Bottle Bend Camping | Free Murray River Bush Camp Near Mildura

For those seeking a classic, unstructured, and free bush camping experience on the iconic Murray River, Bottle Bend is a fantastic and highly accessible destination. Located within a Murray River Reserve just a short drive from Mildura and Red Cliffs, this area offers a serene escape into a beautiful riverine landscape dominated by majestic river red gums. It is a quintessential Australian bush camp, perfect for self-sufficient travellers, especially those with a passion for fishing, kayaking, and relaxing by the water’s edge. The camping area is not a formal campground but rather a large, dispersed area with numerous tracks leading to secluded spots right on the riverbank. This allows campers in tents, camper trailers, and off-road caravans to find their own private piece of paradise.

The main attraction at Bottle Bend is the mighty Murray River itself. The slow-moving, wide expanse of water is a prime location for anglers targeting the legendary Murray Cod and Golden Perch, and the numerous sandy banks and fallen logs create excellent habitat. It’s also a perfect spot for launching a kayak or canoe to explore the tranquil waterways and abundant birdlife. The back-to-basics nature of the camp means it’s a place to disconnect and enjoy the simple pleasures: stoking a campfire under the vast Mallee sky, listening to the evening chorus of kookaburras, and watching the incredible sunsets reflect off the water. While it offers a wonderful sense of isolation, its proximity to the amenities of Red Cliffs and the major regional hub of Mildura means supplies are never far away. For a memorable and budget-free adventure that captures the timeless spirit of the Murray, Bottle Bend is a top choice.

Campground Information

• Name: Bottle Bend
• Address: Red Cliffs VIC 3496

Location Coordinates

• GPS: -34.30543548843429, 142.29840829295995

Website

• Website: This is a free camping area within a Murray River Reserve. Information is available on the Parks Victoria website.

Location Map

Site Details

• Location: Riverside bush camp on the Murray River.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, Camper Trailers, and Off-road Caravans/Motorhomes. Access can be tight for large rigs.
• Road Access: Unsealed dirt tracks. Can be slippery and boggy after rain. 2WD accessible in the dry with caution.
• Site Surface: Natural dirt and sand base.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free dispersed camping.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Please observe Parks Victoria guidelines for river reserves.
• Facilities: No facilities. This is a fully self-sufficient bush camp.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring all your own water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Patchy. Telstra offers the best chance of a signal.
• TV Reception: Unreliable.
• Onsite Public Toilets: No. You must have your own toilet.
• 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 from outside the park.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but please be considerate of the natural environment and other campers.
• Number of Sites Available: Many unmarked, dispersed sites along the river.
• Essentials to Bring: Your own toilet, all drinking water, firewood, rubbish bags, insect repellent, fishing gear.
• Pet Friendly: Yes, pets are permitted on a lead.

Activities

• Fishing: Premier location for Murray Cod, Golden Perch, and crayfish (in season).
• Short Walks: Enjoy leisurely walks along the riverbank tracks.
• Kayaking & Canoeing: Direct river access makes it perfect for paddling.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Red Cliffs Club (Red Cliffs) – Approx. 15 km
  • The Gateway Tavern (Mildura) – Approx. 18 km
  • The Corporate Moose (Mildura) – Approx. 20 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Numerous cafes, bakeries, and pubs in Red Cliffs – Approx. 15 km
  • Extensive “Feast Street” restaurant precinct in Mildura – Approx. 20 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Red Cliffs Scenic Reserve & Big Lizzie – Approx. 15 km
  • Australian Inland Botanic Gardens (NSW) – Approx. 15 km
  • Murray River Paddle Steamers (Mildura) – Approx. 20 km
  • Mildura Arts Centre – Approx. 20 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Red Cliffs Caravan Park – Approx. 15 km
  • BIG4 Mildura Getaway Holiday Park – Approx. 18 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Psyche Bend Pump Station Reserve – Approx. 25 km
  • Numerous other Murray River reserves nearby.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Mildura Visitor Information Centre Public Dump Point – Approx. 20 km
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Red Cliffs has multiple options – Approx. 15 km
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Available at the Mildura Visitor Information Centre.
• Public Toilets:
  • The nearest public toilets are in Red Cliffs township.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and sunny, ideal for river activities, with average temperatures of 17-33°C.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Warm, dry, and sunny days, perfect for camping and fishing, averaging 10-26°C.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cool and crisp with cold nights and sunny days, great for campfires, averaging 5-16°C.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild to warm and generally sunny, a beautiful time to be on the river, averaging 9-24°C.