Gravel Bend Camping Area – Gunbower National Park, Victoria

Gravel Bend is one of several dispersed bush camping areas along the Murray River in Gunbower National Park, on Gunbower Island near Cohuna. Set among River Red Gums, it’s a relaxed spot for swimming, fishing or simply spending a night immersed in nature, with no facilities beyond what you bring yourself. Access is via unsealed roads, suitable for 2WD in dry weather with a 4WD recommended after rain. Camping is free with no bookings, and dogs are not permitted as the area falls within the national park.

Free Murray River bush camping beneath magnificent River Red Gums. Gravel Bend Camping Area is a remote, no-frills camping spot in Gunbower National Park in northern Victoria. Set beside the Murray River, it is ideal for self-sufficient campers looking for fishing, swimming, boating and peaceful riverside camping. Camping is completely free and no bookings are required. Gravel Bend is a dispersed bush camping area rather than a developed campground, so there are no toilets, showers, drinking water, bins or other facilities.

Gravel Bend Camping Area at a Glance

Where is Gravel Bend Camping Area?

Gravel Bend Camping Area is located within Gunbower National Park in northern Victoria, on the Victorian side of the Murray River. Gunbower National Park protects part of the internationally significant Gunbower Island floodplain and is characterised by extensive River Red Gum forests, wetlands, creeks and Murray River frontage. Gravel Bend is a dispersed riverside camping area rather than a formal campground with individually numbered campsites. Campers choose a suitable established camping location while following Parks Victoria’s camping rules.

How Much Does it Cost?

Camping at Gravel Bend is completely free. There are no Parks Victoria camping fees and no reservation charges. This makes Gravel Bend a great option for self-sufficient campers looking for free camping along the Murray River.

Do You Need to Book?

No. Bookings are not possible. Gravel Bend operates as a dispersed bush camping area, so there is no formal campsite reservation system. Popular Murray River camping areas can become busy during weekends, public holidays and school holidays, so it is worth allowing extra time to find a suitable campsite during peak periods.

Are Dogs Allowed?

No. Dogs are not permitted at Gravel Bend Camping Area. Gravel Bend is within Gunbower National Park, where dogs and other domestic pets are prohibited. Assistance dogs are subject to the relevant Parks Victoria requirements.

Facilities

There are no facilities at Gravel Bend Camping Area. This is genuine self-sufficient bush camping, so campers need to bring everything required for their stay.

• No toilets
• No showers
• No drinking water
• No powered sites
• No rubbish bins
• No formal campground amenities

Campers should bring sufficient drinking water, food, cooking equipment, rubbish bags and camping supplies for the entire stay. Water from the Murray River should not be considered suitable for drinking.

Camping with Caravans and Motorhomes

Parks Victoria confirms that Gravel Bend can accommodate tents, caravans and motorhomes. However, access is via unsealed roads. These roads may be suitable for conventional two-wheel-drive vehicles during dry weather, but a four-wheel-drive vehicle is recommended. Anyone towing a caravan should pay particular attention to recent rainfall and road conditions. River tracks can become slippery, muddy or impassable following wet weather or flooding.

Camping Beside the Murray River

The Murray River is one of the main attractions of Gravel Bend, providing opportunities for fishing, swimming, boating, kayaking and relaxing beside the water. For safety and environmental protection, campsites must be established at least 20 metres from the riverbank. Campers should also remember that the Murray can contain strong currents, submerged logs, sudden drop-offs and unstable banks. Never dive into unfamiliar water and always supervise children closely around the river.

Fishing at Gravel Bend

Fishing is one of the most popular activities along this section of the Murray River. Because the state border follows the Victorian bank of the Murray River, NSW fishing and boating regulations apply when fishing or boating on the Murray River itself. Victorian regulations apply to other waterways within Gunbower National Park. Always check current fishing licence and seasonal regulations before throwing in a line.

Campfires

Campfires are permitted when conditions allow, but strict rules apply. Campfires must not be lit on a Total Fire Ban day. When fires are permitted, Parks Victoria requires campers to:

• Clear a three-metre area around the fire of flammable material
• Keep at least 10 litres of water immediately available
• Have an adult attending the fire at all times
• Keep the fire no larger than one metre across
• Contain the fire in a pit at least 30 centimetres deep
• Completely extinguish the fire with water before leaving

A campfire is only safe to leave once it is completely cool to touch.

Can You Collect Firewood?

Firewood collection is permitted for on-site use only, subject to current restrictions. Only dead wood lying on the ground should be collected. Firewood must not be removed from the park, and campers should avoid damaging standing trees or vegetation.

Beware of Falling River Red Gum Branches

One of the most important safety considerations when camping at Gravel Bend is the risk posed by large River Red Gum branches. River Red Gums can unexpectedly shed large branches, even during calm weather. Parks Victoria advises visitors not to camp, park or rest underneath or close to large trees. Take time to inspect your campsite carefully before setting up your tent, caravan or motorhome.

Getting to Gravel Bend Camping Area

Gravel Bend is reached via the road and track network within the Gunbower National Park and Gunbower Island area. Access roads are unsealed. Parks Victoria advises that they can be suitable for two-wheel-drive vehicles in dry weather, although four- wheel-drive vehicles are recommended. Conditions can change quickly after rain or when the Murray River and surrounding wetlands are experiencing high water levels. Never drive through floodwater or around a closed road or track. Check current Parks Victoria closures and road conditions before travelling.

Things to Do

Gravel Bend is an excellent destination for campers who enjoy simple outdoor activities rather than developed tourist attractions.

• Fishing
• Swimming
• Kayaking and canoeing
• Boating
• Birdwatching
• Wildlife spotting
• Photography
• Exploring Gunbower National Park
• Relaxing beside the Murray River

The surrounding River Red Gum forests and wetlands support an impressive range of native wildlife and waterbirds, making the area particularly rewarding for nature lovers and birdwatchers.

What Should You Bring?

Because Gravel Bend has no facilities whatsoever, campers need to be completely self-sufficient.

• Plenty of drinking water
• Food and cooking equipment
• Camping toilet
• Rubbish bags
• First-aid kit
• Insect repellent
• Sun protection
• Fishing equipment if required
• Recovery equipment if travelling by 4WD
• Offline maps or downloaded directions

Everything you bring into the campground should leave with you, including all rubbish.

Is Gravel Bend Camping Area Worth Visiting?

Gravel Bend is a great choice for experienced and self-sufficient campers looking for free camping directly beside the Murray River. The combination of free camping, no bookings, Murray River frontage and access for tents, caravans and motorhomes makes it particularly attractive to travellers who enjoy traditional bush camping. The trade-off is that there are absolutely no facilities. There are no toilets, showers, bins, power or drinking water, and access can become difficult after wet weather. If you are properly equipped and enjoy quiet riverside camping among magnificent River Red Gums, Gravel Bend is a beautiful place to experience the natural environment of Gunbower National Park.

Important: Track access, flooding, fire restrictions and park closures can change. Always check current Parks Victoria conditions immediately before travelling.