Murrumbidgee River Corridor (MRC)

From its headwaters in Kosciuszko National Park to its junction with the Murray River near Balranald in NSW, the Murrumbidgee River flows for 1,600 km. Around 66 km of the river's journey is through the ACT, from Angle Crossing in the south to Uriarra Crossing in the north. The Murrumbidgee River and its catchment are a significant part of the Murray-Darling Basin, supplying water for people, agriculture and wildlife along its length.

The Murrumbidgee River is also important to Aboriginal groups including the Ngunnawal, Wiradjuri and Nari Nari, and descendants of these groups maintain a close interest and involvement in the management of the Murrumbidgee River Corridor (MRC). The MRC is made up of the river and a strip of land either side, and a corridor of nature and recreation reserves, European heritage conservation zone and rural leases. Sustainably managing these multiple land uses presents a considerable challenge to the various government and private land and resource managers involved, as outlined in the Murrumbidgee River Corridor Plan of Management.

Recreation

The MRC is easily accessible and close to the suburbs of Canberra, so it is an an ideal venue for bushwalking, picnicking and wildlife observation as well as water-based activities such as swimming, fishing and canoeing. In fact the various recreation areas along the MRC receive up to a million visitors a year, making it among Canberra's best-loved places for nature-based recreation.

Recreation areas are well serviced with mown areas, playgrounds, picnic tables free electric or wood-fired barbecues (BYO wood). You can help by taking your rubbish with you as bins are not provided anywhere along the MRC. Please abide by local regulations as indicated on the signs at the entrance to all recreation areas. Staff take great pride in maintaining these areas to a high standard. If you see any maintenance matters that require attention please report it to Canberra Connect on 13 22 81. If you witness acts of vandalism or other illegal activities, please report it to the police.

Most of the MRC recreation areas are open 24 hours a day 365 days a year, although Pine Island is closed to vehicles at night. During daylight savings time you can access Pine Island from 8 am to 9 pm, and during non-daylight savings times between 8 am and 6 pm.

Wood BBQs are located at Uriarra Crossing, Cotter Campground and Tharwa Bridge. Fires are permitted unless a Total Fire Ban is in force. Wood is usually supplied but it is advisable to bring your own. Use wood sparingly and please ensure fires are extinguished before you depart. Fires are only permitted in the fire places provided. There are no wood BBQs at Pine Island only electric BBQs which can be used all year round including when there is a Total Fire Ban

On Total Fire Ban Days, wood fires at Uriarra and Cotter Campground are not permitted, gas barbeques at Murrays Corner are turned off, and the electric barbecues at Cotter and Pine Island remain on. 

Please be aware that during construction of the enlarged Cotter Dam and the Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer project, various areas along the MRC will be closed at different times from 2010 to 2012.

Cotter Campground - Closed

Cotter Campground will be closed from 11 October 2010 until 31 August 2012 due to construction work on the dam. Cotter Avenue, the tree-lined picnic area with the children’s’ playground, is currently closed for public safety during the construction of the enlarged dam. Walking tracks around the Cotter area are currently closed, except the Bullen/Cotter Caves section of track that starts at the campground. Although, whilst the Cotter campground is closed, access to this track will only be from Cotter Bend.

• Areas to visit whilst Cotter Avenue is closed ( PDF 4.7Mb)
• Murrumbidgee River Corridor Walking Trails ( PDF 814Kb)

Angle Crossing Recreation Areas - Closed

Due to construction works associated with the Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer project, the Angle Crossing recreation areas in Gigerline Nature Reserve will be closed from 10 January 2011 to June 2012.  

Tharwa Sandwash Recreation Area - Open

The Tharwa Sandwash recreation area is now opened and facilities have been upgraded as part of the Murrumbidgee to Googong Water Transfer project. Improvements include enlargements to the existing car park; installation of several picnic tables; provision of stair access to the water’s edge; and tree pruning.

For more information about the Murrumbidgee to Googong water transfer project visit the ACTEW website. http://www.actew.com.au/Our%20Projects/Murrumbidgee%20to%20Googong%20Water%20Transfer.aspx

Dogs

Dogs are not permitted in most of the recreation areas along the MRC, including the Cotter Recreation Areas and Campground.

You can take your dog to Point Hut Crossing (both sides of the river) and Uriarra Crossing including Swamp Creek and Shepherds Lookout. Visitors found with dogs in other areas of the river corridor may be liable for prosecution so please leave them at home when visiting these areas.

