Sonnemans Beach Camping – Free Camping Tocumwal NSW – Murray River

Discover one of the most popular free camping spots on the Murray River at Sonnemans Beach, located just a few kilometres from the charming town of Tocumwal, NSW. This is a classic Australian bush camp, offering expansive, shady areas and beautiful sandy beaches right on the riverbank. It’s an ideal destination for self-contained campers, families, and groups looking to enjoy swimming, fishing, and boating in a relaxed, natural setting.

Access to Sonnemans Beach is via unsealed dirt tracks (like Sonnemans Rd) off Lower River Rd. In dry weather, these roads are generally accessible to 2WD vehicles, camper trailers, and caravans, though caution is advised. After heavy rain, the tracks can become boggy and slippery, making 4WD necessary. The camping area itself is an informal, large, open space with no designated sites, allowing you to find your own perfect spot among the gum trees or closer to the sand.

This is a **primitive bush camp with no facilities**. Visitors must be entirely self-sufficient. There are **no toilets, no potable water, and no rubbish bins**. This is a “leave no trace” area, and you must bring your own portable toilet system and take all rubbish with you. The nearest public dump point and drinking water supply are located in Tocumwal.

The beach is pet-friendly, making it a favourite for those travelling with dogs (must be kept under control). Campfires are generally permitted in existing fire pits, but campers must be aware of and strictly adhere to all NSW fire bans, especially during the hot, dry summer. Bring your own firewood, as collecting it is discouraged.

The sandy beaches provide easy access to the river for swimming (be cautious of currents) and launching small boats or kayaks. The fishing is excellent, with Murray Cod and Yellowbelly (Golden Perch) being common catches (a NSW fishing licence is required). Its close proximity to Tocumwal means you are only minutes away from pubs, a supermarket, and cafes.

Sonnemans Beach – NSW Map

Site Details

Name: Sonnemans Beach
Address: Sonnemans Rd (off Lower River Rd), Tocumwal NSW 2714
GPS Coordinates: -35.80445, 145.53621

Site Features

• Location: Bush camp on the Murray River, just outside Tocumwal.
• Site Suitable For: Tents, swags, camper trailers, caravans. **Self-contained vehicles highly recommended.**
• Road Access: Unsealed dirt roads. 2WD accessible in dry weather, 4WD recommended when wet.
• Site Surface: Dirt, grass, and sand. Can be uneven.
• Camping Permitted: **Yes,** free.
• Maximum Overnight Stays: Check local signage (typically 14-28 days).
• Picnic Tables: **No.**
• Potable Water: **No.** Must bring all your own water.
• Mobile Phone Coverage: **Patchy.** Telstra generally has the best signal.
• TV Reception: Patchy.
• Onsite Public Toilets: **No.** Must be fully self-contained (bring your own portable toilet).
• Ullage (Dump Point): **No.** Nearest public dump point is in Tocumwal.
• Drive Through: No, large open area with informal tracks.
• Rubbish Bins: **No.** All rubbish must be taken with you.
• Open Fires: **Yes,** in existing pits, subject to NSW fire bans. **Bring your own firewood.**
• Generator Use: **Yes,** considerate use is generally accepted.
• Number of Sites Available: Unmarked, numerous. Can get busy in peak season.
• Essentials to Bring: **Portable toilet,** drinking water, rubbish bags, firewood, insect repellent, shovel, fishing licence.
• Pet Friendly: **Yes,** pets must be under control at all times.
• Fishing: **Yes,** excellent river fishing.
• Short Walks: **Yes,** along the riverbank.

Local Amenities

Note: The nearest services are in **Tocumwal** (approx. 3-5 km drive).

• Local Pubs:
  • Tocumwal Hotel (approx. 4 km)
  • Tattersalls Hotel Tocumwal (approx. 4 km)
  • Kellys Pub & Bottleshop (approx. 4 km)
• Places to Eat:
  • Tocumwal Hotel (Pub meals) (approx. 4 km)
  • Tocumwal Bakery (approx. 4 km)
  • Various cafes and takeaways on Deniliquin St (approx. 4 km)
• Local Attractions:
  • The Big Murray Cod (Tocumwal) (approx. 4 km)
  • Tocumwal Historic Railway Bridge (approx. 4 km)
  • Tocumwal Foreshore (approx. 4 km)
  • Christies Beach (nearby)
• Nearest Caravan Parks:
  • Tocumwal Foreshore Tourist Park (approx. 4 km)
  • Town Beach Holiday Park Tocumwal (approx. 4 km)
  • Bushlands on the Murray (approx. 6 km)
• Next Free Camps:
  • Finnerans Beach (nearby)
  • Various other beaches along Lower River Rd (access tracks)
  • Ulupna Island (Victoria, approx. 20 km)
• Nearest Dump Points (Sullage):
  • Tocumwal Public Dump Point (near Visitor Information Centre) (approx. 4 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station:
  • BP Tocumwal (approx. 4 km)
  • Caltex Tocumwal (approx. 4 km)
• Drinking Water Resupply:
  • Tocumwal Public Dump Point / Visitor Information Centre (approx. 4 km)
• Nearest Public Toilets (off-site):
  • Tocumwal Foreshore Park (approx. 4 km)

Seasonal Weather Forecast

Weather is typical for the NSW/VIC border region.

• Summer (Dec – Feb): **Hot and dry.** Temperatures often exceed 35°C. High fire danger season.
• Autumn (Mar – May): Warm, sunny days and milder nights. A very popular time for camping.
• Winter (Jun – Aug): Cool days (average max 13-16°C) and cold nights, often with frost (0-5°C). Dirt tracks can be muddy after rain.
• Spring (Sep – Nov): Mild to warm days, but weather can be changeable. Good for fishing.