Jimmy’s Island Camp (River Murray Reserve)

A Hidden Bush Retreat in the Burramine State Forest

Deep within the River Murray Reserve, Jimmy’s Island Camp offers one of the most secluded and tranquil bush camping experiences in the Burramine region. Located off the beaten track via Jimmy Island Track, this site is perfect for self-sufficient campers who want to escape the crowds often found at the main river beaches. The camping area is set amongst a dense forest of River Red Gums, providing a true sense of isolation and immersion in the Australian bush.

The site features dispersed camping along the river and creek frontage. Unlike the wide, sandy beaches of Cobram or Yarrawonga, Jimmy’s Island is characterised by its high banks and intimate forest setting. It is an excellent spot for launching a canoe to explore the quiet backwaters or for casting a line in peace. The area is teeming with birdlife, making it a haven for birdwatchers and photographers looking to capture the native wildlife undisturbed.

As a remote bush camp managed by Parks Victoria, there are no facilities whatsoever. This means no toilets, showers, or tap water. Visitors must be completely self-sufficient and prepared to take all their rubbish with them. Access is via unsealed forest tracks that can be rough and narrow in places. While often accessible by 2WD in perfect conditions, a 4WD is highly recommended to navigate the tracks safely, especially after any rainfall when the clay surface becomes treacherous.

Although it feels remote, Jimmy’s Island Camp is strategically located between Cobram and Yarrawonga, giving you access to the best of both towns within a 15-20 minute drive. You can spend your days exploring the historic Byramine Homestead nearby or tasting local produce at Rich Glen Olive Estate, before returning to the absolute silence of your forest camp. For those seeking a genuine, back-to-basics river adventure, Jimmy’s Island is a hidden gem.

Jimmy’s Island Camp – VIC Location Map

Camping Information

Name: Jimmy’s Island Camp (Jimmy’s Island Camping Area)
Address: Jimmy Island Track, Burramine VIC 3730, Australia
Managed By: Parks Victoria (Free Camping)
GPS Coordinates: -35.98407, 145.81226

Park Location (Satellite View)

Site Information

Location: Situated in the Burramine State Forest / River Murray Reserve, roughly halfway between Yarrawonga and Cobram. Access is via Jimmy Island Track.
Site Suitable For: 4WD campers, off-road camper trailers, and tents. Large caravans may struggle with the narrow winding tracks and overhanging branches.
Road Access: Unsealed forest track. 4WD Recommended. The track can be rough and becomes very slippery and boggy when wet. 2WD access is risky.
Site Surface: Natural bush floor, dirt, leaf litter, and grass. Uneven ground is common.

Available Facilities

Bush Camping (No Amenities)
No Toilets (You must bring a portable toilet).
No Showers.
No Drinking Water.
No Rubbish Bins (Carry in, Carry out).
River Access (High banks, some small access points).
Campfires Permitted (In constructed fireplaces only, subject to fire bans).

Essentials to Bring

Portable Toilet: Mandatory requirement.
Water: Bring all drinking and washing water.
Rubbish Bags: You must take all waste with you.
Firewood: Bring clean firewood (collecting is often restricted).
Insect Repellent: Essential near the water.
Shovel: For campfire safety.
Recovery Gear: Essential due to the nature of the tracks.

Park Policies & Features

Pet Friendly: NO. According to Parks Victoria, dogs are not allowed at Jimmy’s Island Camping Area. This is a specific restriction for this site to protect local wildlife. Please check on-site signage.
Fishing: Good. A quiet spot for bank fishing for Murray Cod and Golden Perch. A Victorian Fishing Licence is required.
Short Walks: Explore the Jimmy Island Track on foot to see the confluence of creeks and the river.
Swimming: Possible, but access to the water may be steeper than at the sandy beaches. Be aware of snags and currents.

Local Amenities (Yarrawonga & Cobram)

Local Pubs

Bundalong Tavern: (Murray Valley Hwy) Approx. 25km East.
Terminus Hotel: (Belmore St, Yarrawonga) Approx. 18km East.
Cobram Hotel: (Main St, Cobram) Approx. 18km West.

Places to Eat

Byramine Homestead & Brewery: (Murray Valley Hwy) Approx. 3km South – Historic homestead with cafe and cider.
Rich Glen Provedore: (Belmore St, Yarrawonga) Approx. 18km East.
The Beach Cafe: (Thompson’s Beach, Cobram) Approx. 18km West.

Local Attractions

Byramine Homestead: (Murray Valley Hwy) Approx. 3km – National Trust classified homestead.
Lake Mulwala: (Yarrawonga) Approx. 18km – Boating and fishing.
The Big Strawberry: (Koonoomoo) Approx. 25km West.
Rich Glen Olive Estate: (Murray Valley Hwy) Approx. 10km East.
Cactus Country: (Strathmerton) Approx. 35km West.

Nearest Caravan Parks

Cobram Willows Caravan Park: (Cobram) Approx. 16km West.
Yarrawonga Riverlands Tourist Park: (Brears Rd) Approx. 16km East.
Oasis Caravan Park: (Koonoomoo) Approx. 22km West.

Nearest Free Camps

Bourkes Bend: (Burramine) Approx. 2km East.
Nevins Beach: (Burramine) Approx. 5km East.
Little Toms Beach: (Cobram) Approx. 12km West.

Nearest Dump Points

Yarrawonga Showgrounds: (Dunlop St) Approx. 18km.
Cobram Public Dump Point: (Federation Park) Approx. 18km.

Nearest Petrol Stations

United Petroleum Yarrawonga: (Murray Valley Hwy) Approx. 16km.
Mobil Cobram: (Murray Valley Hwy) Approx. 16km.

Nearest Drinking Water Resupply

Federation Park (Cobram): Approx. 18km.
Yarrawonga Showgrounds: Approx. 18km.

Nearest Public Toilets

Byramine Homestead: (For patrons) Approx. 3km.
Yarrawonga Foreshore: Approx. 18km.

Seasonal Weather Forecast for Burramine

Summer (December – February): Hot and dry. Average highs 30°C – 33°C. The shade of the Red Gums is vital.
Autumn (March – May): Mild and sunny. Warm days (21°C – 27°C) and cooler nights. Best time for bush camping.
Winter (June – August): Cool to cold. Average highs 13°C – 15°C. Nights are cold (3°C – 5°C) and tracks can be muddy.
Spring (September – November): Warming up. Highs 18°C – 25°C. The forest is lush, but check track conditions after spring rains.

Jimmy’s Island Camp (River Murray Reserve) – A Hidden Bush Retreat in the Burramine State Forest