Rocky Waterholes, Narrandera – Free Murrumbidgee Camping

Rocky Waterholes is a true gem of the Riverina, offering a classic free camping experience on a beautiful and serene stretch of the Murrumbidgee River. Located just a few minutes’ drive from the historic town of Narrandera, this spacious reserve provides the perfect balance of a peaceful bush escape and the convenience of nearby town services. The campground is a massive, flat, grassy area dotted with magnificent, shady river red gums, providing an abundance of picturesque sites for every type of camper. Whether you have a tent, a caravan, or a big rig, you can find a prime spot with river views and plenty of space to spread out.

The Murrumbidgee River is the star of the show, offering fantastic opportunities for fishing, with anglers chasing the legendary Murray cod and yellowbelly. The easy access to the water’s edge also makes it an ideal spot for launching a kayak or canoe for a tranquil paddle. The reserve is exceptionally pet-friendly, with acres of space for dogs to run, play, and swim. This is a classic, self-sufficient bush camp with facilities limited to non-flush toilets, so campers must bring their own drinking water and be prepared to take their rubbish home. The freedom to enjoy a campfire under the stars and wake to a chorus of kookaburras is what makes this place so special. Its proximity to Narrandera, famous for its large, healthy koala population in the Flora and Fauna Reserve, makes it a fantastic base for wildlife spotting and exploring the rich history and culture of the Riverina. For a peaceful, pet-friendly, and perfectly located free camp, Rocky Waterholes is a top-tier choice.

• GPS Coordinates: -34.75735, 146.59867

Site Information

• Location: On the Murrumbidgee River, east of Narrandera.
• Site suitable for: Tents, camper trailers, caravans, motorhomes, big rigs.
• Road access: Unsealed access road, generally suitable for 2WD vehicles with care. Can become slippery after rain.
• Site surface: Large, flat grassy and dirt areas.
• Camping permitted: Yes, free of charge.
• Maximum overnight stays: No specified limit, but respectful short to medium stays are the norm.
• Facilities: Non-flush (long-drop) toilets.
• 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: No. All rubbish must be carried out.
• Open fires: Permitted in your own fire pit, subject to local fire bans.
• Generator use: Permitted, with consideration for other campers due to the large space.
• Number of sites available: Hundreds of unmarked sites in a massive reserve.

Essentials to Bring

• All drinking and washing water.
• Rubbish bags to take all waste with you.
• Your own fire pit and firewood.
• Fishing gear and a NSW Recreational Fishing Licence.
• Binoculars for spotting koalas and birds.

Activities

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

Local Amenities (in Narrandera)

• Local Pubs:
  • The Royal Mail Hotel, Narrandera (~5 km)
  • Charles Sturt Hotel, Narrandera (~5 km)
  • Narrandera Hotel (~5 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • An extensive range of pubs, clubs, cafes, and bakeries in Narrandera (~5 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • Narrandera Flora and Fauna Reserve (Koala Park) (~6 km)
  • Tiger Moth Memorial (~5 km)
  • Parkside Cottage Museum (~5 km)
  • Narrandera Fisheries Centre
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Lake Talbot Tourist Park (~7 km)
  • Narrandera Showground (low cost) (~6 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Bunyip Hole Campground, Darlington Point (~55 km)
• Nearest Dump Points:
  • Narrandera Visitor Information Centre (~5 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • Multiple service stations in Narrandera (~5 km).
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Narrandera Visitor Information Centre (~5 km). Arrive at the camp fully supplied.
• Public Toilets:
  • Onsite. Public toilets are also available in parks throughout Narrandera.

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Riverina Region

• Summer (December – February): Very hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 40°C.
• Autumn (March – May): Warm to mild sunny days and cool nights. Ideal for fishing and camping. Temperatures range from 12°C to 29°C.
• Winter (June – August): Cold, especially overnight with heavy frosts. Days are typically cool but sunny. Temperatures range from 4°C to 17°C.
• Spring (September – November): Mild to warm days with cool nights. The region is vibrant with agriculture. Temperatures range from 10°C to 27°C.