Peppertree Beach, officially designated as Faraway Beach by Parks Victoria, is a stunning and secluded camping area located on Ulupna Island within the Barmah National Park. Situated west of Tocumwal and north of Strathmerton, this site offers a true wilderness escape amongst one of the largest River Red Gum forests in the world. The beach is named for the large Peppercorn trees that offer unique shade near the water, contrasting with the native gums that dominate the landscape.
The camping area is dispersed and spacious, offering plenty of room for campers to find a quiet corner of the forest to call home. The river access is excellent, with a sandy beach that slopes into the Murray, making it a prime spot for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. Because it is located within the National Park, the environment is incredibly well-preserved. Wildlife is abundant here; you are almost guaranteed to see koalas high in the branches, kangaroos grazing on the river flats at dusk, and a huge variety of birdlife.
As a National Park campground, there are no facilities at Peppertree Beach. Visitors must be completely self-sufficient, bringing their own toilet, water, and power. This ensures the protection of the sensitive ecosystem. Access is via well-formed forest tracks from the Ulupna Bridge. While generally accessible by 2WD in dry weather, the clay tracks can become impassable after rain, so checking conditions is vital.
It is important to note that because this site is in the Barmah National Park, no pets are allowed. This restriction helps protect the rich native wildlife population that makes Ulupna Island so special. For nature lovers seeking a peaceful, authentic bush camping experience where the wildlife is the main attraction, Peppertree Beach is an unmatched destination.
Peppertree Beach – VIC Location Map
Peppertree Beach (Faraway Beach / Barmah National Park)
- Address: Unnamed Road (Access via Ulupna Bridge Rd), Ulupna VIC 3641, Australia
- Managed By: Parks Victoria (Free Camping)
- GPS Coordinates: -35.82928, 145.41886
Site Information
- Location: Located on Ulupna Island (Victorian side), approximately 15km north of Strathmerton. Access is via the Ulupna Bridge.
- Site Suitable For: Caravans, camper trailers, motorhomes, and tents. The area is flat and spacious.
- Road Access: Unsealed forest tracks. 2WD accessible in dry weather only. Tracks are clay-based and become extremely slippery and boggy when wet.
- Site Surface: Natural bush floor, dirt, leaf litter, and sand near the river.
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 (Sandy beach).
- Campfires Permitted (In constructed fireplaces only, subject to fire bans).
Essentials to Bring
- Portable Toilet: Mandatory requirement.
- Water: Bring all drinking and washing water.
- Rubbish Bags: You must take all waste with you.
- Firewood: Bring clean firewood (collection in the National Park is prohibited).
- Insect Repellent: Essential near the water.
- Shovel: For campfire safety.
- Recovery Gear: Essential if rain is forecast.
Park Policies & Features
- Pet Friendly: NO. This site is in the Barmah National Park. Dogs and other pets are strictly prohibited. Rangers patrol the area.
- Fishing: Excellent. The Murray River here is known for Murray Cod and Golden Perch. A Victorian Fishing Licence is required.
- Short Walks: Explore the Ulupna Island Flora Reserve walking tracks to see Koalas in their natural habitat.
- Swimming: The sandy beach provides good access for swimming. Be aware of currents and submerged logs.
Local Amenities (Strathmerton, Tocumwal & Cobram)
Local Pubs
- Railway Hotel: (Murray Valley Hwy, Strathmerton) Approx. 18km South.
- Terminus Hotel: (Tocumwal) Approx. 25km East.
- Farmers Arms Hotel: (Tocumwal) Approx. 25km East.
Places to Eat
- Strathy Bakery: (Murray Valley Hwy, Strathmerton) Approx. 18km South – Famous award-winning bakery.
- Cafe 3641: (Murray Valley Hwy, Strathmerton) Approx. 18km South.
- The Big Strawberry: (Koonoomoo) Approx. 18km East.
Local Attractions
- Ulupna Island Flora Reserve: (On-site) – One of the best places in Victoria to see Koalas in the wild.
- Cactus Country: (Strathmerton) Approx. 20km South – World-class cactus garden.
- The Big Strawberry: (Koonoomoo) Approx. 18km East.
- Tocumwal Aviation Museum: (Tocumwal) Approx. 28km East.
- Byramine Homestead: (Burramine) Approx. 35km East.
Nearest Caravan Parks
- Introduction to Ulupna Island (The Paddock): (Ulupna Bridge Rd) Approx. 5km South (Private camp/farm stay).
- Cobram Oasis Caravan Park: (Koonoomoo) Approx. 16km East.
- Tocumwal Tourist Park: (Tocumwal) Approx. 25km East.
Nearest Free Camps
- Carter’s Beach: (Ulupna Island) Approx. 3km West (Similar National Park camping).
- Spences Bend: (West of Ulupna) Approx. 5km West.
- Pebble Beach: (Koonoomoo) Approx. 15km East (Pet Friendly Regional Park).
Nearest Dump Points
- Tocumwal Town Beach (NSW Side): (Deniliquin St) Approx. 25km.
- Cobram Public Dump Point: (Federation Park) Approx. 30km.
Nearest Petrol Stations
- United Petroleum Strathmerton: (Murray Valley Hwy) Approx. 18km.
- United Petroleum Tocumwal: (Newell Hwy) Approx. 25km.
Nearest Drinking Water Resupply
- Strathmerton: Public taps near the recreation reserve. Approx. 18km.
- Tocumwal Foreshore: Approx. 25km.
Nearest Public Toilets
- Carter’s Beach: (Ulupna Island) Drop toilets available approx. 3km away.
- Ulupna Bridge: Picnic area toilets approx. 4km away.
Seasonal Weather Forecast for Ulupna / Strathmerton
- Summer (December – February): Hot and dry. Average highs 31°C – 34°C. The river shade is essential.
- Autumn (March – May): Mild and sunny. Warm days (22°C – 28°C) and cooler nights. Perfect for bush camping.
- Winter (June – August): Cool to cold. Average highs 13°C – 15°C. Nights are cold (3°C – 5°C) with frost likely. Campfires essential.
- Spring (September – November): Pleasant warming trend. Highs 20°C – 27°C. The forest is lush and wildlife is active.