Tucked away in the serene Burramine State Forest, the Murray River Campsite (often accessed via Murray Track or Billabong Track) offers a peaceful escape for campers who love to get off the beaten path. Located roughly halfway between the townships of Yarrawonga and Cobram, this dispersed camping area provides direct access to the majestic Murray River, surrounded by towering River Red Gums and native wildlife. It is an ideal spot for self-sufficient travellers seeking solitude, birdwatching, and the simple pleasure of a campfire by the water.
The area consists of informal, unallocated campsites scattered along the high river banks and tracks. Unlike the manicured holiday parks nearby, this is a true bush experience. There are no marked bays, giving you the freedom to find a flat spot that suits your setup, whether it’s a swag, tent, or off-road caravan. The river here is generally wide and slow-flowing, making it a popular spot for fishing, kayaking, and launching small tinnies from the natural bank.
As a free camping area within the River Murray Reserve, there are no facilities on-site. This means no toilets, no showers, and no tap water. Visitors must be completely self-contained and adhere to “leave no trace” principles to keep this beautiful environment pristine. Access is via unsealed forest tracks which can be deeply rutted or slippery after rain, so checking conditions and having a vehicle with decent clearance is recommended.
Despite its seclusion, the campsite is surprisingly close to some excellent local attractions. The historic Byramine Homestead and Brewery is just a few kilometres down the road, offering a perfect spot for a cider or a ploughman’s lunch. For a wider range of supplies, the twin towns of Yarrawonga-Mulwala are only a 15-minute drive away. If you are looking for a quiet, riverside retreat where you can wake up to the sound of kookaburras and flowing water, the Murray River Campsite at Burramine is a hidden gem worth discovering.
Murray River Campsite – VIC Location Map
Murray River Campsite (Burramine State Forest / River Murray Reserve)
- Address: Murray Track / River Rd, Burramine VIC 3730, Australia
- Managed By: Parks Victoria (Free Camping)
- GPS Coordinates: -35.97727, 145.84458
Site Information
- Location: Situated on the Victorian bank of the Murray River in the Burramine area. Access is typically via tracks leading off the Murray Valley Highway or River Road.
- Site Suitable For: Off-road caravans, camper trailers, 4WD campers, and tents. Large motorhomes may struggle with overhanging branches and uneven ground.
- Road Access: Unsealed forest tracks. 2WD accessible in dry weather only, but 4WD is recommended for better site access. Tracks become extremely muddy and slippery when wet.
- Site Surface: Natural bush floor, dirt, and leaf litter with some grassy patches.
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 (Natural banks).
- Campfires Permitted (In constructed fireplaces only, subject to fire bans).
Essentials to Bring
- Portable Toilet: Essential as there are no facilities.
- 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/scarce).
- Insect Repellent: Mosquitoes are active near the water.
- Recovery Gear: Recommended if rain is forecast.
- Shovel: For campfire safety.
Park Policies & Features
- Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are generally permitted in the River Murray Reserve/State Forest areas but must be under control.
- Fishing: Excellent. The area creates good eddies and snags for Murray Cod and Golden Perch. A Victorian Fishing Licence is required.
- Short Walks: You can explore the forest tracks on foot or walk along the riverbank. The terrain is generally flat.
- Swimming: Possible in the river, but always be aware of currents, submerged logs, and cold water temperatures.
Local Amenities (Yarrawonga & Surrounds)
Local Pubs
- Terminus Hotel: (Belmore St, Yarrawonga) Approx. 15km East.
- Bundalong Tavern: (Murray Valley Hwy, Bundalong) Approx. 20km East.
- Burkes Hotel: (Belmore St, Yarrawonga) Approx. 15km East.
Places to Eat
- Byramine Homestead & Brewery: (Murray Valley Hwy) Approx. 5km West – Historic homestead, cafe, and cider.
- Rich Glen Provedore: (Belmore St, Yarrawonga) Approx. 15km.
- The Naked Tree Cafe: (Belmore St, Yarrawonga) Approx. 15km.
- Yarrawonga Bakery: (Belmore St) Approx. 15km.
Local Attractions
- Byramine Homestead: (Murray Valley Hwy) Approx. 5km – National Trust classified homestead built by explorer Hamilton Hume.
- Lake Mulwala: (Yarrawonga) Approx. 15km – Boating, fishing, and the famous “dead trees”.
- Chinaman’s Island: (Yarrawonga) Approx. 16km – Walking tracks and birdwatching.
- Rich Glen Olive Estate: (Yarrawonga) Approx. 18km – Farm gate shop and cafe.
- Cactus Country: (Strathmerton) Approx. 30km West.
Nearest Caravan Parks
- Yarrawonga Riverlands Tourist Park: (Brears Rd) Approx. 12km East.
- Yarrawonga Holiday Park: (Burley Rd) Approx. 14km East.
- Cobram Willows Caravan Park: (Cobram) Approx. 20km West.
Nearest Free Camps
- Forges Beach: (Yarrawonga Regional Park) Approx. 8km East.
- Bourkes Bend: (Burramine) Approx. 5km West.
- Bruces Bend: (Yarrawonga) Approx. 10km East.
Nearest Dump Points
- Yarrawonga Showgrounds: (Dunlop St) Approx. 15km.
- Cobram Public Dump Point: (Federation Park) Approx. 22km.
Nearest Petrol Stations
- United Petroleum Yarrawonga: (Murray Valley Hwy) Approx. 14km.
- Mobil Cobram: (Murray Valley Hwy) Approx. 20km.
Nearest Drinking Water Resupply
- Yarrawonga: Public taps at showgrounds or foreshore. Approx. 15km.
- Federation Park (Cobram): Approx. 22km.
Nearest Public Toilets
- Yarrawonga Foreshore: (Bank St) Approx. 15km.
- Byramine Homestead: (For patrons) Approx. 5km.
Seasonal Weather Forecast for Burramine / Yarrawonga
- Summer (December – February): Hot and dry. Average highs 30°C – 32°C, often higher. Shade and river access are vital.
- Autumn (March – May): Mild and pleasant. Warm days (21°C – 26°C) and cooler nights. Ideal for camping and fishing.
- Winter (June – August): Cool to cold. Average highs 13°C – 15°C. Nights are cold (3°C – 5°C) with frost likely. Campfires are essential.
- Spring (September – November): Warming up. Highs 18°C – 25°C. The forest is green and vibrant.