Murray Valley Regional Park – Collendina – Free Camping

Escape to the tranquil banks of the Murray River at Collendina, a pristine section of the Murray Valley Regional Park in New South Wales. This remarkable area, part of the largest continuous river red gum forest in the southern hemisphere, offers an authentic Australian bush camping experience just a short drive from the historic town of Corowa. It’s a perfect destination for travellers seeking peace, nature, and riverside recreation without the cost of a formal caravan park.

The Collendina area provides spacious, dog-friendly campgrounds, allowing you to bring your four-legged companion along for the adventure (provided they remain on a leash). The campgrounds, such as Fryers Lane on a serene lagoon and Jacobs Campground closer to the Murray’s main channel, are basic, offering a true “back to nature” feel. This is the ideal spot to disconnect from the hustle and bustle, set up a comfortable camp, and immerse yourself in the sounds of the bush and the gentle flow of the river.

Activities at Collendina revolve around the water and the magnificent forest. The Murray River provides excellent opportunities for fishing, with Murray Cod and Golden Perch being prized catches for patient anglers. The calm waters are also perfect for kayaking, canoeing, or simply enjoying a refreshing swim on a warm day. The surrounding river red gum forest is a haven for wildlife and birdwatching, and the flat terrain is ideal for leisurely bushwalks, allowing you to explore the unique ecosystem at your own pace.

While the charm of Collendina lies in its simplicity, it’s important to be self-sufficient. Campers must bring their own drinking water, firewood (collection of fallen timber for small fires is permitted seasonally), and be prepared to take all rubbish home. The unsealed road access can be challenging in wet weather, making it more suitable for 4WDs and camper trailers rather than large RVs. Despite its secluded feel, all the conveniences of Corowa, including pubs, supermarkets, and petrol stations, are only a 15-to-20-minute drive away, providing the perfect balance of isolation and accessibility.

Murray Valley Regional Park – Collendina – NSW Location Map

Location & Contact

Name: Murray Valley Regional Park – Collendina
Address: Collendina NSW 2646, Australia
GPS Coordinates: -36.02632, 146.29757
Website: NSW National Parks – Collendina Campgrounds

Location Map

Site Features & Facilities

Location: Riverside and lagoon bush camping in the Murray Valley Regional Park. Includes Fryers Lane campground and Jacobs campground.
Site Suitable For: Tents, camper trailers, and swags. Large RVs and motorhomes are not recommended.
Road Access: Unsealed roads. 4WD is recommended, especially when wet.
Site Surface: Natural ground / dirt.
Camping Permitted: Yes, free bush camping. Bookings are required (no fee, but a $6 booking fee applies via the NSWNPWS website).
Maximum Overnight Stays: Not specified. Check local signage for any limits.
Picnic Tables: No, not at the Collendina campgrounds. Available at other nearby sites within the regional park.
Potable Water: No. You must bring your own drinking water.
Mobile Phone Coverage: Yes, variable coverage is available (Telstra and Optus reported).
TV Reception: Variable; may be poor.
Onsite Public Toilets: Yes (likely basic pit toilets).
Ullage (Dump Point): No. Nearest public dump point is in Howlong.
Drive Through: No.
Rubbish Bins: No. You must take all rubbish with you.
Open Fires: Permitted seasonally (typically between April and September). Check local fire bans. Collection of fallen deadwood for small campfires is permitted.
Generator Use: Not specified. Be considerate of other campers.
Number of Sites Available: Jacobs campground has 4 marked sites; Fryers Lane has multiple unmarked/open sites.
Essentials to Bring: Drinking water, firewood (or chainsaw for collecting fallen wood, if permitted), rubbish bags, toilet paper, and insect repellent.
Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted on a leash.
Fishing: Yes, excellent river fishing. A NSW fishing licence is required.
Short Walks: Yes, numerous informal tracks through the river red gum forest.

Local Amenities (in nearby Corowa, approx. 15-20 min drive)

Local Pubs:
- Newmarket Hotel (approx. 18km)
- Royal Hotel Corowa (approx. 19km)
- Star Hotel (approx. 19km)
Places to Eat:
- Club Corowa (approx. 18km)
- D’Amico’s Italian Restaurant & Pizzeria (approx. 19km)
- Corowa Whisky and Chocolate (approx. 19km)
Local Attractions:
- Corowa Whisky and Chocolate (approx. 19km)
- Corowa Federation Museum (approx. 19km)
- Shearing the Rams Trail (starts in Corowa, approx. 19km)
Nearest Caravan Parks:
- Ball Park Caravan Park (approx. 19km)
- Rivergum Holiday Park (approx. 18km)
- Corowa Bindaree Holiday Park (approx. 19km)
Next Free Camps:
- Granthams Bend (approx. 20km)
- Police Paddocks (Victoria, approx. 25km)
Nearest Dump Points:
- Howlong Recreation Reserve (approx. 44km)
Nearest Petrol Station:
- Mobil, Ampol, and Shell available in Corowa (approx. 18-19km)
Drinking Water Resupply:
- Mr Pure Water Self-Serve Station (at Newmarket Hotel, Corowa, approx. 18km)
- Corowa Visitor Information Centre (check for public tap, approx. 19km)
Public Toilets (Town):
- Civic Centre Corowa (100 Edward Street, Corowa, approx. 19km)

Seasonal Weather Forecast (Based on Corowa Averages)

Summer (Dec – Feb): Hot and generally dry. Average maximums are around 31-32°C, with minimums around 16°C. Days can frequently exceed 35-40°C.
Autumn (Mar – May): Warm days cooling down. March averages a 28°C max, dropping to an 18°C max by May. Nights become cool, with May minimums averaging 6°C.
Winter (Jun – Aug): Cool and damp. Average maximums are 13-15°C, with cold nights averaging 3-4°C. This is the wettest season, and frosts are common.
Spring (Sep – Nov): Warming up with variable weather. Average maximums rise from 18°C in September to 26°C in November. Rainfall is moderate, and wildflowers are common.