Tucked away in the breathtaking Barmah National Park, Pump Beach is another gem for free camping enthusiasts exploring the Ulupna Island area of Victoria. This tranquil location offers a classic Murray River camping experience, providing a peaceful retreat for families, anglers, and nature lovers alike. Like its neighbours, Pump Beach boasts direct access to the river, with sandy stretches perfect for pulling up a kayak, casting a line, or simply relaxing in a camp chair to watch the world float by. It provides an authentic connection to the Australian bush.

The campsite is enveloped by the iconic River Red Gum forest, a critical habitat that supports a rich diversity of wildlife. It’s common to spot kangaroos grazing at dawn and dusk, hear the distinct call of a kookaburra, or see a majestic sea eagle soaring overhead. The scattered and informal nature of the campsites means you can find a secluded spot to call your own, ensuring a sense of privacy and immersion in the natural environment. The experience is fundamentally off-grid, inviting you to disconnect from technology and tune into the subtle rhythms of the river and the forest.

As a primitive campsite, there are no facilities, so campers must be completely self-sufficient with water, power, and toilet amenities. Access via the unnamed dirt tracks is generally suitable for 2WD vehicles in dry conditions, but it’s crucial to check weather and track conditions before heading in, as rain can make them challenging. By adhering to leave-no-trace principles, visitors help maintain the pristine beauty of Pump Beach. It’s a wonderful, uncomplicated base for anyone looking to enjoy the simple pleasures of riverside camping, from brilliant sunsets over the water to cosy nights spent around a campfire under a canopy of stars.

Campsite Information

• Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, big rigs.
• Road Access: Dirt road. Can be corrugated and may become slippery or inaccessible after heavy rain. 2WD accessible in dry conditions.
• Site Surface: Dirt, grass, sand.
• Camping Permitted: Yes, free camping is permitted.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: No specified limit, but standard national park guidelines suggest moving after a reasonable period (e.g., 14-28 days).
• Facilities: No formal facilities. This is a primitive bush camp.
• Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: Limited to none. Telstra may have intermittent service in some spots.
• TV Reception: Poor to none.
• Onsite Public Toilets: No. You must be self-contained and have your own toilet.
• Rubbish Bins: No. You must take all your rubbish with you.
• Open Fires: Permitted in designated fireplaces or self-contained fire pits, subject to local fire restrictions and total fire bans. Check CFA website for current conditions.
• Generator Use: Permitted, but be considerate of other campers with noise levels and usage times.
• Number of Sites Available: Many informal sites spread along the river.
• Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, toilet, toilet paper, rubbish bags, firewood (do not collect from the park), insect repellent, sun protection, first-aid kit.
• Pet Friendly: No, pets are not permitted in Barmah National Park.

Local Area & Amenities

• Fishing: Yes, excellent fishing for Murray Cod, Golden Perch (Yellowbelly), and other native species. A Victorian Fishing Licence is required.
• Short Walks: Numerous informal walking tracks along the river and through the Red Gum forest.
• Local Pubs:
  • Strathmerton Hotel: ~20 km
  • The Barmah Hotel: ~25 km
  • Cobram Hotel: ~30 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Strathmerton (Pub, Bakery, Cafe): ~20 km
  • Barmah (Pub, Cafe): ~25 km
  • Cobram (Wide range of pubs, restaurants, cafes, and takeaway): ~30 km
• Local Attractions:
  • Kingfisher Cruises (Barmah Lakes): ~25 km
  • The Big Strawberry (Koonoomoo): ~35 km
  • Cactus Country (Strathmerton): ~22 km
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Barmah Bridge Caravan Park: ~25 km
  • Morning Glory River Resort (Barmah): ~26 km
  • RACV Cobram Resort: ~30 km
• Next Free Camps:
  • Various other sites along the Murray River within Barmah National Park.
  • Broken Creek (Nathalia): ~45 km
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Barmah Recreation Reserve: ~25 km
  • Cobram Showgrounds: ~30 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Strathmerton (~20 km) or Cobram (~30 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply: Public taps available in Strathmerton, Barmah, and Cobram.
• Public Toilets: Located in Strathmerton, Barmah, and Cobram town centres.

Seasonal Weather Forecast

• Summer (Dec-Feb): Hot and dry. Average temperatures range from 15°C to 32°C, with frequent days over 35°C. High risk of bushfires.
• Autumn (Mar-May): Mild and pleasant days with cooler nights. Average temperatures from 9°C to 25°C. Ideal camping weather.
• Winter (Jun-Aug): Cold and often damp. Average temperatures from 4°C to 15°C. Expect frosts overnight. River levels may be higher.
• Spring (Sep-Nov): Mild days with increasing warmth. Average temperatures from 8°C to 24°C. A beautiful time to visit as the park comes to life.