For a classic and wonderfully remote bush camping experience, Masters Landing offers a spectacular free campsite deep within the magnificent Gunbower National Park. Located on the serene banks of Gunbower Creek, this is a true escape for self-sufficient travellers, anglers, and paddlers looking to immerse themselves in the world’s largest river red gum forest. The campground is a primitive, undeveloped clearing, providing a truly authentic connection to the Australian wilderness. The main appeal is the freedom to find your own secluded spot amongst the towering, ancient gums, right on the water’s edge. It’s an ideal destination for those with tents, swags, and rugged off-road camper trailers who value solitude and nature over facilities.
The lifeblood of this location is the beautiful Gunbower Creek, a stunning anabranch of the Murray River. It is a renowned paradise for kayakers and canoeists, with endless calm waters to explore. The fishing is legendary, making it a hotspot for anglers targeting the prized Murray Cod and Golden Perch. As a true wilderness camp, there are no facilities at Masters Landing, which is a key part of its charm. This requires campers to be completely self-reliant, bringing in all their own supplies—including water and a toilet—and adhering to a strict leave-no-trace ethic. While it feels a world away, the small town of Gunbower is accessible for basic supplies and a pub meal. For a memorable, budget-free adventure that captures the timeless, untamed spirit of the Murray River ecosystem, Masters Landing is a top-tier choice for the well-prepared bush camper.
Masters Landing – VIC Location Map
Masters Landing Camp Ground
- Address: Gunbower VIC 3566 (Accessed via Masters Track)
- GPS: -35.922517747395865, 144.43286502685518
Site Details
- Location: Remote riverside bush camp in Gunbower National Park.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Swags, and rugged Off-road Camper Trailers. Not recommended for large caravans.
- Road Access: Unsealed dirt tracks. Dry weather access only. 4WD is highly recommended.
- Site Surface: Natural dirt and grass base.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free dispersed camping.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe Parks Victoria guidelines.
- Facilities: None.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Very poor to non-existent.
- TV Reception: Unlikely.
- Onsite Public Toilets: No. You must be fully self-contained and 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 be considerate of the natural environment.
- Number of Sites Available: Numerous unmarked, dispersed sites.
- Essentials to Bring: Your own toilet, all drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, insect repellent, fishing gear.
- Pet Friendly: No. Pets are not permitted in Gunbower National Park.
Activities
- Fishing: Premier location for Murray Cod and Golden Perch in Gunbower Creek.
- Short Walks: Enjoy exploring the riverbanks and the surrounding Red Gum forest.
- Kayaking & Canoeing: Ideal for launching a paddlecraft directly from your campsite.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- The Gunbower Hotel – Approx. 10 km
- The Shamrock Hotel (Cohuna) – Approx. 28 km
- Bower Hotel (Cohuna) – Approx. 28 km
- Places to Eat:
- The Gunbower Hotel (Bistro) – Approx. 10 km
- Gunbower Cafe & Takeaway – Approx. 10 km
- Various options in Cohuna – Approx. 28 km
- Local Attractions:
- Gunbower National Park & State Forest – You are in it!
- Gunbower Island Canoe Trail – Nearby
- The town of Echuca – Approx. 50 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Gunbower Riverbend Caravan Park – Approx. 10 km
- Cohuna Waterfront Holiday Park – Approx. 28 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Gunbower Camping Reserve (has toilets) – Approx. 2 km
- Numerous other spots along Gunbower Island Rd.
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Cohuna Public Dump Point – Approx. 28 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available in Gunbower or Cohuna towns.
- Public Toilets:
- The nearest public toilets are at the main Gunbower Camping Reserve (approx. 2km). 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, perfect for fishing and exploring, 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 prime time for being on the water, averaging 8-24°C.
