Discover the serenity of Point Beach, a peaceful and free bush camping area located on Ulupna Island within the magnificent Barmah National Park in Victoria. Nestled on a gentle bend of the iconic Murray River, this campsite offers a classic Australian riverside experience, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and immerse themselves in nature. As this is a free, undeveloped site, campers must be entirely self-sufficient, bringing all their own supplies, including drinking water.
The campsite itself is set amongst towering River Red Gums, providing welcome shade during the warmer months. Access is via unsealed tracks, which are generally suitable for 2WD vehicles and caravans in dry weather, though conditions should always be checked after rain. The spacious, unmarked sites offer flexibility for tents, camper trailers, and caravans, with many spots providing direct access or views of the river.
Point Beach is an ideal base for a variety of outdoor activities. The Murray River provides excellent opportunities for fishing, with Murray Cod, Golden Perch, and Yabbies being common catches (a NSW fishing licence is required). Kayaking and canoeing are popular ways to explore the tranquil waterways and admire the stunning forest scenery from the water. Birdwatching is exceptional, with the Barmah forest being an internationally recognised wetland home to a huge varietyof birdlife. You can also explore the surrounding forest on foot via numerous walking tracks.
While the location feels remote, it is only a short drive from the small towns of Strathmerton (VIC) and Tocumwal (NSW), where you can find essential supplies like petrol, a public dump point, and groceries. This makes Point Beach a convenient yet wonderfully secluded spot for a weekend getaway or a longer relaxing break. Remember to be respectful of the natural environment by following all park regulations, including fire safety, and by taking all your rubbish with you when you leave.
Point Beach – VIC Location Map
Point Beach, Ulupna Island (Barmah National Park)
- Address: Point Beach Road, Ulupna, VIC 3641
- GPS Coordinates: -35.80948, 145.47217
Site Features and Rules
- Location: Riverside bush camp on the Murray River, Ulupna Island (Barmah National Park).
- Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes.
- Road Access: Unsealed dirt tracks. Generally 2WD accessible in dry conditions, but can become slippery or flooded after rain. 4WD may be required in the wet.
- Site Surface: Dirt, grass, and sand, often uneven.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free/dispersed camping is permitted.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified maximum, but long-term camping is discouraged.
- Picnic Tables: No (available at nearby Gulf Day Visitor Area).
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Limited (Telstra is usually the best, but not guaranteed).
- TV Reception: Poor to unreliable.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes (long-drop toilets are available at nearby Ulupna Beach).
- Rubbish Bins: No. This is a “Carry In, Carry Out” park. Please take all rubbish with you.
- Open Fires: Permitted, subject to seasonal fire restrictions and Total Fire Ban days. Fires must be in a purpose-built fireplace, portable fire pit, or a 30cm deep trench. You must clear a 3-metre area around the fire and have water on hand to extinguish it.
- Generator Use: Permitted, but must be fitted with a spark arrestor and have 1.5m clearance. Please be considerate of other campers and limit use. Solar is preferred.
- Number of Sites Available: Unmarked, dispersed sites throughout the area.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood (collecting wood from the park is not allowed), rubbish bags, first-aid kit, insect repellent, shovel, and a portable fire pit.
- Pet Friendly: No. As this is a National Park, dogs and other pets are not permitted.
- Fishing: Yes (Murray Cod, Golden Perch, Yabbies). A valid NSW fishing licence is required to fish in the Murray River.
- Short Walks: Yes, numerous walking tracks are available through the River Red Gum forest.
Local Amenities
The nearest towns for supplies are Strathmerton (VIC) and Tocumwal (NSW).
- Local Pubs:
- Strathmerton Railway Hotel (Approx. 15-20 km)
- Farmers Arms Hotel, Tocumwal (Approx. 20-25 km)
- Barooga Hotel (Approx. 30-35 km)
- Places to Eat:
- The Foreshore Takeaway (Fish & Chips), Tocumwal (Approx. 20-25 km)
- Chefoo Chinese Restaurant, Tocumwal (Approx. 20-25 km)
- Strathmerton Railway Hotel (Approx. 15-20 km)
- Local Attractions:
- Cactus Country, Strathmerton (Approx. 15-20 km)
- The Big Strawberry, Koonoomoo (Approx. 25-30 km)
- Tocumwal Foreshore & Historic Bridge (Approx. 20-25 km)
- Nearest Caravan Parks (for paid amenities):
- Murray River Hideaway Holiday Park, Strathmerton (Approx. 15-20 km)
- Ingenia Holidays Murray Bend, Koonoomoo (Approx. 25-30 km)
- Next Free Camps:
- Other designated camps on Ulupna Island (e.g., Carters Beach, Lagoon Beach)
- Various other free camps within Barmah National Park
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Strathmerton Lions Park (Public Dump Point) (Approx. 15-20 km)
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Caltex or BP, Strathmerton (Approx. 15-20 km)
- Shell, Tocumwal (Approx. 20-25 km)
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Strathmerton Public Hall Water Taps (Approx. 15-20 km)
- Nearest Public Toilets (offsite):
- Strathmerton Lions Park (Approx. 15-20 km)
- Tocumwal Library Park (Approx. 20-25 km)
Seasonal Weather Forecast
Weather at Ulupna Island is typical of northern Victoria, with four distinct seasons. Always check the current forecast before you go, especially for fire danger ratings and flood warnings.
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Can be very hot and dry, with average maximum temperatures often exceeding 30°C. Total Fire Bans are common, and fire safety is critical.
- Autumn (Mar – May): Generally pleasant, with mild, sunny days and cooler nights. An excellent time for camping, fishing, and walking.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): Cool to cold, with daytime maximums averaging around 13-16°C. Nights can be very cold, and rain is more frequent, which can make tracks muddy and slippery.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): Mild and often sunny, with wildflowers blooming in the forest. A popular time for camping as the weather warms up.