Swimming

All recreation areas except Shepherd's Lookout have great swimming or paddling opportunities. All areas also have large signs advising of 'Swimming Conditions'. These signs are updated regularly, so please take note of them. Even when the river appears suitable for swimming, if the signs point to 'Unsafe' be aware that the water quality may not be suitable for swimming. Remember that no areas are patrolled by life savers so look after yourself and others.

Diving and the use of rope swings may be fun but are also potentially lethal activities. Never dive into the water unless you have checked thoroughly for underwater obstables—remember that the river is a dynamic system and conditions can change rapidly. An area that was safe the last time you went may not be safe the next time. Rope swings damage trees and represent a danger and will be removed by ranger staff.

Large sandy beaches with a gentle slope into the water are located at Tharwa Sandwash, Tharwa Bridge, Point Hut Crossing, Pine Island (central, north and south), Kambah Pool (southern or upstream area), and Uriarra Crossing. These are great for little children and adults alike, but please ensure that children are supervised at all times. Remember that rivers are part of a dynamic natural system—always be ready for the unexpected and be river smart!

ACT's only nude bathing area is located 200 metres downstream of the northern carpark at Kambah Pool. The nude bathing area is clearly signposted. This is a very popular area for nude bathing and other activities so please be aware that you will probably see nudity if you venture into this area.

Fishing

Fishing is a popular activity along the river. Fishing is permitted on the Murrumbidgee River except at the Gigerline Nature Reserve from Angle Crossing to the junction with the Gudgenby River. Although no fishing licence is required in the ACT, there are regulations and bag limits which must be adhered to. For more information, click here. Remember that some species such as the Murray Crayfish, Trout Cod and Macquarie Perch are totally protected and must not be taken.

Although the Murray Crayfish (Euastacus armatus) was once common, it is now declared vulnerable in the ACT and threatened in other areas due to over fishing. Murray crays are slow growing and live for up to 50 years, which means that it takes a considerable time for populations to grow and increase. It has the largest range of any of Australia's spiny crayfish, extending from the cool mountain streams to the lower reaches of the Murray-Darling River System. In the ACT, Murray crays are legally protected and a permit is required to take, keep, import, export or sell the animal.

Bicycles

Bicycles are permitted only on formed roads and management trails within the MRC. However, bicycle use of the walking track from Point Hut to Pine Island is currently being trialled. If you ride this section, please keep your speed down, do not leave the track, avoid skidding, give way to pedestrians and respect other users. Excellent off-road cycling is available on management trails and roads within Namadgi National Park and on management trails, roads and purpose built single track within pine forests and at the Mount Stromlo Forest Park. For more information about off-road cycling, go to Canberra Off-road Cyclists www.corc.asn.au

Organised Events

It is possible to reserve a site within one of the MRC recreation areas for  events such as weddings or other group events.  See Organised Events for further information.

Camping at the Cotter

Please note that the Cotter Campground which will be closed from Monday 11 October 2010 until  31 August 2012 due to construction work on the enlarged Cotter Dam.

The Cotter Campground is the most highly serviced bushland camping area in the ACT. It is located on Cotter Road about 15 km from the western edge of Canberra. Access from Canberra City is via Adelaide Avenue or Tuggeranong Parkway, take the Cotter Road exit (Tourist Route 5) and travel along Cotter Road until you reach the bridge that crosses the Murrumbidgee River. The Cotter Campground is first left after the bridge.

• Sealed road access 15 km west of Canberra
• Situated on the banks of Cotter River among shady native and exotic trees
• Separate areas for campervan, campervans and small private parties
  (No onsite power or sullage currently available)
• Free Electric BBQ's
• Toilet, shower and wash up facilities
• Shared Wood BBQ's - limited firewood provided, ensure you bring your own supply
• Pets not allowed
• Maximum length of stay is two weeks
• Campsite gates close at 10 pm
• Other Campgrounds in ACT's Parks and Forest Areas 

Protecting Our Reserves

Park Care volunteers help to protect the natural and cultural values of the MRC. For more information please phone Canberra Connect 13 22 81.

Water Security Projects

ACTEW is undertaking a range of works to secure water for our region, and some of these projects will impact on recreation areas such as Cotter Reserve and Angle Crossing.