Little Toms Beach: Free, Pet-Friendly Camping on the Murray River

For those seeking a classic, unspoiled camping experience on the mighty Murray River, Little Toms Beach is a true paradise. This beautiful, free campground is located just a short drive from the bustling town of Cobram, offering a perfect blend of peaceful seclusion and convenient access to amenities. The campground is set along a lovely sandy beach, nestled amongst the iconic river red gums that line the riverbank. It’s an idyllic spot for self-sufficient campers who want to wake up to the sound of the river and spend their days swimming, fishing, kayaking, or simply relaxing on the sand. The spacious, undesignated sites provide plenty of room to spread out, making it suitable for tents, camper trailers, and off-road caravans.

As a primitive bush camp, Little Toms Beach has no facilities, so campers must be completely self-contained. This means bringing your own portable toilet, all necessary drinking water, and being prepared to take all your rubbish home with you. The reward for this self-sufficiency is a pristine natural environment and a genuine sense of escape. The campground is pet-friendly, making it a fantastic option for those who want to share their riverside adventure with their dogs. The access tracks can be rough and are best suited to 4WD or high-clearance vehicles, particularly after rain, which helps to keep this spot a tranquil haven. For a memorable, budget-friendly, and pet-friendly getaway that captures the timeless magic of the Murray River, Little Toms Beach is an unbeatable choice.

Campground Information

• Name: Little Toms Beach Campground
• Address: River Road, Cobram, Victoria 3644, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -35.8937,145.6459
• Website: Managed by Parks Victoria as part of the Cobram Regional Park.

Features & Rules

• Location: Secluded sandy beach on the banks of the Murray River.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, swags, and off-road camper trailers.
• Road Access: Unsealed tracks, 4WD or high-clearance vehicle recommended.
• Site Surface: Sand and natural earth.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free dispersed camping is permitted.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit.
• Facilities: None. This is a completely self-sufficient campsite.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Patchy, best with Telstra.
• Onsite Public Toilets: No. A portable toilet is essential.
• Rubbish Bins: No. All rubbish must be taken with you.
• Open Fires: Permitted, subject to seasonal fire bans.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Several undesignated, unpowered sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, portable toilet, firewood, rubbish bags, and insect repellent.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
• Fishing: Excellent fishing in the Murray River.
• Short Walks: Informal walks along the riverbank.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • The Bottom Pub (Cobram) – approx. 4 km
  • Cobram Hotel – approx. 4 km
  • Grand Central Hotel (Cobram) – approx. 4 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Various cafes, bakeries, and restaurants in Cobram’s main street – approx. 4 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Thompsons Beach – approx. 2 km
  • Quinns Island Wetland Sanctuary – approx. 3 km
  • The Big Strawberry – approx. 13 km

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • RACV Cobram Resort – approx. 3 km
  • Cobram Willows Caravan Park – approx. 3 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Other dispersed campsites in Cobram Regional Park (e.g., Big Toms Beach, Scotts Beach).
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Cobram Showgrounds – approx. 5 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Several options in Cobram – approx. 4 km.
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Public taps in Cobram, e.g., at Thompsons Beach.
• Nearest Public Toilets: Thompsons Beach / Kennedy Park – approx. 2 km.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and sunny, perfect for swimming and beach activities. Average maximum temperatures are around 32°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Warm, pleasant days and milder nights. Ideal for picnics and walks. Average maximums range from 19°C to 28°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool days and cold nights. Often clear and sunny. Average maximums are around 14°C to 16°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild and becoming warmer, with beautiful conditions for enjoying the outdoors. Average maximums range from 20°C to 27°C.