Clarke Lagoon Wildlife Reserve – Free Murray River Camping

Clarke Lagoon Wildlife Reserve is a true slice of paradise for self-sufficient campers, offering a magnificent and peaceful free camping experience in the heart of Victoria’s stunning Upper Murray region. This beautiful, spacious reserve is uniquely positioned between the tranquil waters of Clarke Lagoon on one side and the majestic Murray River on the other, providing a haven for wildlife and nature lovers. The campground consists of a large, open, and flat grassy area shaded by towering river red gums, with numerous private spots to set up camp. It’s a perfect destination for all types of setups, from tents to large caravans, seeking a serene, back-to-basics bush escape.

The main attraction is the incredible natural environment. As a designated wildlife reserve, the lagoon is a birdwatcher’s dream, teeming with a huge variety of waterbirds including pelicans, swans, and spoonbills. The mighty Murray River provides fantastic opportunities for fishing, with anglers chasing the legendary Murray cod and trout, while the calm waters of both the lagoon and river are perfect for kayaking and canoeing. This is a classic, self-reliant camping experience with no facilities, so campers must bring their own toilet, shower, and drinking water, and strictly adhere to the ‘leave no trace’ principle by taking all rubbish with them. The campground is wonderfully pet-friendly, with endless space for dogs to run and swim. For a peaceful, beautiful, and authentic riverside adventure, Clarke Lagoon is a top-tier free camp.Clarke Lagoon Wildlife Reserve – NSW Map

• GPS Coordinates: -36.02408, 147.91078

Site Information

• Location: On the Murray River, near Tintaldra, VIC.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, big rigs.
• Road access: Easy 2WD access off the sealed Murray River Road.
• Site surface: Large, flat grassy areas.
• Camping permitted: Yes, free of charge.
• Maximum overnight stays: No specified limit.
• Facilities: None.
• Picnic tables: Some available.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Limited. Telstra service is patchy.
• TV reception: Possible with a good setup.
• Onsite public toilets: No. Must be fully self-contained.
• Rubbish bins: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
• Open fires: Permitted in your own fire pit, subject to local fire bans.
• Generator use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers.
• Number of sites available: Numerous unmarked sites in a large reserve.

Essentials to Bring

• Your own portable toilet and shower facilities.
• All drinking and washing water.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
• Your own fire pit and firewood.
• Binoculars for birdwatching.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes, very pet friendly.
• Fishing: Excellent fishing for Murray cod and trout. A VIC Recreational Fishing Licence is required.
• Short walks: Pleasant walks along the river and lagoon foreshores.

Local Amenities

• Local Pubs:
  • Tintaldra Hotel (~10 km)
  • Walwa Hotel, Walwa (~25 km)
  • Corryong Hotel Motel, Corryong (~30 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Tintaldra Hotel (~10 km)
  • A range of cafes, bakeries, and pubs in Corryong (~30 km).
• Local Attractions:
  • The historic Tintaldra Bridge (~10 km)
  • The “Man from Snowy River” history and museum in Corryong (~30 km)
  • The scenic Murray River Road drive.
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Walwa Riverside Caravan Park (~25 km)
  • Colac Colac Caravan Park (~25 km)
  • Corryong Holiday Park (~30 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Jingellic Reserve, NSW (~10 km)
  • Neils Reserve, VIC (~15 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • A public dump point is available in Corryong (~30 km).
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Tintaldra (~10 km, limited hours) or Corryong (~30 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Corryong. It is essential to arrive at the camp fully supplied with water.
• Public Toilets:
  • The nearest public toilets are in Tintaldra (~10 km).

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Victorian High Country / Upper Murray

• Summer (December – February): Hot and generally dry days, perfect for river activities. Average temperatures from 15°C to 32°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and cool, crisp nights with beautiful autumn colours. Temperatures range from 6°C to 26°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cold, with heavy frosts common, especially overnight. Days are often cool but clear and sunny. Temperatures range from 1°C to 14°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm days with cool nights. The landscape is green and vibrant. Temperatures range from 6°C to 24°C.