Mulwala Campground Guide – Free Camping on the Murray River

Discover the perfect escape at the Mulwala campgrounds, nestled along the iconic Tocumwal Road within the Murray Valley Regional Park. This unique camping destination offers an authentic Australian bush experience right on the banks of the majestic Murray River. A popular spot for travellers, families, and fishing enthusiasts, these campgrounds provide a serene backdrop of towering river red gums and tranquil waters. It’s a place where you can truly disconnect, unwind, and immerse yourself in nature without the hustle and bustle of a commercial holiday park.

The area is renowned for its exceptional recreational opportunities. As it’s situated on the Murray River, just a stone’s throw from the expansive Lake Mulwala, water activities are a major drawcard. Anglers flock here for the legendary Murray Cod, with Golden Perch also being a common catch. The gentle flow of the river is perfect for kayaking, canoeing, or simply relaxing on a boat. The “ghostly” submerged red gum forest in Lake Mulwala creates a stunning, almost surreal landscape, especially at sunrise and sunset.

For those who prefer to stay on land, the surrounding Murray Valley Regional Park offers plenty of space to explore. Enjoy leisurely walks along the riverbank, spot the abundant birdlife, or find a quiet spot for a picnic. The campgrounds themselves are spread out, offering a sense of privacy and space. With designated sites available, it’s suitable for all types of campers, from those in a simple tent to travellers in large motorhomes and caravans. One of the most appealing aspects is that this is a pet-friendly location, meaning you can bring your dog along for the adventure (when in the Regional Park, rules apply). With basic amenities available, it strikes the perfect balance between roughing it and comfort, making it an ideal base to explore the wider Yarrawonga-Mulwala region.

Mulwala campground – NSW Location Map

Location Details

• Name: Mulwala Campgrounds (within Murray Valley Regional Park)
• Address: Tocumwal Rd, Mulwala NSW 2647
• GPS Coordinates: -35.96713, 145.94456

Site Features and Amenities

• Location: Riverside camping along the Murray River.
• Site suitable for: Tents, caravans, motorhomes, and big rigs.
• Road access: Accessible to 2WD vehicles and caravans via unsealed all-weather roads.
• Site surface: Natural ground surface (grass/dirt).
• Camping permitted: Yes, free camping is permitted. Note: A $6 booking fee applies via NSW National Parks.
• Maximum overnight stays: Booking rules apply; check with NSW National Parks for current regulations.
• Picnic tables: Available in some public areas and nearby reserves.
• Potable water: Not guaranteed at individual campsites. BYO drinking water is essential. Resupply available in Mulwala town.
• Mobile phone coverage: Generally good coverage (Telstra and Optus).
• TV reception: Possible, but may vary by location and equipment.
• Onsite public toilets: Yes, basic non-flush (pit) toilets are available in the campgrounds.
• Dump Point: Yes, a public dump point is available nearby in Mulwala (e.g., Owen Bridges Reserve).
• Rubbish bins: Yes, bins are provided in some areas. Please use them or take your rubbish with you.
• Open fires: Permitted in designated areas and in accordance with local fire restrictions (e.g., not during total fire bans). BYO wood.
• Generator use: Check with NSW National Parks for current regulations.
• Number of sites available: Multiple sites spread across five designated campgrounds (River, Loop, Blue Hole, Victoria, and Hinches Beach).
• Pet friendly: Yes, dogs are permitted in the Murray Valley Regional Park (must be under control).
• Fishing: Yes, excellent fishing for Murray Cod and Golden Perch (NSW fishing licence required).
• Short walks: Yes, numerous informal walking tracks along the riverbank.

Essentials to Bring

• Drinking water (minimum 10L per person)
• Firewood (if planning a fire)
• Rubbish bags
• Sunscreen and insect repellent
• Fishing gear and NSW fishing licence
• Torch or headlamp
• Toilet paper
• First-aid kit

Local Amenities (Approximate Distances)

Pubs

• Mulwala Water Ski Club: ~5-7 km
• ClubMulwala (RSL): ~5-7 km
• Yarrawonga Hotel (VIC): ~7-9 km

Places to Eat

• Mulwala & Yarrawonga Town Centres: Cafes, bakeries, and restaurants (~5-9 km)
• Local Clubs (Ski Club, RSL, Golf Club): Multiple dining options (~5-9 km)
• The Old Bank (Tocumwal): ~20 km

Local Attractions

• Lake Mulwala: ~4-6 km
• Tunzafun Mulwala Amusement Park: ~6-7 km
• Yarrawonga-Mulwala Pioneer Museum: ~7-8 km
• Chinaman’s Island Wetlands (Yarrawonga): ~8-10 km

Camping and Supplies

• Nearest Caravan Parks (Commercial): Tasman Holiday Parks, BIG4 Yarrawonga Mulwala, Yarrawonga Holiday Park (~4-8 km)
• Next Free Camps: Kyffins Reserve (~15 km), Yarrawonga Common (~8-10 km)
• Nearest Dump Point: Owen Bridges Reserve, Mulwala (~5-6 km)
• Nearest Petrol Station: Mulwala or Yarrawonga (~5-8 km)
• Drinking Water Resupply: Mulwala town centre (~5-7 km)
• Nearest Public Toilets (Flush): Mulwala town centre or Tocumwal Foreshore (~5-7 km or ~20 km)

Seasonal Weather Forecast: Mulwala

• Summer (Dec – Feb): Hot and generally clear. Average highs are around 31-32°C, with lows around 15-16°C. This is the peak season for water sports.
• Autumn (Mar – May): Warm days cooling down. March highs average 28°C, dropping to around 17°C by May. Nights become cool. A popular time for fishing.
• Winter (Jun – Aug): Cold and partly cloudy. Average highs are around 13-15°C, with cold overnight lows averaging 3-4°C. Frost is common.
• Spring (Sep – Nov): Mild and warming up. Highs rise from 18°C in September to 26°C in November. A pleasant season for walking and exploring.