Lake Mulwala – Kyffins Reserve Free Camp

Kyffins Reserve is one of Australia’s most legendary free camps, offering a spectacular lakeside experience on the beautiful shores of Lake Mulwala. This enormous reserve is a paradise for water lovers, providing a sprawling, grassy and shaded area for a classic Australian camping holiday. Its immense popularity stems from the unbeatable combination of a stunning location, a pet-friendly policy, and its status as a free destination. The reserve stretches for kilometres along the foreshore, offering an almost endless choice of campsites suitable for every setup imaginable, from simple tents to the largest of big rigs, with many spots offering direct, private access to the water.

Life at Kyffins revolves around the magnificent Lake Mulwala, famous for its incredible water sports and world-class Murray cod fishing. The easy access to the water makes it a haven for boat owners, water skiers, and kayakers. The lake’s iconic, ghostly river red gums, submerged when the lake was created, provide a stunning and uniquely Australian backdrop, especially at sunrise and sunset. This is a fantastic back-to-basics bush camp. While there are some non-flush toilets, campers should be largely self-sufficient, especially with their own power and water. The freedom to find your own secluded spot, launch your boat right from your camp, and enjoy a campfire under the stars is what makes this place so special. Despite its wonderfully natural feel, it is just a short drive from the vibrant twin towns of Mulwala and Yarrawonga, with their clubs, pubs, and supermarkets. For a fun-filled, pet-friendly, and budget-friendly waterside holiday, Kyffins Reserve is an unmissable destination.

• GPS Coordinates: -35.97956, 146.05934

Site Information

• Location: On the northern shore of Lake Mulwala, NSW.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, big rigs.
• Road access: Unsealed access roads, generally 2WD accessible with care. Can become boggy after heavy rain.
• Site surface: Large, flat grassy and dirt areas.
• Camping permitted: Yes, free of charge.
• Maximum overnight stays: Generally up to 14 days, check local signage.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilets, rubbish bins.
• Picnic tables: Some available.
• Potable water: No. Bring all your own water.
• Mobile phone coverage: Good for all major carriers.
• TV reception: Good.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes.
• Rubbish bins: Yes.
• 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: Hundreds of unmarked sites in a massive reserve.

Essentials to Bring

• All drinking and washing water.
• Your own fire pit and firewood.
• Boat, kayak, or water ski gear.
• Fishing gear and a NSW Recreational Fishing Licence.
• Insect repellent.

Activities

• Pet friendly: Yes, very pet friendly.
• Fishing: Excellent fishing for Murray cod and yellowbelly.
• Short walks: Pleasant walks along the extensive lake foreshore.

Local Amenities (in Mulwala / Yarrawonga)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Royal Mail Hotel, Mulwala (~7 km)
  • The Criterion Hotel, Yarrawonga VIC (~9 km)
  • Terminus Hotel, Yarrawonga VIC (~9 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Mulwala Water Ski Club (~8 km)
  • Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort (~10 km)
  • An extensive range of pubs, clubs, cafes, and bakeries in Mulwala and Yarrawonga.
• Local Attractions:
  • Lake Mulwala (on site)
  • The Mulwala Bridge
  • The historic PS Cumberoona paddle steamer (~9 km)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • NRMA Yarrawonga Mulwala Holiday Park (~8 km)
  • Mulwala Lakeside Holiday Park (~7 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Numerous other reserves along the Murray River.
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • A public dump point is located in Mulwala (~7 km).
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Mulwala (~7 km) and Yarrawonga (~9 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Yarrawonga Visitor Information Centre (~9 km). Arrive at the camp fully supplied.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. Public toilets are also available in parks throughout Mulwala and Yarrawonga.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Murray River Region

• Summer (December – February): Very hot and dry, perfect for water sports. Temperatures often exceed 35°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm, sunny days and cool, pleasant nights. An ideal time for camping and fishing. Temperatures range from 10°C to 26°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cold, with frequent frosts, especially overnight. Days are typically cool but clear and sunny. Temperatures range from 3°C to 15°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm days with cool nights. A great time for exploring the region. Temperatures range from 8°C to 24°C.