Forges Beach No. 2 Campground: Free Pet-Friendly Camping on the Murray at Yarrawonga

Nestled along the iconic Murray River, Forges Beach No. 2 offers a classic and highly sought-after free camping experience within the beautiful Yarrawonga Regional Park. This spacious reserve is a favourite for those looking to immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of the Australian bush while enjoying direct access to the river’s sandy shores. Surrounded by towering, majestic river red gums that provide ample shade, the campground offers numerous private and secluded spots perfect for setting up a tent, camper trailer, or caravan. It’s an ideal getaway for families, fishing enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a peaceful escape just a short drive from the vibrant towns of Yarrawonga and Mulwala.

The campground’s main allure is its stunning riverside location. The calm waters of the Murray are perfect for a refreshing swim on a hot day, launching a kayak for a leisurely paddle, or casting a line in hopes of catching a famous Murray cod. As a designated regional park camping area, Forges Beach No. 2 is pet-friendly, allowing you to bring your dog along for the adventure. The facilities are basic, designed for self-sufficient campers, and include non-flush toilets and established fire pits for an authentic campfire experience. Visitors must bring their own drinking water and firewood, and adhere to a strict carry-in, carry-out policy to help preserve the pristine natural environment. Given its easy access and beautiful setting, it’s a popular spot, particularly on weekends and holidays. For a memorable and budget-friendly holiday that combines the best of riverside recreation with the convenience of nearby town amenities, Forges Beach No. 2 is an exceptional choice.

Campground Information

• Name: Forges Beach No. 2 Camping Area
• Address: Loop Track, Yarrawonga VIC 3730, Australia
• GPS Coordinates: -35.99631595136021, 145.964338937544
• 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.
• 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. 8 km
  • Burkes Hotel Motel (Yarrawonga) – approx. 8 km
  • Royal Mail Hotel (Mulwala, NSW) – approx. 9 km
• Places to Eat:
  • Wide range of cafes, bakeries, and restaurants in Yarrawonga – approx. 8 km
  • Clubs with bistros in Mulwala (e.g., Mulwala Water Ski Club, ClubMulwala) – approx. 9 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. 6 km
  • Yarrawonga Holiday Park – approx. 7 km
  • BIG4 Yarrawonga-Mulwala Lakeside Holiday Park (NSW) – approx. 10 km
• Nearest Alternate Free Camps:
  • Forges Beach No. 1
  • Kyffins Reserve
  • Bruce’s Bend
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Yarrawonga Showgrounds Public Dump Point – approx. 9 km
  • Owen Bridges Reserve (Mulwala, NSW) – approx. 10 km
  • Numurkah Showgrounds – approx. 41 km
• Nearest Petrol Station: Multiple stations in Yarrawonga – approx. 8 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.