. The river here holds Murray Cod, Golden Perch, and Carp. A Victorian Fishing Licence is required.
- Short Walks: Walking tracks follow the riverbank, connecting to other nearby camping spots like Betts Beach.
- Swimming: The large sandy beach provides excellent access for swimming. Be aware of currents, snags, and submerged logs.
Local Amenities (Echuca & Moama)
Local Pubs
- The American Hotel: (Heygarth St, Echuca) Approx. 9km West.
- The Echuca Hotel: (High St, Echuca) Approx. 9km West.
- Shamrock Hotel: (High St, Echuca) Approx. 9km West.
Places to Eat
- Echuca Curry Club: (High St, Echuca) Approx. 9km West.
- Beechworth Bakery Echuca: (High St, Echuca) Approx. 9km West.
- Port 53: (Murray Esplanade, Echuca) Approx. 9km West.
- Monkee & Co: (High St, Echuca) Approx. 9km West.
Local Attractions
- Port of Echuca Discovery Centre: (Murray Esplanade) Approx. 9km West – Historic paddle steamers.
- Great Aussie Beer Shed: (Mary Ann Rd) Approx. 12km West.
- National Holden Motor Museum: (Warren St) Approx. 9km West.
- Echuca Wharf: (Riverfront) Approx. 9km West.
- Silo Art (Rochester/Colbinabbin): Day trip distance south.
Nearest Caravan Parks
- Discovery Parks – Echuca: (Ogden St) Approx. 8km West.
- NRMA Echuca Holiday Park: (Crofton St) Approx. 9km West.
- Rich River Tourist Park: (Crescent St) Approx. 10km West.
Nearest Free Camps
- Betts Beach: (Downstream) Approx. 1km West.
- Simmie Road Camping Area: (Upstream) Approx. 2km East.
- Camo Crew Beach: (Upstream) Approx. 4km East.
Nearest Dump Points
- Echuca Public Dump Point: (Rose St, near roundabout) Approx. 9km West.
- Moama Public Dump Point: (Meninya St) Approx. 12km West.
Nearest Petrol Stations
- United Petroleum Echuca: (Northern Hwy) Approx. 8km West.
- Caltex Woolworths Echuca: (Nish St) Approx. 9km West.
Nearest Drinking Water Resupply
- Echuca Public Dump Point: (Rose St) Tap available. Approx. 9km West.
- Lions Park (Moama): Tap available. Approx. 11km West.
Nearest Public Toilets
- On-site: Drop toilet available.
- Lions Park (Echuca Village): (Simmie Rd/Looker Rd) Approx. 5km West.
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.