Experience the quintessential Australian bush camp at the Yarrawonga River Camp, located along the scenic Loop Track in Yarrawonga. This campsite is one of several designated camping areas nestled within the beautiful River Red Gum forests of the Yarrawonga Regional Park, right on the high banks of the mighty Murray River. It offers a fantastic, low-cost bush camping experience for self-sufficient travellers looking to relax, unwind, and connect with nature.
This is not a commercial caravan park but a true bush experience. The sites are unmarked and scattered through the forest, offering shade, seclusion, and direct access to the river. It’s an incredibly popular spot for fishing enthusiasts, with the Murray River here being famous for its Murray Cod and Golden Perch. The easy access to the water also makes it perfect for kayaking, boating, and simply sitting back to enjoy the serene river views.
Access is via unsealed dirt tracks, including Loop Track, which wind through the forest. While 2WD vehicles can typically access the area in dry conditions, a 4WD is recommended if there has been recent rain, as the tracks can become slippery and boggy. The campsites are suitable for all types of setups, from tents and camper trailers to caravans and motorhomes.
Facilities are basic but well-maintained, including modern pit toilets. There is no potable water or power, so campers must be fully self-contained and bring their own drinking water, cooking water, and power supplies. This is a “Leave No Trace” park, meaning no rubbish bins are provided, and you must take all your rubbish with you. Small campfires are permitted for cooking and warmth outside of fire ban periods, but you must bring your own firewood, as collecting timber from the park is prohibited. This camp is part of the Murray Valley Regional Park system (managed by NSW Parks) and may require an online booking for a small (approx. $6) booking fee, even if the camping itself is free.
The camp’s best feature is its location: it feels remote and peaceful, yet it’s only a few minutes’ drive from the full services of Yarrawonga and Mulwala, where you can find supermarkets, pubs, cafes, and supplies.
Yarrawonga River Camp – VIC Location Map
Yarrawonga River Camp (Loop Track Camp)
- Address: Loop Track, Yarrawonga VIC 3730
- GPS Coordinates: -36.00995, 145.97924
Site Features & Rules
- Location: Bush camp on the high banks of the Murray River, in the Yarrawonga Regional Park.
- Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and motorhomes.
- Road Access: Unsealed dirt tracks (Loop Track). 2WD accessible in dry conditions; 4WD recommended after rain.
- Site Surface: Natural dirt and grass, unmarked sites, can be uneven.
- Camping Permitted: Yes. A small online booking fee (approx. $6) via NSW National Parks may be required as it is part of the Murray Valley Regional Park.
- Maximum Overnight Stays: Check with Parks Victoria or NSW National Parks for current limits (often 14-28 days).
- Picnic Tables: Yes, some located within the greater park area.
- Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own drinking and cooking water.
- Mobile Phone Coverage: Generally good, especially for Telstra.
- TV Reception: Patchy, depends on location and equipment.
- Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, modern pit toilets are available.
- Rubbish Bins: No. This is a “Leave No Trace” park; you must take all rubbish with you.
- Open Fires: Permitted in a designated fireplace or 30cm trench, subject to seasonal CFA/RFS fire bans. BYO firewood (collecting wood is prohibited).
- Generator Use: Permitted (please be respectful of other campers and limit hours).
- Number of Sites Available: Unmarked, large area with numerous spots.
- Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, power supply (batteries/solar), insect repellent.
- Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted on a leash.
- Fishing: Yes, excellent river fishing for Murray Cod and Golden Perch.
- Short Walks: Yes, direct access to the Yarrawonga Common Walking Track which follows the river.
Local Amenities
Note: All services are available in the nearby towns of Yarrawonga (VIC) and Mulwala (NSW), approx. 3-6 km away.
Pubs & Dining
- The Terminus Hotel: Approx. 3.5 km (in Yarrawonga).
- Yarrawonga Hotel: Approx. 4 km (in Yarrawonga).
- Mulwala Water Ski Club: Approx. 5.5 km (in Mulwala, NSW).
- Places to Eat: Yarrawonga Bakery, numerous cafes and takeaway shops on Belmore St, Yarrawonga.
Local Attractions
- Lake Mulwala: Approx. 4 km (famous for watersports, fishing, and the “drowned” trees).
- Yarrawonga Common: You are camping in it.
- Murray Farm Gate Trail: Various producers in the surrounding area.
Caravan & Camping Supplies
- Nearest Caravan Parks: Yarrawonga Holiday Park (approx. 2.5 km), Yarrawonga Riverlands Tourist Park (approx. 3 km).
- Next Free Camps: Forges Bend, Brownings Bend, Blue Hole Camp (all located nearby in the same park system).
- Nearest Dump Point: Yarrawonga Showground (entry via Dunlop St, Yarrawonga).
- Nearest Petrol Station: BP and Caltex located in Yarrawonga (approx. 4-5 km).
- Drinking Water Resupply: Yarrawonga Showground (NE of the dump point) or Yarrawonga Visitor Information Centre.
- Nearest Public Toilets (off-site): Yarrawonga Foreshore, Irvine Parade (approx. 4 km).
Seasonal Weather Forecast
Yarrawonga has a temperate climate with hot, dry summers and cool winters.
- Summer (Dec – Feb): Hot and dry, with average highs around 30-32°C. Days can frequently exceed 35°C. High fire danger.
- Autumn (Mar – May): Warm, sunny days and milder nights. A very popular time for camping.
- Winter (Jun – Aug): Cool to cold, with average highs around 13-15°C and overnight lows near 3-4°C. Expect some frost and rain.
- Spring (Sep – Nov): Mild and pleasant, with warming temperatures. Can be windy. The river levels can fluctuate.
