Karadoc Campground
Experience the Murray
Nestled along the sweeping bends of the mighty Murray River, the Karadoc Campground (also known as the Karadoc Sandbar) stands as a testament to the raw, natural beauty of the Sunraysia region. Located just a short drive from the historic township of Red Cliffs, Victoria, this hidden gem offers campers an authentic bush experience far removed from the noise of city life. The landscape here is dominated by towering River Red Gums, their twisted branches offering essential shade during the warm Mallee summers, while the sandy banks provide direct access to the water.
For those seeking a true escape, Karadoc is unmatched. The site is particularly favoured by self-sufficient travellers who appreciate the simplicity of off-grid living. Mornings here are a symphony of bird calls, from the laughter of Kookaburras to the screech of Sulphur-crested Cockatoos, while evenings offer some of the clearest stargazing opportunities in the state. The campground itself is located within the River Murray Reserve, ensuring the environment remains protected and pristine for future generations.
Anglers will find themselves in paradise, with the Murray River providing ample opportunities to cast a line for the legendary Murray Cod or Golden Perch (Yellowbelly). The calm waters near the sandbar are also ideal for kayaking or canoeing, allowing visitors to paddle downstream and explore the intricate ecosystem of the riverbanks. While the water can be inviting, swimmers should always be cautious of currents and submerged logs. The area is also steeped in history; nearby Red Cliffs is home to “Big Lizzie,” a monumental tractor that cleared the land for soldier settlements post-WWI, adding a layer of heritage to your nature retreat.
Access to Karadoc requires a vehicle capable of handling unsealed roads. While often accessible by 2WD in dry conditions, the track can become treacherous and boggy after rain, making a 4WD or high-clearance vehicle highly recommended. As this is a bush camp, amenities are basic. Drop toilets are provided, but visitors must bring their own drinking water and remove all rubbish upon departure. Whether you are setting up a swag, a camper trailer, or a tent, Karadoc Campground invites you to disconnect, unwind, and reconnect with the Australian bush.
Karadoc Campground – VIC Location Map
Karadoc Campground
Address: Karadoc Sandbar (River Murray Reserve), Off Edeys Road, Karadoc (Red Cliffs), VIC 3496
GPS Coordinates: -34.325, 142.2948
Website: Parks Victoria – Karadoc Sandbar Page
Location Map
Site Information & Facilities
Site Details
- Site Suitable For: Tents, Swags, Camper Trailers, Off-road Caravans.
- Road Access: Unsealed gravel and dirt track. 2WD accessible in dry weather only. 4WD recommended. Track becomes slippery and boggy when wet.
- Site Surface: Compacted dirt and sand (Sandbar areas may be soft).
- Pet Friendly: No. (Located within River Murray Reserve – domestic animals are not permitted).
Available Facilities
- Drop Toilets (Long drop).
- Fire Pits (Subject to seasonal fire bans).
- Boat Ramp (Natural earth/sand bank, suitable for small tins).
- Picnic Tables.
- Shaded Sites (River Red Gums).
- No Electricity / Unpowered Sites.
Essentials to Bring
- Drinking Water: Essential (No potable water on site).
- Firewood: Bring your own (Collection of wood from the park is prohibited).
- Rubbish Bags: Carry-in, Carry-out policy (No bins provided).
- Toilet Paper: Often not restocked, bring your own supply.
- Insect Repellent: Essential for mosquitoes and sandflies.
Activities
- Fishing: Excellent spots for Murray Cod, Golden Perch, and Carp.
- Short Walks: Walking tracks along the riverbank and through the Red Gum forest.
- Bird Watching: High diversity of waterbirds and parrots.
- Canoeing/Kayaking: Gentle water flow suitable for paddling.
Local Amenities (Red Cliffs & Surrounds)
3 Local Pubs
- The Reddy Pub (Red Cliffs Hotel): 25 Jacaranda St, Red Cliffs (~13km).
- Red Cliffs Club: 11 Main Ave, Red Cliffs (~13km).
- Irymple Hotel Motel: 2105 Fifteenth St, Irymple (~21km).
Places to Eat
- The Shed Café: 59 Jacaranda St, Red Cliffs (~13km).
- Good Golly: 41 Ilex St, Red Cliffs (~13km).
- Scozzie Shindigz Cafe: 61 Indi Ave, Red Cliffs (~13km).
- Red Cliffs Club Bistro: 11 Main Ave, Red Cliffs (~13km).
5 Local Attractions
- Big Lizzie (Historic Tractor): Barclay Square, Red Cliffs (~13km).
- Red Cliffs Historical Steam Railway: Millewa Rd, Red Cliffs (~14km).
- Red Cliffs Scenic Reserve (Cliffs Lookout): Woomera Ave, Red Cliffs (~15km).
- Red Cliffs Military Museum: Jamieson Ave, Red Cliffs (~13km).
- Cappa Stone Wines: 108 Koorlong Ave, Irymple/Red Cliffs (~15km).
2 Nearest Caravan Parks
- BIG4 Red Cliffs: 8760 Calder Hwy, Red Cliffs (~11km).
- Rivergardens Holiday Park: 1686 Kulkyne Way, Mildura (~25km).
2 Nearest Free Camps
- Red Cliffs Golf Club (Donation): 2024 Millewa Rd, Red Cliffs (~13km).
- Bruce’s Bend River Camping: Billabong Rd, Nichols Point (~22km).
2 Nearest Dump Points
- Red Cliffs Caravan Dump Point: 32 Jacaranda St, Red Cliffs (~13km).
- Mildura Public Dump Point: 468 Benetook Ave, Mildura (~25km).
2 Nearest Petrol Stations
- BP Red Cliffs: 8601 Calder Hwy, Red Cliffs (~13km).
- Sunraysia Petroleum (Shell): 2 Ilex St, Red Cliffs (~13km).
2 Drinking Water Resupply Locations
- Red Cliffs Township Public Taps: Barclay Square, Red Cliffs (~13km).
- Mildura Visitor Information Centre: 180-190 Deakin Ave, Mildura (~28km).
2 Public Toilets
- Barclay Square Public Toilets: Jacaranda St, Red Cliffs (~13km).
- Number 3 & 4 Ovals Toilets: Calder Hwy, Red Cliffs (~13km).
Seasonal Weather Forecast
Red Cliffs and the Karadoc region experience a semi-arid climate with hot, dry summers and cool winters.
Summer (Dec – Feb)Hot & Dry
- Avg Max: 32°C – 35°C
- Avg Min: 16°C – 18°C
- Note: Extreme heat days >40°C are common.
Autumn (Mar – May)Mild & Sunny
- Avg Max: 23°C – 28°C
- Avg Min: 10°C – 14°C
- Note: Perfect camping weather.
Winter (Jun – Aug)Cool Days, Cold Nights
- Avg Max: 15°C – 17°C
- Avg Min: 4°C – 6°C
- Note: Frost is possible in mornings.
Spring (Sep – Nov)Warm & Pleasant
- Avg Max: 23°C – 27°C
- Avg Min: 9°C – 12°C
- Note: River levels may fluctuate.
© 2025 Karadoc Campground Guide. All distances are approximate.