Doolans Bend is a spectacular free camping destination that perfectly embodies the timeless allure of the Murray River. Located within a beautiful Murray River Reserve near Wahgunyah, this expansive and highly popular campground is a paradise for self-sufficient travellers. It offers a classic Australian bush camping experience, set on a wide, sweeping bend of the river and shaded by a magnificent canopy of ancient river red gums. The reserve provides a vast, open, and relatively flat grassy area, making it ideal for all types of setups, from the largest motorhomes and big rigs to tents and camper trailers. The sheer size of the area allows campers to find their own private slice of riverfront heaven, where they can relax to the sounds of the flowing water and the incredible chorus of native birdlife, including kookaburras, galahs, and pelicans.
The main attraction of Doolans Bend is its incredible access to the mighty Murray. The sandy banks provide easy entry to the water for a refreshing swim or to launch a kayak or canoe. The river here is a renowned fishing hotspot, attracting anglers from far and wide in pursuit of the legendary Murray Cod and Golden Perch. As a true bush camp, it encourages a respectful, leave-no-trace ethic, rewarding visitors with an authentic and peaceful stay. Its location is a major drawcard, serving as the perfect gateway to the world-famous Rutherglen wine region, with acclaimed cellar doors like All Saints Estate and St Leonards Vineyard just a stone’s throw away. The historic twin towns of Wahgunyah and Corowa (NSW) are also just a short drive away for supplies, a pub meal, and a dose of local history. For a memorable, budget-friendly, and perfectly positioned riverside adventure, Doolans Bend is an unmissable destination.
Doolans Bend Camping – VIC Location Map
Doolans Bend
- Address: Wahgunyah VIC 3687 (Accessed via All Saints Rd)
- GPS: -36.029857, 146.652626
- Website: This is a free camping area within a Murray River Reserve. Information is available on the Parks Victoria website.
Site Details
- Location: Riverside bush camp on the Murray River.
- Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers, Tents.
- Road Access: Unsealed dirt road. Generally 2WD accessible in dry conditions, but can be slippery and boggy after rain.
- Site Surface: Natural dirt and grass base.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free dispersed camping.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe Parks Victoria guidelines.
- Facilities: None. 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 many riverside 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 in Murray River Reserves.
Activities
- Fishing: Premier location for Murray Cod and Golden Perch.
- Short Walks: Enjoy leisurely walks along the riverbank and explore the walking tracks at nearby wineries.
- Kayaking & Boating: Direct river access is perfect for launching a paddlecraft or small boat from the bank.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- The Corowa Hotel (Corowa, NSW) – Approx. 20 km
- The Royal Hotel (Corowa, NSW) – Approx. 20 km
- Poachers Paradise Hotel (Rutherglen) – Approx. 25 km
- Places to Eat:
- The Pickled Sisters Cafe (at Cofield Wines) – Approx. 15 km
- Terrace Restaurant (at All Saints Estate) – Approx. 10 km
- Numerous bakeries, cafes, and pubs in Corowa (NSW) and Rutherglen – Approx. 20-25 km
- Local Attractions:
- Rutherglen Wine Region – You are in it!
- All Saints Estate & St Leonards Vineyard – Approx. 10 km
- Corowa Whisky and Chocolate Factory (NSW) – Approx. 20 km
- Historic town of Chiltern – Approx. 40 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Corowa Bindaree Holiday Park (NSW) – Approx. 20 km
- Lake Moodemere Caravan Park – Approx. 15 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Numerous other Murray River reserves nearby (e.g., Granthams Bend, Shaws Flat).
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Corowa Showgrounds Public Dump Point (NSW) – Approx. 21 km
- Rutherglen Public Dump Point – Approx. 25 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Wahgunyah – Approx. 18 km
- Corowa (NSW) has multiple 24-hour options – Approx. 20 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available at Visitor Information Centres in Corowa or Rutherglen.
- Public Toilets:
- The nearest public toilets are in Wahgunyah or Corowa. 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, the peak season for visiting wineries, 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 beautiful time to see the vineyards come to life, averaging 8-24°C.