Cohuna Flora Reserve | Free Gunbower Creek Camping & Murray River Base

For a fantastic and highly convenient free camping experience in the heart of the Murray River region, the Cohuna Flora Reserve is a top-tier destination. This beautiful, spacious reserve is nestled on the banks of the serene Gunbower Creek, offering a classic Australian bush camp with the added benefit of being just a stone’s throw from the friendly town of Cohuna. The campground is spread across a large, grassy area shaded by magnificent river red gums, providing an abundance of excellent sites for all types of setups, from large motorhomes and caravans to tents. It is a place renowned for its peaceful atmosphere and its popularity with anglers, kayakers, and families looking for a budget-friendly escape with great amenities nearby.

The main drawcard of the reserve is its prime location on Gunbower Creek, a stunning anabranch of the Murray River that forms part of the magnificent Gunbower Island ecosystem. The calm waters are perfect for a leisurely paddle in a kayak or canoe, and the area is a renowned fishing hotspot, famous for its healthy populations of Murray Cod and Golden Perch. The surrounding bushland is a haven for wildlife and birdwatching, with scenic walking tracks allowing you to explore the rich riverine environment. The campground’s proximity to Cohuna is a major advantage, meaning you can enjoy a secluded bush setting while being just minutes away from pubs, cafes, a supermarket, and other town services. It’s the perfect base for exploring the wider region, including the mighty Murray River, Koondrook Wharf, and the attractions of nearby Echuca. For an unbeatable free camping experience that combines natural beauty, excellent recreation, and town convenience, the Cohuna Flora Reserve is a must-visit.

Campground Information

• Name: Cohuna flora reserve
• Address: Tennis Rd, Cohuna VIC 3568

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -35.80789562923362, 144.2231155410028

Website

• Website: This is a public reserve. Information is available on the Gannawarra Shire Council website which covers recreation in the area.

Location Map

Site Details

• Location: Riverside bush reserve adjacent to the Cohuna Golf Club.
• Site Suitable For: Caravans, Motorhomes, Big Rigs, Camper Trailers, Tents.
• Road Access: Sealed road to the reserve, then good quality dirt tracks within.
• Site Surface: Mostly grass and dirt.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe local signage; short-term stays are encouraged.
• Facilities: Non-flush toilets. No power or showers.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Good for all major carriers.
• TV Reception: Good digital TV reception.
• Onsite Public Toilets: Yes, non-flush (pit) toilets.
• 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.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Very large, unmarked area with plenty of riverfront sites.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, toilet paper, fishing gear, kayak.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are welcome on a lead.

Activities

• Fishing: Premier location for Murray Cod and Golden Perch in Gunbower Creek.
• Short Walks: Enjoy leisurely walks along the creek bank and through the reserve.
• Golf: The camp is located right next to the Cohuna Golf Club.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • The Shamrock Hotel (Cohuna) – Approx. 3 km
  • Bower Hotel (Cohuna) – Approx. 3 km
  • The Gunbower Hotel (Gunbower) – Approx. 25 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Cohuna Golf Club Bistro – Adjacent
  • Various cafes, bakeries, and pubs in Cohuna township – Approx. 3 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Gunbower Island & National Park – You are on it!
  • Cohuna Town Centre & Garden Park – Approx. 3 km
  • Historic Koondrook Wharf – Approx. 40 km
  • Port of Echuca Discovery Centre – Approx. 75 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Cohuna Waterfront Holiday Park – Approx. 3 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Gunbower Camping Reserve (further into the forest) – Approx. 25 km
  • Leitchville Recreation Reserve – Approx. 20 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Cohuna Public Dump Point (at the showgrounds) – Approx. 4 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Cohuna – Approx. 3 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available at the Cohuna Visitor Information Centre.
• Public Toilets:
  • Available onsite (non-flush). Full facilities in Cohuna town centre.

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 and pleasant, a prime time for being on the water, averaging 8-24°C.