An absolute jewel of the Murray River, Doctors Beach on Ulupna Island is a spectacular and highly-prized free camping destination. This magnificent spot offers a unique “beach” camping experience in the heart of the Australian bush, set on a wide, sandy bend of the river. It’s a paradise for families, boaties, anglers, and anyone looking for the ultimate riverside getaway. Located within the Barmah National Park (managed as part of the Murray River Reserves), the campground provides a vast, open area where campers can find their own perfect slice of sandy river frontage, shaded by a canopy of majestic, ancient river red gums. It’s suitable for all setups, from tents and swags right up to the largest caravans and big rigs, with an abundance of level, spacious sites.
The main attraction here is the incredible natural setting. The huge, sandy beach provides a safe and wonderful playground for kids and an easy spot to launch a kayak or paddleboard. The river itself is a hub of activity; it’s a premier location for water skiing and is renowned as one of the best fishing spots on the Murray for legendary Cod and Golden Perch. As a classic bush camp, it encourages self-sufficiency, but the sheer beauty and recreational opportunities make it one of the most popular camps in the state. Its location is fantastic, feeling wonderfully remote while being just a short drive from the friendly towns of Tocumwal and Strathmerton for supplies. It also serves as a gateway to exploring the world’s largest river red gum forest in the Barmah National Park. For an unforgettable, pet-friendly, and budget-free holiday that truly captures the magic of the Murray, Doctors Beach is a top-tier, must-visit destination.
Doctors Beach Camping – VIC Location Map
Doctors Beach
- Address: Unnamed Road (off Ulupna Bridge Rd), Ulupna VIC 3641
- GPS: -35.81435901000419, 145.46788253546003
- Website: This is a free camping area within a Murray River Reserve. Information is available on the Parks Victoria website for the broader national park area.
Site Details
- Location: Riverside beach and bush camp on Ulupna Island in the Murray River region.
- Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers, Tents.
- Road Access: Unsealed dirt road. Can be corrugated and very slippery/boggy after rain. 2WD accessible in the dry with care.
- Site Surface: Sand and dirt.
- 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-contained bush camp.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra, patchy for other carriers.
- TV Reception: Possible but can be 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 other campers.
- Number of Sites Available: Very large, unmarked area with a huge number of sites.
- Essentials to Bring: Your own toilet, all drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, insect repellent, fishing gear.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a lead.
Activities
- Fishing: A premier destination for Murray Cod and Golden Perch.
- Short Walks: Enjoy leisurely walks along the riverbank and explore the tracks on Ulupna Island.
- Boating & Water Skiing: The wide river and sandy beach make it perfect for all water sports.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- The Bottom Pub (Tocumwal, NSW) – Approx. 20 km
- Terminus Hotel (Tocumwal, NSW) – Approx. 20 km
- Strathmerton Hotel – Approx. 20 km
- Places to Eat:
- Tocumwal Bakery (NSW) – Approx. 20 km
- Numerous cafes and pubs in Tocumwal (NSW) – Approx. 20 km
- Local Attractions:
- Barmah National Park – You are in it!
- The Big Strawberry – Approx. 25 km
- Historic Tocumwal town and aerodrome – Approx. 20 km
- Cactus Country – Approx. 25 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Tocumwal Tourist Park (NSW) – Approx. 20 km
- Boomerang Way Tourist Park (Tocumwal, NSW) – Approx. 20 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Numerous other beaches on Ulupna Island (e.g., Carter’s Beach, Ulupna Beach).
- Finley Lake – Approx. 40 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Tocumwal Public Dump Point (NSW) – Approx. 20 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Tocumwal (NSW) has multiple options – Approx. 20 km
- Strathmerton – Approx. 20 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available in Tocumwal or Strathmerton.
- Public Toilets:
- The nearest public toilets are in Strathmerton or Tocumwal. You must have your own at this site.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and sunny, ideal for river activities, with average temperatures of 16-32°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Warm, sunny days and mild nights, perfect for fishing and exploring, averaging 9-26°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and crisp with frosty mornings and often clear days, great for campfires, averaging 4-15°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild to warm and pleasant, a prime time for being on the water, averaging 8-24°C.
