13
Jun
Murray River tour May 2025
Murray River Kayak/Camping trip 2025 1st to 7th May Barmah Bridge to Torrumbarry Weir 132km
Seven members of the ECC set off on the 1st of May for a 6-day 132 km kayak bush camping trip along the Murray River. The team included Michael B, Kylie P, John W, Jackie H, Steve M, James G and Marion S. Unfortunately for Steve he had to return to work on the Monday, so left the group halfway.
Marion had picked the ideal time to undertake the trip, with little river traffic and very few campsites being used along the river. Weather was perfect for the whole trip, sunny with temperatures in the low to mid 20c with little to no wind.
The only incidents for the trip were Marion being marooned on a log and dropping the all-important map. And Kylie being sprayed by a passing skier.
Day1: ECC to Base Camp at Barmah Bridge Caravan Park and do car shuffle
Met at 10 am at the ECC clubrooms to load kayaks. With aim to be at the Barmah bridge Caravan Park by 1.30 to unload kayaks and do car shuffle. All cars made it by 2 pm.
(cost $14 per person to camp and $40 to leave a car until our return)
We were able to unload kayaks near the river and set up tents close to river (the serenity was temporarily interrupted by the stench of seven dead carp hidden behind a tree).
The car shuffle meant leaving two cars at Torrumbarry Weir secure parking area 69km away from base camp (138km return) and leave Steve’s car at Riverland caravan park ($20) 15km past Echuca as he was leaving early. One car returned to be left at Barmah Bridge.
The long day behind the driver’s wheel for the drivers, was rewarded with a nice meal at the Barmah Hotel (100m from the campsite).
DAY 2: Barmah Bridge to past Flemings Bend 1732Km marker (30km) Woke up to a perfect morning, clear skies and no wind.
Kylie and Steve’s first kayak packing attempts went off with no dramas, but John’s car did get a few extra goodies from several kayakers who culled the extra volume from their initial load.
We were all fully loaded and on the water by 9.30am (aim 9.00am). The river flow was good and the weather perfect. Had a morning break on a sandy beach after doing the first 11km.
By this time everyone was well settled into the groove of paddling their craft and taking in the natural beauty of the Murray River. When a shout came from the rear “save my map” when we turned around, we saw Marion with arms folded sitting in her kayak parked on a submerged tree. Her only concern was her map. She was freed by her fellow paddlers and told to watch the river not her map.
Camp 1 arrived at by 3.10 pm. Three crew choose to camp on the sand (morning dew, meant tents were very damp) The others settled for camps under the trees.
DAY 3: Flemings Bend 1732 to Sonias corner (28km)
Everyone on water 10.05am (aim 9.30am)
Being a Saturday, we encountered a variety of other river users from houseboats to water skiers, fishing boats, and a single very fast jet ski. The waves generated from the other users were a break from the serenely calm Murray River.
We passed through the Historic Echuca Wharf around 1.00
Camp 2 arrived at camp 3.40pm
DAY 4: Sonias corner 1704 to Wills Bend past 1682 (23km)
Another perfect day, clear skies and no wind about 10 to 23c
Steve’s last day with us, so first mission was to locate his car at the Riverlander Caravan Park 8km down river.
On water 10 am (aim-loose)
Got to the Riverlander about 11.15am. Unpacked and loaded Steve’s Kayak. The park facilities were used and several water bags topped up. Sadly, no coffee machine!
Back on the water by 12.10pm for an hour before lunch stop.
Camp 3 arrived about 3pm.
After 4 days of tent living John W led the way to having a dip in the Murray to freshen up. (yes, it was COLD but good therapy for sore muscles))
DAY 5: Wills Bend past 1682 to Tolhurst Bend past 1658 (24km) Perfect paddling day number 4, clear skies and no wind about 10 to 25c On water 9.40am (aim-no rush)
A couple of the good sandy beaches were taken up by House boats. But a park ranger pointed out that a beach was free down river.
Camp 4 arrived about 2.45pm
DAY 6: Tolhurst Bend past 1658 to One Tree Bend (20km)
Perfect day number 5, clear skies and no wind about 10 to 23c
On water by 9.10
Camp 5 arrived about 1pm
The only leg a good sandy beach could not be found to land the kayaks; however, we found a good pontoon that allowed us to unload and lift the kayaks out of the river.
DAY 6: One Tree Bend to Torrumbarry weir (7km)
Perfect day number 6, clear skies and no wind about 10 to 23c
Each Kayak was lifted one a time onto the pontoon, loaded and launched. All went well without an incident.
Everyone on water 9.20
Off water 10.30 at Torrumbarry weir.
Then the car shuttle went back to work with James doing the 138km shuttle to get John back to Barmah to pick up his car and return. Cars packed; kayaks loaded. And headed home. Lunch at Elmore bakery. Back to ECC at 5.30pm
| Camp Ground | Official River Marker | Distance Travelled | Time on river (approx) | ||
| 1 May 2025 | Base Camp | Barmah Bridge Riverside Park | 1762 | 0 | |
| 2 May 2025 | camp 1 | Past Flemings Bend Opp 1732Km (sandy beach) | 1732 | 30 | 4.30 |
| 3 May 2025 | camp 2 | Sonias corner1 704Km marker (sandy beach) | 1704 | 28 | 4.05 |
| 4 May 2025 | camp 3 | Wills bend (sandy beach) | 1681 | 23 | 3.20 |
| 5 May 2025 | camp 4 | past Tolhurst bend (sandy Beach) | 1657 | 24 | 3.50 |
| 6 May 2025 | camp 5 | past One tree bend (bush camp Pontoon) | 1637 | 20 | 3.50 |
| 7 May 2025 | finish | FINISH Torrumbarry Weir 10.30am | 1630 | 7 | 1.05 |
| Total | 132 | 20.4 |
Note: For Reference: We used the AFN Murray River Atlas map2. And the many notes provided by Roger
