Upstream of Lake Hume

Explore

Upstream of Lake Hume

River Murray Reserve

The Murray River tumbles down from its source in the Alps through mountains and floodplains to Lake Hume, passing forests, farmland, parks and reserves. Every bend offers a fresh scene and opportunities for recreation in a beautiful setting of peaceful valleys and rugged hills.  

The river is relatively narrow above Tintaldra – clean and clear like a mountain stream with gravel bars – gradually widening as it descends and transforms into the iconic Murray River of the floodplains. 

There are many tranquil spots along the river to go for a paddle in your canoe or kayak or enjoy angling or fly fishing for trout, Murray Cod and Redfin. Riverside camping is available at several bends in the River Murray Reserve and Clarke Lagoon Wildlife Reserve. Most sites have no amenities, except Indi Bridge which has a toilet, and Bunroy Creek which has a toilet and picnic tables.  

In summer, swimming, fishing, canoeing, bushwalking, biking and four-wheel driving are popular. Birdwatchers and nature lovers will find much to enjoy along the river and up into the surrounding hills. 

Visitors keen to explore the Murray mountain parks might prefer the Cotton Tree Creek Camping Area in Mount Granya State Park or The Kurrajongs Camping Area in Mount Lawson State Park. Both are close to the river and have toilets, picnic tables, firepits and walking tracks. Nearby Burrowa Pine Mountain National Park supports a diverse range of habitats, rare plant life and the beautiful Cudgewa Bluff Falls. 

All riverside campsites are free, no bookings required. For more information about the different sites along this reach of the river, including what regulations apply (for example whether dogs and campfires are allowed), click on the links below the map. Check out additional advice on campfire regulations and safety.

When you’ve decided where to visit, please check the change of condition notices in the need to know section. Visitor sites along the Murray are sometimes closed for your safety due to floods or damaged roads and amenities.

Things to do

 
The view of Burrowa-Pine Mountain National Park from Pine Mountain

Burrowa Pine Mountain National Park

The two rugged and contrasting peaks of Mt. Burrowa and Pine Mountain support diverse habitats, significant plant life and offer impressive scenery. Camp, picnic, bushwalk, and visit waterfalls and creeks that flow down to join the Murray River.
The historic Granya Scout Hut in Mount Granya State Park

Mount Granya State Park

With steep forested slopes vaulting dramatically above Lake Hume, Mount Granya State Park is a landscape of ridges and plateaus supporting diverse vegetation, spectacular wildflower displays and all kinds of outdoor activities.
Flaggy Creek Gorge, Mount Lawson State Park

Mount Lawson State Park

A biodiversity refuge of steep slopes, rocky bluffs and sheer cliffs, Mount Lawson State Park is defined by its natural, rugged beauty and significant cultural heritage. Picnic, camp and bushwalk in semi-remote surrounds that feel a world away from the Murray River below.
An expansive view over the Murray River

Mount Mitta Mitta Regional Park

The rocky slopes of Mount Mittamite rise sharply from the surrounding plains and provide shelter for numerous rare plants. Emberys Lookout provides spectacular views of the Kosciusko Main Range in winter.

How to get there

Upstream of Lake Hume

Lake Hume is 350km north-east of Melbourne via the M31 Hume Freeway. Corryong is 450km via the M31 Hume Freeway and Murray Valley Highway. 

When to go

Summer is the best season for camping, bushwalking, four wheel driving, fishing and canoeing in the Murray River upstream of Lake Hume and popular camp sites fill up quickly. Some wildflowers may still be blooming in the Murray mountain parks. 

Need to know

Upstream of Lake Hume

Change of Conditions

Nature being nature, sometimes conditions can change at short notice. It’s a good idea to check this page ahead of your visit for any updates.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

    Murray River closures

    The Murray stretches across the state and there are many different parks, reserves and other areas along it. These areas have also been heavily impacted by the 2022 floods and some places are still closed.

    We have split the Murray into four reaches to explain these closures, starting from the far east to the South Australian border.


    Upstream of Lake Hume (see map)

    All River Murray Reserve visitor sites upstream of Lake Hume are open.


    Barnawartha to Echuca East

    East of Barmah National Park (see map), the following areas are closed:

    • Forest Beach camping area (near Strathmerton)
    • Breens Beach camping area (near Strathmerton)
    • Long Beach camping area (near Strathmerton)
    • Cobrawonga Creek camping area (near Yarrawonga) - see Northern Flood Recovery Update newsletter - Cobrawonga Creek Bridge (PDF)
    • Lumbys Bend (near Yarrawonga)
    • Richardsons bend (near Wangaratta)
    • Moodemere bend (near Wangaratta)

    See closures on the Barmah National Park page.


    Barmah Island (west of Barmah National Park) to Echuca (see map), the following areas are closed:

    • Barmah Island South Camping Area (near Barmah)
    • Barmah Island Central Camping Area (near Barmah)
    • Barmah Island North Camping Area (near Barmah)
    • Barmah Willows (near Barmah)


    Echuca to Swan Hill (see map)

    The following areas are closed:

    • All camping areas between Torrumbarry Weir Road and Young Road are closed (Farley Bend is open) - see maps of closures for this area
    • Will’s Bend east of O'Dwyer's Road between Will's Sandbar and the O'Dwyer's Road Entrance is closed - see maps of closures for this area
    • Benwell and Guttrum State Forest camping areas are closed
    • Nyah Central Camping Area is closed
    • Loddon Floodway Eastern Bend camping area is closed

    While areas are open, access tracks may still be in poorer condition than normal. 4WD vehicles are recommended and please take care and avoid further damage by staying out of any wet areas.


    Swan Hill to South Australia border

    Flood waters took longer to get to and recede from this part of the river, therefore the team have had less time to get into areas, assess and re-open them.

    See more information and maps about which river bends are open and closed (PDF).


    See closures on the Hattah-Kulkyne National Park page.

    Murray River Adventure Trail

    Stage One of the long-distance nature-based Murray River Adventure Trail will encompass a series of new and upgraded trails and other facilities from Barmah National Park (near Picnic Point) to Koondrook. The trail will pass through Lower Goulburn National Park, Gunbower National Park, Murray River Reserve and Echuca. Find out more about the project.

 
X
By using our site you accept that we use and share cookies and similar technologies with certain approved third parties. These tools enable us to improve your website experience and to provide content and ads tailored to your interests. By continuing to use our site you consent to this. Please see our Privacy Policy for more information.
Confirm