Campsite Torrumbarry is a scenic dispersed camping area located on the New South Wales side of the Murray River, nestled within the Benarca Forest precinct of the Murray Valley Regional Park. Situated directly opposite the Victorian town of Torrumbarry and just upstream from the historic Torrumbarry Weir, this site offers a peaceful bush retreat with direct access to the water. It is a favourite spot for campers who want to escape the crowds of the main towns while still being close to the river’s major attractions.
The camping area is defined by its open grassy clearings and magnificent River Red Gums that line the high banks. The sites are unallocated and dispersed, allowing you to find a private spot to set up your caravan, camper trailer, or tent. The river here is wide and deep, influenced by the weir downstream, making it an excellent location for boating, fishing, and kayaking. The gentle flow and submerged timber provide ideal habitat for native fish, while the surrounding forest is a haven for birdlife.
As a site managed by NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (NPWS), booking is generally required (often a small administration fee applies), even for free camping areas. Facilities here are minimal to non-existent; it is a true bush camp. There are no toilets, showers, or drinking water on-site, so visitors must be fully self-sufficient. This “leave no trace” approach ensures the environment remains pristine. Access is via unsealed forest tracks off the Cobb Highway or Perricoota Road, which are typically suitable for 2WD in dry weather but can become slippery and boggy after rain.
Despite its secluded feel, you are only a short drive from the Torrumbarry Weir, where you can walk across the wall, visit the interpretive centre, or launch a boat. The twin towns of Echuca and Moama are approximately 30 minutes away, offering supermarkets, pubs, and historic attractions. Whether you are casting a line for a Murray Cod, exploring the forest tracks, or simply enjoying the serenity of the river, this campsite offers a fantastic base for your Murray River adventure.
Campsite Torrumbarry – VIC Location Map
Campsite Torrumbarry (Benarca Forest / Murray Valley Regional Park)
- Address: Unnamed Road (Access via Benarca Forest Rd), Moama NSW 2731, Australia
- Managed By: NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service (Booking fee may apply)
- GPS Coordinates: -35.97174, 144.51567
Site Information
- Location: Situated on the NSW bank of the Murray River, approximately 30km west of Moama and directly opposite Torrumbarry (VIC).
- Site Suitable For: Caravans (off-road preferred), camper trailers, motorhomes, and tents. Ample space for groups.
- Road Access: Unsealed forest tracks. 2WD accessible in dry weather only. Tracks are clay-based and become extremely slippery/boggy when wet. 4WD recommended.
- Site Surface: Natural bush floor, dirt, leaf litter, and grassy patches.
Available Facilities
- Bush Camping (No Amenities)
- No Toilets (You must bring a portable toilet).
- No Showers.
- No Drinking Water.
- No Rubbish Bins (Carry in, Carry out).
- River Access (High bank with some tracks to water).
- Campfires Permitted (In designated areas/season permitting – check fire bans).
Essentials to Bring
- Booking Confirmation: Check NSW National Parks website for booking requirements ($6 fee usually applies).
- Portable Toilet: Mandatory requirement as there are no facilities.
- Water: Bring all drinking and washing water.
- Rubbish Bags: You must take all waste with you.
- Firewood: Bring clean firewood (collecting in the park is often restricted).
- Insect Repellent: Essential near the water.
- Shovel: For campfire safety.
- Recovery Gear: Recommended if rain is forecast.
Park Policies & Features
- Pet Friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted in the Murray Valley Regional Park (Benarca precinct) but must be kept under control. Note: They are NOT permitted in the adjacent National Park areas, so check maps carefully.
- Fishing: Excellent. The river here is influenced by the weir pool, providing stable water levels good for Murray Cod and Golden Perch. NSW Fishing Licence required.
- Short Walks: Forest tracks offer peaceful walking through the Red Gum forest.
- Swimming: Possible from the riverbank. Be aware of snags, deep water, and cold temperatures.
Local Amenities (Torrumbarry, Echuca & Moama)
Local Pubs
- Torrumbarry Hotel (The Torry Pub): (Murray Valley Hwy, VIC side) Approx. 10km (via road/bridge).
- The American Hotel: (Heygarth St, Echuca) Approx. 35km East.
- Border Inn Hotel: (Meninya St, Moama) Approx. 35km East.
Places to Eat
- Torrumbarry Roadhouse: (Murray Valley Hwy, VIC side) Approx. 8km – Takeaway and supplies.
- Three Black Sheep: (Perricoota Rd, Moama) Approx. 30km East.
- Moama Bakery: (Meninya St, Moama) Approx. 35km East.
- Port 53: (Echuca) Approx. 35km East.
Local Attractions
- Torrumbarry Weir: (Weir Rd) Approx. 5km (Directly across/downstream) – Interpretive centre and weir walk.
- Perricoota Station: (Perricoota Rd) Approx. 15km East – Historic station and restaurant.
- Port of Echuca: (Echuca) Approx. 35km East – Paddle steamers.
- Great Aussie Beer Shed: (Echuca) Approx. 30km East.
- Gunbower National Park: (VIC side) Accessible via Torrumbarry.
Nearest Caravan Parks
- Torrumbarry Weir Holiday Park: (Weir Rd, VIC side) Approx. 5km.
- All The Rivers Run Caravan Park: (Headworks Rd, VIC side) Approx. 6km.
- Discovery Parks – Maidens Inn: (Moama) Approx. 32km East.
Nearest Free Camps
- Turner Bend: (VIC side) Directly opposite.
- Benarca Campground: (NSW side) Located within the same forest precinct.
- Christies Beach: (Echuca Village) Approx. 40km East.
Nearest Dump Points
- Torrumbarry Weir Holiday Park: (VIC side) Approx. 5km (Check fees/access).
- Moama Public Dump Point: (Meninya St) Approx. 35km East.
Nearest Petrol Stations
- BP Torrumbarry Roadhouse: (Murray Valley Hwy) Approx. 8km.
- United Petroleum Echuca: (Northern Hwy) Approx. 32km East.
Nearest Drinking Water Resupply
- Torrumbarry Weir: Public taps may be available at visitor area. Approx. 5km.
- Echuca/Moama: Public taps in town parks. Approx. 35km.
Nearest Public Toilets
- Torrumbarry Weir Visitor Area: (VIC side) Approx. 5km.
- Torrumbarry Roadhouse: (For patrons) Approx. 8km.
Seasonal Weather Forecast for Torrumbarry / Moama
- Summer (December – February): Hot and dry. Average highs 31°C – 34°C. The river is essential for cooling off.
- Autumn (March – May): Mild and sunny. Warm days (22°C – 28°C) and cooler nights. Perfect for camping.
- Winter (June – August): Cool to cold. Average highs 13°C – 15°C. Nights are cold (3°C – 5°C) with frost likely. Campfires essential.
- Spring (September – November): Pleasant warming trend. Highs 19°C – 26°C. The forest is vibrant.
