Kennedy Park, home to the famous Thompson’s Beach, is the crown jewel of Cobram and a must-visit destination for anyone travelling along the Murray River. Renowned as Australia’s largest inland beach, this spectacular riverside reserve offers a sweeping crescent of golden sand shaded by magnificent, towering River Red Gums. It is the ultimate spot for families, swimmers, kayakers, and picnickers to soak up the sun and enjoy the cool, refreshing waters of the Murray in a safe and accessible environment.
Unlike the secluded bush camps nearby, Kennedy Park is a fully serviced recreation hub designed for comfort and leisure. The park features expansive, manicured lawns perfect for cricket or football, electric barbecues for a riverside lunch, and a fantastic playground to keep the kids entertained. A highlight of the precinct is ‘The Beach Cafe,’ a locally loved establishment perched right on the riverbank, offering barista-made coffee, delicious meals, and ice creams with a view that is hard to beat.
The beach itself is a haven for water activities. The gentle slope of the sand makes it ideal for swimming, while the boat ramp provides easy access for those looking to ski, wakeboard, or fish further upriver. In the evenings, the park is floodlit, creating a magical atmosphere for a twilight walk or a late dinner by the water. It also serves as a central hub for community events, markets, and festivals throughout the year.
While camping is not permitted directly on the lawns of Kennedy Park (it is a Day Use area), it serves as the perfect central base. You can spend your days enjoying the luxury of the facilities and the beach, then retreat to the nearby free bush camps at Scott’s Beach or Little Toms Beach, or one of the excellent caravan parks in town, for the night. With its unique blend of natural beauty and modern convenience, Thompson’s Beach is the beating heart of Cobram’s river lifestyle.
Kennedy Park Thompsons Beach – VIC Location Map
Kennedy Park / Thompsons Beach
- Address: Rockarama Road, Cobram VIC 3644, Australia
- GPS Coordinates: -35.91255, 145.66734
Site Information
- Location: Located just 1.5km north of the Cobram town centre. It is easily accessed via Punt Road or Mookarii Street.
- Site Suitable For: Day Use Only. Ideal for picnics, family gatherings, boating, and swimming. (No overnight camping permitted in the park itself).
- Road Access: Excellent sealed road access all the way to the car park. Suitable for all vehicles, including buses and caravans (designated long vehicle parking available).
- Site Surface: Manicured grass lawns, concrete paths, and sandy beach.
Available Facilities
- Public Toilets (Clean and accessible)
- Electric BBQs (Free)
- Picnic Tables and Shelters
- Children’s Playground
- The Beach Cafe (On-site dining/takeaway)
- Concrete Boat Ramp
- Beach Volleyball Court
- Walking/Cycling Paths
- Potable Water Taps
- Floodlighting (evenings)
Essentials to Bring
- Sun Protection: Sunscreen, hat, and shade (although there are plenty of trees).
- Picnic Gear: Rug, food, and drinks (or buy from the cafe).
- Water Sports Gear: Bathers, towels, kayak, paddleboard, or boat.
- Insect Repellent: Mosquitoes can be active at dusk.
- Fishing Gear: If you plan to cast a line from the bank.
- Chairs: For relaxing on the sand or grass.
Park Policies & Features
- Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted in the park but must be kept on a leash, especially near the playground and cafe areas.
- Fishing: Excellent. A very popular spot for bank fishing (away from swimmers) and boat launching. Murray Cod and Golden Perch are common targets. Victorian Fishing Licence required.
- Short Walks: The park connects to the Quinn’s Island Wetland Sanctuary walking track (approx. 2km return) and trails leading east towards the bush camping beaches.
- Swimming: The main attraction. The beach offers a gentle entry into the water, but always be aware of river currents, submerged logs, and depth changes.
Local Amenities (Cobram Township & Surrounds)
Local Pubs
- Cobram Hotel (The Top Pub): (Main St) Approx. 1.5km South.
- Barooga Hotel: (Golf Course Rd, Barooga) Approx. 4.5km North.
- Sporties Barooga: (Burkinshaw St, Barooga) Approx. 5km North.
Places to Eat
- The Beach Cafe: (On-site) 0km – Burgers, coffee, ice cream.
- Big Mumma’s Kitchen: (High St) Approx. 1.5km South.
- Presto Pasta & Pizza: (High St) Approx. 1.5km South.
- Main Street Bakeries: (Main St) Approx. 1.5km South.
Local Attractions
- Quinn’s Island Wetland Sanctuary: (River Rd) Approx. 1km West – Birdwatching.
- Cobram Barooga Golf Club: (Barooga) Approx. 5km North.
- The Big Strawberry: (Koonoomoo) Approx. 10km West.
- Cactus Country: (Strathmerton) Approx. 15km West.
- Byramine Homestead: (Murray Valley Hwy) Approx. 20km West.
Nearest Caravan Parks
- RACV Cobram Resort: (Campbell Rd) Approx. 3km East.
- Cobram Willows Caravan Park: (Murray Valley Hwy) Approx. 3km East.
- Cobram Oasis Caravan Park: (Koonoomoo Rd) Approx. 4km West.
Nearest Free Camps
- Little Toms Beach: (Bush camping) Approx. 3km East.
- Scotts Beach: (Bush camping) Approx. 6km East.
- Horseshoe Bend: (Bush camping) Approx. 6km West.
Nearest Dump Points
- Federation Park Cobram: (Punt Rd) Approx. 2km South.
- Barooga Recreation Reserve: (Snell Rd) Approx. 5km North.
Nearest Petrol Stations
- Woolworths Petrol: (Bank St) Approx. 1.5km South.
- Mobil Cobram: (Murray Valley Hwy) Approx. 3km South.
Nearest Drinking Water Resupply
- On-site at Kennedy Park: Taps and bubblers available.
- Federation Park: (Punt Rd) Approx. 2km South.
Nearest Public Toilets
- On-site at Kennedy Park: Amenities block near the cafe.
- Federation Park: (Punt Rd) Approx. 2km South.
Seasonal Weather Forecast for Cobram
- Summer (December – February): Hot and dry. Average highs 30°C – 34°C. The river beach is the most popular spot to be.
- Autumn (March – May): Mild and sunny. Warm days (22°C – 27°C) and cooler nights. Perfect for picnics and walking.
- Winter (June – August): Cool to cold. Average highs 13°C – 15°C. Nights are cold (3°C – 5°C) with frost likely.
- Spring (September – November): Pleasant warming trend. Highs 19°C – 26°C. Ideal for outdoor activities.