Evos Camping Spot is a secluded and lesser-known bush camping area located on the New South Wales banks of the Murray River in Mellool. Situated within the majestic river red gum forests of the Murray Valley Regional Park, this spot sits almost directly opposite the northern tip of Pental Island. It offers a peaceful, off-the-grid escape for campers who value privacy and direct river access over manicured facilities. The area is a maze of forest tracks leading to private clearings along the high riverbank.
The camping area features dispersed, unallocated sites scattered amongst the trees. Whether you are looking for a spot with a view of the water or a sheltered glade protected from the wind, there is plenty of room to find your own space. The ground is a natural mix of compacted earth, leaf litter, and grassy patches, suitable for swags, tents, and off-road caravans. The river here is wide and generally calm, making it an excellent spot for fishing, kayaking, or simply relaxing by the water’s edge.
As a bush camping site managed by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (Murray Valley Regional Park), there are no facilities at Evos. There are no toilets, showers, or tap water available. Visitors must be completely self-sufficient, bringing their own portable toilet, water, and power supplies. This “leave no trace” philosophy ensures the environment remains pristine. Access is via unsealed forest tracks off the Moulamein Road or through the forest network. These tracks can be rough and may become impassable mud after rain, so a 4WD is highly recommended, especially during wetter months.
Despite its feeling of remote isolation, Evos Camping Spot is only a 15-20 minute drive from the major regional centre of Swan Hill. This means you can enjoy the serenity of the bush while being close enough to pop into town for a meal at a pub, visit the Pioneer Settlement, or restock your supplies. Whether you are an angler chasing Murray Cod, a birdwatcher looking for wetland species, or a camper seeking a quiet bend in the river, Evos offers a genuine and rugged Murray River experience.
Evos Camping Spot – VIC Location Map
Evos Camping Spot (Mellool / Murray Valley Regional Park)
- Address: Unnamed Road (Access via forest tracks), Mellool NSW 2734, Australia
- Managed By: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (Booking fee may apply)
- GPS Coordinates: -35.37771, 143.69233
Site Information
- Location: Situated on the NSW bank of the Murray River, approximately 15km east of Swan Hill. It is located in the Mellool forest area.
- Site Suitable For: 4WD campers, off-road caravans, camper trailers, and tents. Large motorhomes may struggle with overhanging branches and tight tracks.
- Road Access: Unsealed forest tracks. 4WD Recommended. Tracks are clay-based and become extremely slippery and boggy when wet. 2WD access is risky.
- 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 banks, some informal boat launches).
- Campfires Permitted (In designated areas/season permitting – check 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).
- 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 permitted in the Murray Valley Regional Park but must be kept under control. Note: Check signage carefully as you enter to ensure you are not in a National Park zone where pets are prohibited.
- Fishing: Excellent. The river here holds Murray Cod, Golden Perch, and Carp. A NSW Fishing Licence is required.
- Short Walks: Explore the forest tracks on foot to see the diverse birdlife and river red gums.
- Swimming: Possible in the river. Be aware of snags, strong currents, and cold water.
Local Amenities (Swan Hill & Surrounds)
Local Pubs
- Commercial Hotel (The Top Pub): (Campbell St, Swan Hill) Approx. 18km West.
- Swan Hill Club: (McCrae St, Swan Hill) Approx. 18km West.
- Murray Downs Golf & Country Club: (Murray Downs Dr, NSW) Approx. 22km West.
Places to Eat
- Java Spice: (Beveridge St, Swan Hill) Approx. 18km West – Authentic Thai.
- Spoons Riverside: (Monash Dr, Swan Hill) Approx. 17km West – Riverfront dining.
- Quo Vadis: (Campbell St, Swan Hill) Approx. 18km West – Pizza/Pasta.
Local Attractions
- Pioneer Settlement: (Monash Dr, Swan Hill) Approx. 17km West – Living history village.
- The Giant Murray Cod: (Curlewis St, Swan Hill) Approx. 18km West.
- Swan Hill Regional Art Gallery: (Monash Dr, Swan Hill) Approx. 17km West.
- Lake Boga Flying Boat Museum: (Lake Boga) Approx. 35km South.
- Pental Island: (Opposite) Accessible via road from Swan Hill side.
Nearest Caravan Parks
- BIG4 Swan Hill: (Murray Valley Hwy) Approx. 19km West.
- BIG4 Riverside Swan Hill: (Monash Dr) Approx. 17km West.
- Swan Hill Holiday Park: (Murray Valley Hwy) Approx. 18km West.
Nearest Free Camps
- Pental Island Bush Camping: (Victorian Side) Approx. 5km West (River crossing required) or 25km drive.
- Vinifera State Forest: (Downstream) Approx. 35km North-West.
- Nyah State Forest: (Downstream) Approx. 40km North-West.
Nearest Dump Points
- Swan Hill Information Bay: (Campbell St) Approx. 18km West.
- BIG4 Swan Hill: (For guests) Approx. 19km West.
Nearest Petrol Stations
- Shell Swan Hill: (Campbell St) Approx. 18km West.
- United Petroleum Swan Hill: (Curlewis St) Approx. 18km West.
Nearest Drinking Water Resupply
- Swan Hill Information Bay: (Campbell St) Tap available. Approx. 18km West.
- Riverside Park (Swan Hill): Taps available. Approx. 17km West.
Nearest Public Toilets
- Riverside Park (Swan Hill): (Monash Dr) Approx. 17km West.
- Swan Hill Information Bay: (Campbell St) Approx. 18km West.
Seasonal Weather Forecast for Swan Hill / Mellool
- Summer (December – February): Hot and dry. Average highs 31°C – 34°C. The river provides essential cooling.
- Autumn (March – May): Mild and sunny. Warm days (22°C – 27°C) and cooler nights. Perfect for camping.
- Winter (June – August): Cool to cold. Average highs 13°C – 16°C. Nights are cold (3°C – 5°C) with frost likely. Campfires essential.
- Spring (September – November): Pleasant warming trend. Highs 20°C – 27°C. The forest is vibrant.