Passage Camp is a secluded and tranquil dispersed camping area situated within the River Murray Reserve near Boundary Bend, Victoria. This unique location is geographically significant as it sits in close proximity to the confluence of Australia’s two longest rivers: the Murray River and the Murrumbidgee River. The camp offers a true wilderness escape, surrounded by dense Black Box and River Red Gum forests that line the riverbanks, providing a haven for native wildlife and birdwatchers.
The camping area features informal, unallocated sites scattered through the bushland. It is a destination best suited for self-sufficient travellers who enjoy solitude and getting off the beaten track. The sites are generally flat, consisting of compacted earth and leaf litter, and can accommodate swags, tents, and off-road camper trailers. The river here is wide and peaceful, offering excellent opportunities for fishing in the deep pools or launching a canoe to explore the historic junction where the waters meet.
As a free bush camping site managed by Parks Victoria, there are no facilities at Passage Camp. There are no toilets, showers, or drinking water available. Visitors must be completely self-sufficient, bringing their own portable toilet, water, and power supplies. This remote nature ensures the area remains quiet and unspoiled. Access is via unsealed forest tracks which can be rough, rutted, and dusty. While 2WD access may be possible in very dry conditions, a 4WD is strongly recommended, as the tracks turn to slippery mud after rain and can become impassable.
Located approximately 10 kilometres from the small township of Boundary Bend and about 50 kilometres from Robinvale, Passage Camp feels a world away from civilisation. However, essentials are available a short drive away at the Boundary Bend General Store. Whether you are an angler targeting a legendary Murray Cod, a history buff interested in the explorer Sturt’s journey, or simply seeking a quiet campfire under the Mallee stars, Passage Camp offers a rugged and authentic river experience.
PassageCamp Conservation Reserve – VIC Location Map
Passage Camp (River Murray Reserve)
- Address: Unnamed Road (Access via Murray Valley Hwy & Forest Tracks), Boundary Bend VIC 3599, Australia
- Managed By: Parks Victoria (Free Camping)
- GPS Coordinates: -34.71682, 143.17646
Site Information
- Location: Situated on the Victorian bank of the Murray River near Boundary Bend. It is located in the forest reserve between the Murray Valley Highway and the river.
- Site Suitable For: 4WD campers, off-road caravans, camper trailers, and tents. Large motorhomes are not recommended due to track conditions and overhanging trees.
- Road Access: Unsealed forest tracks. 4WD Recommended. Tracks can be rough, rutted, and dusty. They become impassable mud after rain. Check conditions locally before entering.
- Site Surface: Natural bush floor, dirt, leaf litter, and some grassy clearings.
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 high banks).
- Campfires Permitted (In constructed fireplaces only, subject to fire bans).
Essentials to Bring
- Portable Toilet: Mandatory requirement 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: Essential near the water.
- Shovel: For campfire safety.
- Recovery Gear: Highly recommended due to remote tracks.
Park Policies & Features
- Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted in the River Murray Reserve but must be kept under control to protect wildlife.
- Fishing: Excellent. This area is near the junction of the Murray and Murrumbidgee rivers, creating prime habitat for Murray Cod, Golden Perch, and Carp. A Victorian Fishing Licence is required.
- Short Walks: Explore the forest tracks on foot to see the river junction and diverse birdlife.
- Swimming: Possible from the riverbank, but use caution. The river can be deep with strong currents and submerged snags.
Local Amenities (Boundary Bend & Robinvale)
Local Pubs
- Euston Club Resort: (Nixon St, Euston NSW) Approx. 45km West.
- Robinvale Hotel: (Perrin St, Robinvale) Approx. 45km West.
- Balranald Ex-Services Club: (Market St, Balranald NSW) Approx. 50km North.
Places to Eat
- Boundary Bend General Store: (Murray Valley Hwy) Approx. 10km East – Takeaway, fuel, and supplies.
- Jack’s Chinese Restaurant: (Robinvale) Approx. 45km West.
- Euston Club Bistro: (Euston) Approx. 45km West.
Local Attractions
- Murray/Murrumbidgee Junction: (River Access) Approx. 2km – Historic confluence of two major rivers.
- Boundary Bend Memorial Park: (Boundary Bend) Approx. 10km – Historical markers and picnic area.
- Almond Orchards: (Surrounds) – The region is famous for almond production (blossoms in August).
- Possum Bend: (Nearby) Approx. 5km – Another scenic river bend.
- Yanga National Park: (Balranald) Approx. 55km North – Homestead and woolshed.
Nearest Caravan Parks
- Boundary Bend Caravan Park: (Murray Valley Hwy) Approx. 10km East.
- Robinvale Riverside Caravan Park: (Robinvale) Approx. 45km West.
- Euston Riverfront Caravan Park: (Euston) Approx. 46km West.
Nearest Free Camps
- Gadsen Bend: (Downstream) Approx. 5km West.
- Belsar Island: (Downstream) Approx. 15km West.
- Nyah State Forest: (Upstream) Approx. 60km South-East.
Nearest Dump Points
- Boundary Bend Memorial Park: (Murray Valley Hwy) Approx. 10km East.
- Robinvale Public Dump Point: (Bromley Rd) Approx. 45km West.
Nearest Petrol Stations
- Boundary Bend General Store (United): (Murray Valley Hwy) Approx. 10km East.
- Ampol Robinvale: (Murray Valley Hwy) Approx. 45km West.
Nearest Drinking Water Resupply
- Boundary Bend Memorial Park: (Murray Valley Hwy) Tap available. Approx. 10km East.
- Robinvale: Public taps in town parks. Approx. 45km West.
Nearest Public Toilets
- Boundary Bend Memorial Park: (Murray Valley Hwy) Approx. 10km East.
- Robinvale Foreshore: Approx. 45km West.
Seasonal Weather Forecast for Boundary Bend / Mallee
- Summer (December – February): Very hot and dry. Average highs 32°C – 36°C, often exceeding 40°C. Shade is critical.
- Autumn (March – May): Mild and sunny. Warm days (23°C – 28°C) and cooler nights. Ideal for bush camping.
- Winter (June – August): Cool days and cold nights. Average highs 15°C – 17°C. Nights can drop to 3°C – 5°C. Tracks can be muddy.
- Spring (September – November): Warming up quickly. Highs 22°C – 29°C. A beautiful time for wildflowers and birdlife.