Town Pumps Campsite, often referred to locally as Walsh’s Bend, offers a tranquil bush camping experience within the River Murray Reserve, just a few kilometres west of the Robinvale township. This site is perfect for campers who want the convenience of being close to town supplies while feeling miles away in the quiet of the Australian bush. The camping area is situated along a high bank of the Murray River, providing sweeping views of the water and easy access for fishing or relaxing by the riverside.
The area features dispersed, unallocated sites set amongst the Black Box and River Red Gum forests. There are no marked bays, so you can choose a spot that suits your setup, whether it’s a small tent, a camper trailer, or a caravan. The ground is generally flat and firm, though the tracks can be narrow in places. The river here is wide and deep, making it a popular spot for anglers targeting native fish species. The surrounding forest is home to a variety of birdlife, providing a peaceful natural soundtrack to your stay.
As a free bush camping site managed by Parks Victoria, there are no facilities at Town Pumps Campsite. There are no toilets, showers, or tap water available. Visitors must be fully self-sufficient, bringing their own portable toilet, water, and power supplies. This “leave no trace” philosophy is essential to maintain the cleanliness and beauty of the reserve. Access is via Pump Road, which is unsealed. While generally accessible by 2WD vehicles in dry weather, the clay tracks can become extremely slippery and boggy after rain, so checking weather conditions is highly recommended.
Despite its rustic nature, the campsite is only a 5-minute drive from the centre of Robinvale. This means you can easily pop into town to visit the local bakery, grab a coffee, or restock at the supermarket. Whether you are stopping over for a night on your journey along the Murray Valley Highway or settling in for a few days of fishing and relaxation, Town Pumps Campsite offers a convenient and scenic river escape.
Town Pumps Campsite – VIC Location Map
Town Pumps Campsite (Walsh’s Bend / River Murray Reserve)
- Address: Pump Rd (Access via Tol Tol Rd/Murray Valley Hwy), Robinvale VIC 3549, Australia
- Managed By: Parks Victoria (Free Camping)
- GPS Coordinates: -34.59954, 142.80263
Site Information
- Location: Situated on the Victorian bank of the Murray River, approximately 2-3km west of the Robinvale town centre. Access is typically via Tol Tol Road then turning onto Pump Road.
- Site Suitable For: Caravans, camper trailers, motorhomes, and tents. Spacious enough for most rigs, but check track clearance.
- Road Access: Unsealed forest tracks. 2WD accessible in dry weather only. Tracks are clay-based and become slippery mud after rain. 4WD recommended in wet conditions.
- Site Surface: Natural bush floor, dirt, leaf litter, and grass.
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 (High banks, some informal access points).
- 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).
- Insect Repellent: Essential near the water.
- Shovel: For campfire safety.
- Recovery Gear: Recommended if rain is forecast.
Park Policies & Features
- Pet Friendly: NO. According to Parks Victoria listings for this specific site (Walsh’s Bend/Town Pumps), dogs are not allowed. Please check on-site signage as regulations can change or vary between specific zones in the River Murray Reserve.
- Fishing: Excellent. The river here is deep and holds Murray Cod, Golden Perch, and Carp. A Victorian Fishing Licence is required.
- Short Walks: You can walk along the river tracks back towards the Robinvale bridge or further downstream into the reserve.
- Swimming: Possible from the riverbank. Be aware of steep banks, snags, currents, and cold water temperatures.
Local Amenities (Robinvale & Euston)
Local Pubs
- Robinvale Hotel: (Perrin St) Approx. 3km East.
- Euston Club Resort: (Nixon St, Euston NSW) Approx. 6km East (Across the bridge).
- Euston Royal Hotel: (Murray Tce, Euston) Approx. 6km East.
Places to Eat
- Jack’s Chinese Restaurant: (Robinvale) Approx. 3km East.
- Robinvale Bakery: (Perrin St) Approx. 3km East – Fresh bread and pies.
- Euston Club Bistro: (Euston) Approx. 6km East – Great river views.
- Marciano’s Cafe: (Bromley Rd) Approx. 3km East.
Local Attractions
- Robinvale-Euston Bridge: (Robinvale) Approx. 4km East – Historic lift span bridge.
- Rural Life Museum: (Robinvale) Approx. 3km East.
- The Big Windmill: (Robinvale) Approx. 3km East.
- Bumbang Island Historical Reserve: (Robinvale) Approx. 4km East.
- Yanga National Park: (Balranald) Approx. 85km North.
Nearest Caravan Parks
- Robinvale Riverside Caravan Park: (McLennan Dr) Approx. 4km East.
- Euston Riverfront Caravan Park: (Euston) Approx. 6km East.
Nearest Free Camps
- Beggs Bend: (Downstream) Approx. 20km South-East.
- Gadsen Bend: (Upstream) Approx. 5km East.
- Belsar Island: (Upstream) Approx. 20km East.
Nearest Dump Points
- Robinvale Public Dump Point: (Bromley Rd) Approx. 3km East.
- Euston Public Dump Point: (Euston) Approx. 6km East.
Nearest Petrol Stations
- Ampol Robinvale: (Murray Valley Hwy) Approx. 3km East.
- United Euston: (Sturt Hwy) Approx. 6km East.
Nearest Drinking Water Resupply
- Robinvale: Public taps in town parks. Approx. 3km East.
- Euston: Recreation reserve. Approx. 6km East.
Nearest Public Toilets
- Robinvale Foreshore: (Robin St) Approx. 3km East.
- Robinvale Cricket Ground: Approx. 3km East.
Seasonal Weather Forecast for Robinvale
- 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 the river.