An iconic destination for free camping in Victoria’s High Country, The Kurrajongs is a magnificent and vast reserve nestled on the upper reaches of the Murray River, where it flows into the spectacular Lake Hume. This legendary campground is a paradise for families, boaties, anglers, and anyone seeking the ultimate riverside bush experience. The reserve offers an enormous, sprawling grassy flat, dotted with beautiful native trees that provide welcome shade, making it perfect for all types of setups, from the largest motorhomes and big rigs to countless tents and camper trailers. The sheer size of the area ensures that even during its busiest times, you can find a prime waterfront spot with a wonderful sense of space and tranquility. The atmosphere is famously friendly and laid-back, a place where generations have gathered to enjoy the simple pleasures of life on the Murray.
The main attraction of The Kurrajongs is its unparalleled access to the magnificent Murray River and Lake Hume. A concrete boat ramp provides easy access to the water, making it a hotspot for water skiing, wakeboarding, and jet skiing. The vast expanse of the lake is a boater’s dream to explore. The area is also a premier fishing destination, renowned for its healthy populations of Murray Cod, Golden Perch, and Redfin. As a classic bush camp, it encourages a self-sufficient lifestyle, yet its popularity has led to the provision of basic but clean toilet facilities. Its location is a huge drawcard, feeling wonderfully remote while being just a scenic drive from the major regional hub of Albury-Wodonga for all supplies and city amenities. For an unbeatable free camping holiday that combines incredible water-based recreation with a stunning natural setting, The Kurrajongs is a true Australian icon.
The Kurrajongs Camping – VIC Location Map
The Kurrajongs
- Address: near Bethanga, VIC 3691 (Accessed via River Rd)
- GPS: -35.956181, 147.420677
- Website: This is a free camping area in a Murray River Reserve. Information is available on the Parks Victoria website.
Site Details
- Location: Riverside bush camp on the Murray River arm of Lake Hume.
- Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers, Tents.
- Road Access: Unsealed gravel/dirt road. Generally 2WD accessible with care in the dry, but can be slippery and corrugated.
- Site Surface: Mostly grass and dirt.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe Parks Victoria guidelines for river reserves.
- Facilities: Non-flush toilets, boat ramp. No power or showers.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Patchy. Telstra has the best chance of a signal.
- TV Reception: Possible but can be unreliable.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush (pit) toilets.
- 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 large number of campers.
- Number of Sites Available: Very large, unmarked area with room for hundreds of campers.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, insect repellent, boat/kayak.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a lead.
Activities
- Fishing: Premier location for Murray Cod, Golden Perch, and Redfin.
- Short Walks: Enjoy leisurely walks along the extensive foreshore and surrounding hills.
- Boating & Water Skiing: The boat ramp provides direct access to the vast expanse of Lake Hume.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- The Bethanga Hotel – Approx. 25 km
- The Gerogery Hotel (NSW) – Approx. 40 km
- Numerous pubs in Albury and Wodonga – Approx. 50 km
- Places to Eat:
- The Bethanga Hotel (Bistro) – Approx. 25 km
- Extensive range of cafes, restaurants, and pubs in Albury-Wodonga – Approx. 50 km
- Local Attractions:
- Lake Hume – You are on it!
- The Hume and Hovell Walking Track – nearby
- Albury Wodonga military area and museums – Approx. 50 km
- Murray River Canoe Trail
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Lake Hume Tourist Park – Approx. 40 km
- Great Aussie Holiday Park (NSW) – Approx. 45 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Numerous other Murray River reserves upstream and downstream.
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Albury Showgrounds Public Dump Point – Approx. 50 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Bellbridge – Approx. 35 km
- Albury and Wodonga have multiple 24-hour options – Approx. 50 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available at Visitor Information Centres in Albury or Wodonga.
- Public Toilets:
- Available onsite (non-flush).
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and sunny, perfect for water sports, with average temperatures of 16-32°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Warm, sunny days and mild nights, ideal for fishing and exploring, averaging 9-25°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and crisp with frosty mornings and often clear days, great for campfires. Averaging 3-14°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild to warm and pleasant, a beautiful time to be on the water, averaging 8-23°C.