Best Camping and Caravanning Sites in Australia

A great place to start your adventure

Cobrawonga Beach Number One – Escape to the Serenity of the Murray River

Cobrawonga Beach Number One

Escape to the Serenity of the Murray River

Nestled along the majestic curves of the Murray River, Cobrawonga Beach Number One offers an authentic Australian bush camping experience that captures the very essence of outdoor freedom. Located roughly halfway between the bustling townships of Cobram and Yarrawonga, this secluded haven is a sanctuary for those seeking to disconnect from the digital world and reconnect with nature. The site is characterised by its expansive sandy river beaches, shaded by towering River Red Gums that have stood sentinel over these waters for centuries. As a designated free camping area within the River Murray Reserve, it provides an accessible yet peaceful retreat for self-sufficient travellers, caravan enthusiasts, and tent campers alike.

The appeal of Cobrawonga Beach lies in its simplicity and natural beauty. Unlike manicured holiday parks, this site offers a raw and rugged charm. Mornings here are greeted by a chorus of kookaburras and the soft splash of fish breaking the river’s surface, while evenings are best spent around a camp chair watching the sunset paint the water in hues of gold and crimson. The river current here is generally steady, making it a favourite spot for kayaking, canoeing, and swimming during the warmer months. Fishermen will find plenty of quiet nooks along the bank to cast a line for Murray Cod or Golden Perch, often finding success in the early hours of the dawn.

Access to the site adds to its sense of adventure. While reachable by conventional vehicles during dry spells, the tracks can become challenging after rain, turning the clay-based soil into a boggy trap that demands a 4WD and recovery gear. This seasonal inaccessibility helps maintain the site’s tranquillity, filtering out the casual passerby and preserving the area for dedicated campers. It is essential to note that Cobrawonga Beach Number One is strictly for the self-reliant. There are no amenities—no toilets, no showers, and no potable water taps on site. Visitors must bring everything they need and, crucially, take everything with them when they leave to preserve the pristine environment for future generations.

Whether you are organising a family getaway to teach the kids how to skip stones, or a solo traveller looking for a quiet bend in the river to read a book, Cobrawonga delivers. The sandy banks provide a perfect natural playground, and the absence of marked sites allows you to find your own slice of paradise, provided you respect the space of others. With the twin towns of Cobram and Barooga just a short drive away, you can easily top up on supplies or enjoy a pub meal before retreating back to the quiet solitude of your campfire under the southern stars.

Cobrawonga Beach Number One – VIC Location Map

Location Details

Address: Unnamed Road, Cobrawonga VIC 3644 (Access via Grinter Rd & Dead River Tk)

GPS Coordinates: -35.9727, 145.79197

Website: Parks Victoria – River Murray Reserve

Site Information

  • Location: River Murray Reserve, Victoria.
  • Site Suitable For: tents, swags.
  • Site Surface: Sand, compacted dirt, and grass.
  • Shade: Plentiful shade provided by large River Red Gums.


Available Facilities & Features

  • Toilets: NO (Must be self-contained).
  • Showers: NO.
  • Water: NO (River water suitable for washing, not drinking).
  • Bins: NO (Leave No Trace – Pack it in, Pack it out).
  • Phone Reception: Limited/Patchy (Telstra usually best, others weak).
  • Pet Friendly: YES (Dogs allowed on lead).
  • Fishing: YES (Murray Cod, Golden Perch – Permit required).
  • Swimming: YES (River swimming, caution advised for currents/snags).
  • Kayaking/Boating: YES (Direct beach launch).
  • Short Walks: Walking tracks along the river bank.

Essentials to Bring

  • Drinking Water: Bring ample supply (min 5L per person per day).
  • Toilet: Portable chemical toilet or shovel (bury waste 100m+ from water).
  • Rubbish Bags: Heavy-duty bags to remove all waste.
  • Cooking: Gas stove (Fire restrictions apply in summer).
  • Firewood: BYO clean milled wood (collection often prohibited).
  • Recovery Gear: Max trax/snatch strap if travelling in wet conditions.
  • Insect Repellent: Essential for mosquitoes and sandflies.

Local Amenities & Distances

Distances are approximate from the campsite.

Local Pubs

  • Cobram Hotel (The Top Pub): ~19.5 km
  • Barooga Hotel: ~21.5 km
  • Terminus Hotel (Yarrawonga): ~24.0 km

Places to Eat

  • The Big Strawberry (Koonoomoo): ~27.0 km
  • Antique Tea Rooms (Cobram): ~19.5 km
  • Presto Pasta & Pizza (Cobram): ~19.0 km

Local Attractions

  • Thompson’s Beach (Cobram): ~20.0 km
  • Barooga Botanical Gardens: ~22.0 km
  • Cactus Country (Strathmerton): ~35.0 km
  • Byramine Homestead & Brewery: ~15.0 km
  • Rich Glen Olive Farm: ~28.0 km

Nearest Caravan Parks

  • Cobram Oasis Caravan Park: ~15.0 km
  • RACV Cobram Resort: ~17.0 km

Nearest Free Camps

  • Cobrawonga Beach No. 2: ~1.0 km
  • Bourkes Bend Camping Area: ~7.0 km

Dump Points

  • Cobram Showgrounds (Bank St): ~19.5 km
  • Yarrawonga Showgrounds: ~24.0 km

Petrol Stations

  • United Petroleum Cobram: ~19.0 km
  • BP Cobram: ~19.5 km

Drinking Water

  • Cobram Showgrounds (Bank St): ~19.5 km
  • Barooga Botanical Gardens: ~22.0 km

Public Toilets

  • Quinn Island Reserve (Cobram): ~18.0 km
  • Thompson’s Beach Facilities: ~20.0 km

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Summer (Dec – Feb)

Avg Temp: 15°C – 32°C

Hot and dry. Perfect for swimming. High UV exposure. Fire bans strictly enforced.

Autumn (Mar – May)

Avg Temp: 8°C – 25°C

Pleasant days, cooler nights. Ideal for campfires (check regulations) and fishing.

Winter (Jun – Aug)

Avg Temp: 4°C – 15°C

Cold nights, morning frosts. Tracks can be boggy/slippery. 4WD recommended.

Spring (Sep – Nov)

Avg Temp: 8°C – 25°C

Variable weather. River levels may fluctuate. Beautiful greenery and birdlife.

 

Leave a Reply