Discover one of the most popular and scenic free camping destinations in the Sunraysia region at Merbein Common, a vast riverside reserve on the mighty Murray River. This exceptional campground offers the perfect combination of a classic Australian bush setting with the incredible convenience of being just a short drive from the major regional city of Mildura. The Common is spread across a huge, sprawling area of river flats, dominated by a magnificent forest of river red gums that provide ample shade and a beautiful, natural atmosphere. It is a paradise for self-contained travellers, offering an almost endless choice of secluded spots right on the riverbank, suitable for every type of setup from big rigs and large caravans to tents and swags.
The main attraction is the majestic Murray River itself, which provides a stunning backdrop and a hub for all kinds of recreation. A boat ramp within the reserve makes it a popular launch point for fishing and water ski boats, while the calm, wide stretches of water are perfect for kayaking and canoeing. The fishing is a major drawcard, with the area renowned as a hotspot for catching the legendary Murray Cod and Golden Perch. While Merbein Common is a true bush camp with no formal facilities, its proximity to the town of Merbein for basic supplies and Mildura for everything else makes it an incredibly practical choice. It serves as an ideal base for exploring the region’s rich offerings, from the historic paddle steamers and acclaimed “Feast Street” restaurants of Mildura to the unique landscapes of the nearby Australian Inland Botanic Gardens and Perry Sandhills. For a memorable, pet-friendly, and budget-free adventure that embodies the timeless spirit of camping on the Murray, Merbein Common is an unmissable destination.
Merbein Common Camping – VIC Location Map
Merbein Common Camping
- Address: Merbein VIC 3505
- GPS: -34.15592718556794, 142.07495355598587
- Website: This is a free camping area within a Murray River Reserve. Information is available on the Parks Victoria website.
Site Details
- Location: Expansive riverside reserve on the Murray River.
- Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers, Tents.
- Road Access: Good quality unsealed dirt roads. Can get slippery and boggy after rain.
- Site Surface: Natural dirt and grass base.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free dispersed camping.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe Parks Victoria guidelines for river reserves.
- Facilities: Boat ramp. No toilets, showers, or power. Fully self-contained setup is essential.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for all major carriers.
- TV Reception: Good digital TV reception.
- Onsite Public Toilets: No. You must 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 please be considerate of the natural environment and other campers.
- Number of Sites Available: Very large, unmarked area with hundreds of potential sites.
- Essentials to Bring: Your own toilet, all drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, insect repellent, fishing gear.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a lead.
Activities
- Fishing: Premier location for Murray Cod, Golden Perch, and crayfish (in season).
- Short Walks: Enjoy leisurely walks along the extensive riverbank tracks.
- Boating & Water Skiing: The boat ramp provides excellent access to a wide stretch of the Murray River.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- The Merbein Hotel – Approx. 5 km
- The Wentworth Hotel (NSW) – Approx. 15 km
- The Crown Hotel (Wentworth, NSW) – Approx. 15 km
- Places to Eat:
- Merbein Pizza & Takeaway – Approx. 5 km
- Numerous cafes and bakeries in Merbein – Approx. 5 km
- Extensive options in Mildura – Approx. 15 km
- Local Attractions:
- Junction of the Murray and Darling Rivers (Wentworth, NSW) – Approx. 15 km
- Old Wentworth Gaol (NSW) – Approx. 15 km
- Perry Sandhills (NSW) – Approx. 20 km
- Mildura City Centre & “Feast Street” – Approx. 15 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Rivergardens Holiday Park (Gol Gol, NSW) – Approx. 12 km
- BIG4 Mildura Getaway Holiday Park – Approx. 18 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Fort Courage Caravan Park (NSW, low cost) – Approx. 20 km
- Numerous other Murray River reserves nearby.
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Mildura Visitor Information Centre Public Dump Point – Approx. 15 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Merbein has multiple options – Approx. 5 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available at the Mildura Visitor Information Centre.
- Public Toilets:
- The nearest public toilets are in the Merbein township.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and sunny, ideal for river activities, with average temperatures of 17-33°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Warm, dry, and sunny days, perfect for camping and fishing, averaging 10-26°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and crisp with cold nights and sunny days, great for campfires, averaging 5-16°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild to warm and generally sunny, a beautiful time to be on the river, averaging 9-24°C.
