Upstream of Lake Hume

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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 Sites

    This park has been impacted by recent significant weather events and is partially closed.

    For public safety, Parks Victoria will close areas impacted by severe weather.  Closures are necessary while assessments and works are undertaken to remove risk and repair damage before reopening for visitors.  For your safety, please avoid these impacted areas.
    During your visit to the Murray, you may see smaller areas fenced off or areas blocked by bollards. These areas have been closed due to safety and protection reasons. Please do not enter, remove fixtures or drive beyond them.  
    Visitors should be aware that river banks have been eroded by flood waters and may be unstable. Holes may have opened up in the ground and should be avoided. Trees along the river banks could be unstable. There is always a risk of trees dropping limbs.    
    Parks Victoria is working with Traditional Owners and other government agencies to manage the temporary levee in Echuca’s west. Visitors must not interfere with the levee. 

    All camping areas between Torrumbarry Weir Road and Young Road remain closed

    Flood affected areas within Gunbower National Park and Murray River Reserve

    High river levels and environmental watering within Gunbower Island are inundating camping areas and affecting access to and via River Track. Multiple roads and visitor sites are temporarily closed until floodwaters recede and sites can be assessed as safe. Tree-fall may be an ongoing issue with wet soils and strong winds. We recommend you reconsider your travel plans. For safety reasons, do not drive through flood waters or past road closures. Areas that are open have also been impacted by flooding and road access is poor in some locations. Four Wheel Drive vehicles are recommended
     
    Areas within the State Forest are also affected.  See MapShareVic for road and track closures, and for more information, please visit the Forest and road closures page.
     
    River track is impacted between Nursery Track and Koondrook, resulting in access to the following bends being closed:
    Barton Track
    Robertson Track
    Cemetery Bend
    Wattle Track
    McClure Bend
    Peter Creek
    Wee Wee Rup
    Thompsons Track
    Five Sleeper
    Wire Fence
    Whistler
    Iron Punt
    Black Swamp
    Barham Mill Bend
    Nugent Bend
    Morton Bend
    Milverton Bend
    Ti Tree Plain
    Fence Track
    Spur Track
    Sovereign Bend
    Clump Bend
    McKenzie Bend

    Closed visitor sites within Proposed Murray River Park (Part) & River Murray Reserve near townships of Strathmerton and Barmah

    The following camping areas have been close due to high volumes of rainfall and rising river levels. Closures have been put in place for public safety and to avoid damage to tracks and the environment. 

    • Barmah Island Central Camping Area
    • Barmah Island North Camping Area
    • Barmah Island South Camping Area
    • Barmah Willows
    • The Ranch Camping Area Site 1
    • The Ranch Camping Area Site 2
    • The Ranch Camping Area Site 3
    • The Ranch Camping Area Site 4
    • The Ranch Camping Area Site 5
    • The Ranch Camping Area Site 6
    • The Ranch Camping Area site 7
     
    We will review access weekly and open closed areas as soon as possible.

    Flood affected areas in the Murray River Reserve

    Some areas are affected by flooding from the Murray, Campaspe and Goulburn Rivers.
    Visitors should be aware that some river banks have been eroded by flood waters and may be unstable. Do not walk, ride, drive or dig on unstable banks, they may collapse.

    Trees along the river banks and tracks could be unstable and there is always a risk of trees dropping limbs.
    Sections of track have been/are degraded by floods and recent rainfall, areas of track may still be holding water.

    The Murray River Reserve is affected by these flood events and River Track and camping sites are affected between Echuca and Torrumbarry Weir Road, as a result the following bends or sections of these bends are:
    Burnanga Bend - OPEN
    Braund Bend - OPEN
    Pianta Bend - OPEN
    Casey Bend - OPEN
    Wills Bend - OPEN
    Emu Bend - OPEN
    Point Rd Bend - OPEN
    Farley Bend - OPEN
    Betha Bend - OPEN
    Arnold Bend - OPEN
    Baillieu Bend - OPEN
    Baillieu Lagoon - OPEN
    Tolhurst Bend - OPEN
    Barra Bend - OPEN
    Fulham Bend- CLOSED
    Young Bend - CLOSED
    Crossman Bend - CLOSED
    Turner Bend - PARTIALLY OPEN- SOME AREAS STILL FLOODED
    Horseshoe Bend - OPEN
    Norris Bend - OPEN
    Jones Bend - OPEN
    Williams Bend - OPEN
    Gona Bend - OPEN
    This water may be present for a couple months to come. Please drive with caution and do not drive through flood waters or around closed areas.

  • Richardsons Bend Camping Area (River Murray Reserve)

    Richardson's Bend - Area Closed due to flood damage

    Richardson's Bend is currently closed - Due to severe flooding Richardson's Bend Murray River Reserve sustained substantial damage to the track network.  This area will remain closed until repairs can be undertaken and access tracks reinstated.

  • Echuca Village Reserve Day Visitor Area (River Murray Reserve)

    Echuca Village Reserve Day Visitor Area partially closed

    Some areas are affected by flooding from the Murray and Goulburn Rivers.
    Visitors should be aware that river banks have been eroded by flood waters and may be unstable. Do not walk, ride, drive or dig on unstable banks, they may collapse.
    Trees along the river banks could be unstable. There is always a risk of trees dropping limbs.

    Echuca Village Reserve Day Visitor Area has been effected by flooding. Sections of track have been/are degraded by floods and recent rainfall, areas of track may still be holding water.
    The reserve is partially closed due to flood damage and large trees over the main track, the main track is not completely accessible by vehicle.
    Please drive with caution and do not drive through flood waters or around closed areas.

  • Notices Affecting Multiple Parks

    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.

 
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