Forges Beach No.1 Campground: Free Pet-Friendly Camping on the Murray River at Yarrawonga

Discover one of the most popular and scenic free camping spots along the Murray River at Forges Beach No. 1, located within the beautiful Yarrawonga Regional Park. This fantastic riverside reserve offers the perfect Australian bush camping experience, combining direct river access with the convenience of being just a short drive from the bustling twin towns of Yarrawonga and Mulwala. The campground is a spacious, sprawling area set amongst majestic river red gums, providing numerous shady and secluded spots to set up your tent, camper trailer, or caravan. The atmosphere is relaxed and friendly, making it a favourite for families, fishing enthusiasts, and anyone looking to unwind by the water.

The main attraction is undoubtedly the Murray River itself, with the sandy stretches of Forges Beach providing easy access for swimming, kayaking, and launching a small boat for a day of fishing. The calm waters are ideal for water sports, and anglers are often rewarded with catches of Murray cod and yellowbelly. The campground is well-suited to self-sufficient campers, with basic but essential facilities including non-flush toilets and established fire pits. As it is a regional park, Forges Beach is a pet-friendly destination, so you can bring your dog along for the adventure. It’s essential for campers to bring their own drinking water and firewood and to follow a strict ‘leave no trace’ policy by taking all rubbish home. The campground’s popularity, especially during holiday periods, means it can get busy, so arriving early is advisable to secure a prime spot. With its beautiful setting, excellent recreational opportunities, and proximity to town, Forges Beach is an unbeatable choice for a classic, free Murray River camping holiday.

Campground Information

• Name: Forges Beach No. 1 Camping Area
• Address: Forges Beach Road (off Loop Track), Yarrawonga, VIC 3730, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -35.99326839266632, 145.95585335707005
• Website: Managed by Parks Victoria. See the Yarrawonga Regional Park page for park information and alerts.

Features & Facilities

• Location: Riverside bush setting in Yarrawonga Regional Park.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, and big rigs.
• Road Access: Unsealed road, generally 2WD accessible in dry weather. Can be corrugated.
• Site Surface: Dirt and sand.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Check with Parks Victoria for any specific limits.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilets, fire pits.
• Potable Water: No. Bring your own or treat river water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for Telstra, patchy for other carriers.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush toilets.
• Rubbish Bins: No. Carry-in, carry-out policy applies.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated fire pits, subject to local fire restrictions.
• Generator Use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Numerous unmarked, dispersed sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, food, and rubbish bags.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a leash.
• Fishing: Excellent fishing in the Murray River.
• Short Walks: Informal tracks along the river.

Local Amenities & Attractions

• Local Pubs:
  • Terminus Hotel (Yarrawonga) – approx. 7 km
  • Burkes Hotel Motel (Yarrawonga) – approx. 7 km
  • Royal Mail Hotel (Mulwala, NSW) – approx. 8 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Wide range of cafes, bakeries, and restaurants in Yarrawonga – approx. 7 km
  • Clubs with bistros in Mulwala (e.g., Mulwala Water Ski Club, ClubMulwala) – approx. 8 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Lake Mulwala
  • Byramine Homestead & Brewery
  • Rich Glen Olive Estate
  • Yarrawonga Foreshore & Splash Park

Nearby Parks & Services

• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Yarrawonga Riverlands Tourist Park – approx. 5 km
  • Yarrawonga Holiday Park – approx. 6 km
  • BIG4 Yarrawonga-Mulwala Lakeside Holiday Park (NSW) – approx. 9 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Kyffins Reserve
  • Bruce’s Bend
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Yarrawonga Showgrounds Public Dump Point – approx. 8 km
  • Owen Bridges Reserve (Mulwala, NSW) – approx. 9 km
  • Numurkah Showgrounds – approx. 40 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Multiple stations in Yarrawonga – approx. 7 km.
• Nearest Drinking Water Resupply: Yarrawonga Visitor Information Centre.
• Nearest Public Toilets: Available onsite. Also in Yarrawonga.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and sunny, perfect for water sports. Average maximums are around 31°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild, pleasant days and cool nights. Great for exploring. Average maximums range from 19°C to 28°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool days and cold nights with frost. Average maximums are around 14°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Cool to warm days with sunny spells. Average maximums range from 18°C to 25°C.