Experience the quintessential Australian river camping adventure at Granthams Bend, one of the most popular and accessible free campgrounds along the iconic Murray River. Located just a few kilometres from the charming towns of Wahgunyah in Victoria and Corowa in New South Wales, this expansive reserve offers a fantastic blend of convenience and natural beauty. The site is nestled on a wide, gentle bend of the river, providing campers with shady sites beneath towering river red gums and direct access to the water. Its spacious, relatively level ground makes it an absolute favourite for owners of large caravans, motorhomes, and big rigs, with ample room to find a comfortable spot even during busy periods.
The main attraction at Granthams Bend is undoubtedly the river itself. A public boat ramp provides the perfect launch point for a day of water skiing, wakeboarding, or a leisurely cruise to explore the river’s hidden corners. Anglers are in their element here, with abundant opportunities to cast a line from the bank or a boat in pursuit of the legendary Murray Cod, Golden Perch, or Redfin. The serene environment is also perfect for kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply cooling off with a swim on a hot summer’s day. As a pet-friendly campground, it’s a wonderful place for your entire family, including the four-legged members, to relax and enjoy the great outdoors. With basic toilet facilities on site and the amenities of two towns just a short drive away, Granthams Bend strikes the perfect balance between a true bush camp and a convenient base for exploring the renowned Rutherglen wine region and the rich history of the Riverina. Be sure to arrive self-sufficient with water and supplies, and embrace a ‘leave no trace’ philosophy to preserve this incredible spot.
Granthams Bend Camp Ground – VIC Location Map
Granthams Bend Camp Ground
- Address: Granthams Bend Road, Wahgunyah, VIC 3687, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -35.97765321220174, 146.41521469643772
Site Information
- Location: A large reserve on a bend of the Murray River, Victoria.
- Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, and big rigs.
- Road access: Sealed road to the turn-off, then a well-maintained gravel road into the camping areas. Generally 2WD accessible, but can become slippery after heavy rain.
- Site surface: A mix of dirt, sand, and some grass. Can get boggy in wet conditions.
- Camping permitted: Yes.
- Maximum overnight stays: A 14-day limit is generally understood for the area.
- Facilities: Non-flushing toilets, public boat ramp.
- Potable water: No. You must bring your own drinking water.
- Mobile phone coverage: Good coverage for Telstra. Optus and Vodafone may be weaker in some spots.
- TV reception: Generally good.
- Onsite public toilets: Yes, long-drop (non-flushing) toilets are available.
- Rubbish bins: No. All visitors must take their rubbish with them.
- Open fires: Permitted in designated fire pits or your own fire container, subject to local fire restrictions and total fire bans.
- Generator use: Permitted, with considerate use regarding noise and hours (e.g., 9am-8pm).
- Number of sites available: 100+ informal sites spread throughout the reserve.
- Essentials to bring: Drinking water, rubbish bags, firewood, insect repellent, toilet paper.
- Pet friendly: Yes, pets are welcome and must be kept under control.
- Fishing: Excellent river fishing. A Victorian or NSW fishing license is required depending on which side of the river you fish.
- Short walks: Plenty of informal tracks for walking along the riverbank.
Local Amenities & Attractions
- Local Pubs:
- The Corowa Hotel (NSW): ~5km
- Royal Hotel Corowa (NSW): ~5km
- Wahgunyah Hotel (VIC): ~6km
- Places to Eat:
- Corowa RSL Club (NSW): ~5km
- Numerous cafes, bakeries, and restaurants in Corowa (NSW): ~5km
- Local Attractions:
- Rutherglen Wine Region (cellar doors): starting from ~10km
- Corowa Whisky and Chocolate Factory (NSW): ~5km
- Federation Museum Corowa (NSW): ~5km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- BIG4 Vics Flicks Holiday Park (NSW): ~4km
- Rivergum Holiday Park (NSW): ~6km
- Next Free Camps:
- Stantons Bend: ~3km
- Shaws Flat: ~4km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Corowa Showgrounds (NSW): ~5km (usually a small fee/donation)
- Ball Park Caravan Park Corowa (check public access/fees): ~6km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Multiple 24/7 service stations in Corowa (NSW): ~5km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Corowa Visitor Information Centre (NSW): ~5km
- Nearest Public Toilets (offsite):
- Bangerang Park, Corowa (NSW): ~5km
- Lions Park, Wahgunyah (VIC): ~6km
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and generally dry. Ideal for water sports. Average temperatures from 18°C to 35°C, with frequent days over 40°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Warm, sunny days and cool nights. Perfect camping weather. Average temperatures from 10°C to 25°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and crisp days, with cold nights and morning frost. Average temperatures from 3°C to 15°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild to warm days with a higher chance of rain. The river is often flowing fast. Average temperatures from 8°C to 22°C.