Hidden away in the Wharparilla State Forest, just west of Echuca, lies a stretch of the Murray River that is locally renowned as a prime “Echuca Fishing Spot For Cod.” This secluded bend offers deep, slow-moving water and an abundance of submerged timber (snags), creating the perfect habitat for the legendary Murray Cod and Golden Perch (Yellowbelly). Far enough from the town centre to avoid the heavy ski boat traffic, yet close enough for a quick day trip, it is an angler’s paradise.
The location features a high riverbank that drops down to several small, private fishing ledges. It is an ideal spot for bank fishing with bait like bardi grubs, yabbies, or cheese, but also offers enough room to launch a small tinny or kayak if you want to troll lures along the timber. The surrounding forest of River Red Gums provides excellent shade and wind protection, making it a comfortable spot to set up a chair and wait for that tell-tale strike.
This is a dispersed bush camping area within the River Murray Reserve. There are no facilities on-site—no toilets, showers, or running water. Visitors must be completely self-sufficient. However, its proximity to the Wills Bend precinct means you are not too far from drop toilets if absolutely necessary. The ground is natural earth and leaf litter, suitable for swags, tents, and robust camper trailers.
Access is via unsealed forest tracks off the Murray Valley Highway (typically O’Dwyer or O’Sullivan Road). These tracks are generally accessible by 2WD in dry weather but can become treacherous mud slides after rain, so checking conditions is vital. Whether you are chasing a trophy metre-long Cod or just looking for a quiet place to wet a line and enjoy the serenity of the bush, this spot in Wharparilla is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.
Echuca Fishing Spot For Cod – VIC Location Map
Echuca Fishing Spot For Cod (Wharparilla / Point Bend area)
- Address: Unnamed Road (Access via O’Dwyer Rd/O’Sullivan Rd), Wharparilla VIC 3564, Australia
- Managed By: Parks Victoria (Free Camping/Access)
- GPS Coordinates: -36.03854, 144.61859
Site Information
- Location: Situated on the Victorian bank of the Murray River in Wharparilla, approximately 20-22km west of Echuca. It is located near the Point Bend and Wills Bend camping areas.
- Site Suitable For: 4WD campers, off-road caravans, camper trailers, and tents. Access can be tight for very large rigs due to trees.
- Road Access: Unsealed forest tracks. 2WD accessible in dry weather only. Tracks are clay-based and become slippery/boggy when wet. 4WD recommended.
- Site Surface: Natural bush floor, dirt, leaf litter, and grassy patches.
Available Facilities
- Bush Camping (No Amenities)
- No Toilets (You must bring a portable toilet). Nearest drop toilets are at Wills Bend (approx. 2km away).
- No Showers.
- No Drinking Water.
- No Rubbish Bins (Carry in, Carry out).
- River Access (Bank fishing/small boat launch from bank).
- Campfires Permitted (In constructed fireplaces only, subject to fire bans).
Essentials to Bring
- Fishing Gear: Heavy gear for Murray Cod (stumpjumpers, spinnerbaits, cheese/yabbies).
- Victorian Fishing Licence: Essential for all anglers.
- 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.
- 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: Prime Location. Deep holes and snaggy banks make this excellent for Murray Cod and Golden Perch. Carp are also common.
- Short Walks: Walking tracks wind through the Red Gum forest along the riverbank.
- Swimming: Possible, but be aware of snags, deep water, and currents. Sandy beaches nearby at Wills Bend are safer for swimming.
Local Amenities (Echuca & Moama)
Local Pubs
- The American Hotel: (Heygarth St, Echuca) Approx. 22km East.
- The Echuca Hotel: (High St, Echuca) Approx. 22km East.
- The Caledonian Hotel: (Hare St, Echuca) Approx. 22km East.
Places to Eat
- Echuca Curry Club: (High St, Echuca) Approx. 22km East.
- Beechworth Bakery Echuca: (High St, Echuca) Approx. 22km East.
- Port 53: (Murray Esplanade, Echuca) Approx. 22km East.
Local Attractions
- Port of Echuca Discovery Centre: (Murray Esplanade) Approx. 22km East – Historic paddle steamers.
- Great Aussie Beer Shed: (Mary Ann Rd) Approx. 25km East.
- National Holden Motor Museum: (Warren St) Approx. 22km East.
- Echuca Wharf: (Riverfront) Approx. 22km East.
- Silo Art (Rochester/Colbinabbin): Day trip distance south.
Nearest Caravan Parks
- Discovery Parks – Echuca: (Ogden St) Approx. 20km East.
- NRMA Echuca Holiday Park: (Crofton St) Approx. 22km East.
- Rich River Tourist Park: (Crescent St) Approx. 23km East.
Nearest Free Camps
- Wills Bend (Sandbar 1 & 2): (Adjacent) Approx. 1-2km South-East.
- Betts Beach: (Upstream) Approx. 12km East.
- Christies Beach: (Upstream) Approx. 14km East.
Nearest Dump Points
- Echuca Public Dump Point: (Rose St, near roundabout) Approx. 22km East.
- Moama Public Dump Point: (Meninya St) Approx. 25km East.
Nearest Petrol Stations
- United Petroleum Echuca: (Northern Hwy) Approx. 21km East.
- Caltex Woolworths Echuca: (Nish St) Approx. 22km East.
Nearest Drinking Water Resupply
- Echuca Public Dump Point: (Rose St) Tap available. Approx. 22km East.
- Lions Park (Moama): Tap available. Approx. 25km East.
Nearest Public Toilets
- Wills Bend: Drop toilet available approx. 2km away.
- Lions Park (Echuca Village): (Simmie Rd/Looker Rd) Approx. 18km 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 and fishing.
- 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 and fish are active.