Ulupna Island is an iconic free camping destination, offering one of the most quintessential Australian bush experiences on the mighty Murray River. This magnificent reserve, part of the world’s largest river red gum forest in the Barmah National Park, is a paradise for self-sufficient campers who crave space, solitude, and direct access to the water. The island is renowned for its series of beautiful, wide, sandy beaches—such as Doctors Beach and Carters Beach—which provide an incredible number of stunning, informal campsites. Here, travellers can set up their caravan, motorhome, or tent right on the river’s edge, under the shade of ancient, majestic red gums. It’s a place where you can launch a kayak from your front door, cast a line for a Murray Cod, and enjoy a campfire under a brilliant, star-filled sky.
The main allure of Ulupna Island is the freedom and natural beauty it offers. The vast, sandy beaches are a natural playground for families, while the deep, slow-moving sections of the Murray are a hotspot for all kinds of water sports, including water skiing, boating, and fishing. The surrounding forest is a haven for wildlife, with kangaroos, emus, koalas, and an astonishing array of birdlife, making it a fantastic destination for nature lovers and photographers. As a true bush camp, there are no formal facilities, which is a key part of its charm. This requires all campers to be completely self-reliant, bringing everything they need and adhering to a strict leave-no-trace ethic. Despite its remote and wild feel, the island is conveniently located just a short drive from the towns of Strathmerton and Tocumwal (NSW) for essential supplies. For a memorable, pet-friendly, and budget-free adventure that captures the timeless magic of the Murray, Ulupna Island is a top-tier destination.
Ulupna Island Camping – VIC Location Map
Strathmerton Ulupna Island Camp Spot
- Address: Unnamed Road, Ulupna VIC 3641
- GPS (approximate for Doctors Beach): -35.845569229857205, 145.41175432209897
- Website: This is a free camping area within a Murray River Reserve. Information is available on the Parks Victoria website for the broader national park area.
Site Details
- Location: Riverside beach and bush camp on Ulupna Island in the Murray River region.
- Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers, Tents.
- Road Access: Unsealed dirt road. Can be corrugated and very slippery/boggy after rain. 2WD accessible in the dry with care.
- Site Surface: Sand and dirt.
- Camping Permitted: Yes, free dispersed camping.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe Parks Victoria guidelines for river reserves.
- Facilities: None. This is a fully self-contained bush camp.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra, patchy for other carriers.
- TV Reception: Possible but can be unreliable.
- Onsite Public Toilets: No. You must have your own toilet.
- 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 other campers.
- Number of Sites Available: Very large, unmarked area with a huge number of sites.
- Essentials to Bring: Your own toilet, all drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, insect repellent, fishing gear.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a lead.
Activities
- Fishing: A premier destination for Murray Cod and Golden Perch.
- Short Walks: Enjoy leisurely walks along the riverbank and explore the tracks on Ulupna Island.
- Boating & Water Skiing: The wide river and sandy beaches make it perfect for all water sports.
Local Amenities
- Local Pubs:
- The Bottom Pub (Tocumwal, NSW) – Approx. 20 km
- Terminus Hotel (Tocumwal, NSW) – Approx. 20 km
- Strathmerton Hotel – Approx. 20 km
- Places to Eat:
- Tocumwal Bakery (NSW) – Approx. 20 km
- Numerous cafes and pubs in Tocumwal (NSW) – Approx. 20 km
- Local Attractions:
- Barmah National Park – You are in it!
- The Big Strawberry – Approx. 25 km
- Historic Tocumwal town and aerodrome – Approx. 20 km
- Cactus Country – Approx. 25 km
- Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Tocumwal Tourist Park (NSW) – Approx. 20 km
- Boomerang Way Tourist Park (Tocumwal, NSW) – Approx. 20 km
- Next Free Camps:
- Numerous other beaches on Ulupna Island (e.g., Carter’s Beach, Ulupna Beach).
- Finley Lake (NSW) – Approx. 40 km
- Nearest Dump Points:
- Tocumwal Public Dump Point (NSW) – Approx. 20 km
- Nearest Petrol Station:
- Tocumwal (NSW) has multiple options – Approx. 20 km
- Strathmerton – Approx. 20 km
- Drinking Water Resupply:
- Available in Tocumwal or Strathmerton.
- Public Toilets:
- The nearest public toilets are in Strathmerton or Tocumwal. You must have your own at this site.
Seasonal Weather Forecast
- Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and sunny, ideal for river activities, with average temperatures of 16-32°C.
- Autumn (Mar-May): Warm, sunny days and mild nights, perfect for fishing and exploring, averaging 9-26°C.
- Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and crisp with frosty mornings and often clear days, great for campfires, averaging 4-15°C.
- Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild to warm and pleasant, a prime time for being on the water, averaging 8-24°C.
