Murrumbidgee River Corridor

The mighty Murrumbidgee flows from the mountains in the south through some of the most spectacular country in the Australian Capital Territory.

• Murrumbidgee River
• Recreation
• Access Restrictions
• Bushwalking
• Track Conditions
• Protecting Our Reserves
• Dogs
• Swimming
• Nude Bathing
• Fishing
• Murray Crayfish
• Bicycles
• Wood Fires
• Organised Events
• Camping at the Cotter

Murrumbidgee River

The Murrumbidgee River flows for 1600 km from its headwaters in Kosciuszko National Park to its junction with the Murray River near the town of Balranald in NSW. The river and its catchment is a significant part of the Murray-Darling Basin, supplying water for people, agriculture and wildlife along its length.

The Murrumbidgee River was also historically important to Aboriginal groups including the Ngunnawal, Wiradjuri and Nari Nari. The descendants of these groups maintain a close interest and involvement in management of the Murrumbidgee River Corridor.

From Angle Crossing in the south to Uriarra Crossing in the north, around 66 km of the river's journey is through the ACT. Whilst identified as a single entity, the Murrumbidgee River Corridor (which includes the river and a narrow strip of land either side) is actually a collection of nature reserves, recreation reserves, a 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.

Recreation

Easily accessible and close to Canberra suburbs, the Murrumbidgee River Corridor (MRC) provides many opportunities for recreation and enjoyment of nature. 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.

Access Restrictions

Most areas are open 24 hours a day 365 days a year. However, Pine Island is closed to vehicles at night. In daylight savings time you can access Pine Island from 8 am to 9 pm. In non-daylight savings times you can access between 8 am and 6 pm. The use of wood fires at Uriarra and the Cotter Campground is not permitted on Total Fire Ban Days and gas barbeques at Murrays Corner are turned off. Electric barbecues remain on at Cotter and PI on such days.

The Murrumbidgee River Corridor is an ideal venue for water-based activities such as swimming, fishing and canoeing and also for bushwalking, picnicking and wildlife observation. Recreation areas are well serviced with mown areas, playgrounds, picnic tables free electric or wood-fired barbecues (BYO wood). Environment and Recreation staff take pride in maintaining these areas to a high standard, so if you see any issues that require attention please report them to the rangers on 6207 2425. If you witness acts of vandalism or other illegal activities, please report to the police.

Bushwalking

The Corridor provides many interesting walking experiences along the river valley on sign-posted, well formed tracks. Walks range from easy, half hour strolls to long day walks. Before you start, make sure you are adequately prepared and you have checked the duration and distance times. All walking tracks have been reconstructed since the January 2003 bushfires and now include comprehensive track markers and signage. Large orientation signs area located in all recreation areas—these provide a map of the area and stories of natural and cultural heritage.

A series of interpretive signs are located on the River Loop at Pine Island North, and the Cotter Explorer Track and Bullen Track at the Cotter. These signs, along with more fascinating stories about the river can be viewed here.

The Murrumbidgee Discovery Track is an iconic river walk that follows the Murrumbidgee from Point Hut Crossing to Casuarina Sands. This 27 km  track can be walked in sections, in either direction. Orientation signs with a map are located at Casuarina Sands (western or upstream end of main carpark); Kambah Pool (in middle of the traffic island just after the cattle grid). Pine Island North (just south of the carpark). Pine Island Central near the toilet block and Point Hut Crossing.

Please refer to the individual walking track maps in the  Murrumbidgee River Corridor Brochure that shows most of the Murrumbidgee Discovery Track. However, some sections of the Discovery Track, between recreation areas, are not shown. For these please refer to a 1:25,000 topographic map. Be aware that there are minor route changes in place since production of the 1:25,000 maps.

Navigation of the track is generally straightforward given the comprehensive track marker system that includes distance markers every 200 metres as well as clear signage at junctions or decision-points.

The tracks are regularly maintained, however if you observe any issues that require maintenance, please contact the ranger staff on 6207 2425.

Track Conditions

Track closures in the Cotter Area (Updated 23/4/08)

The Stony Creek Skyline track is temporarily closed at a point near the old Trout hatchery, around 400m north of Cotter Avenue, due to dangerous trees.

Part of the Bullen Loop track is permanently closed due to the risk of falling rocks. The affected section traverses the edge of the Cotter River at the southern end of Cotter Bend picnic area. Access to the Cotter Caves is available via the other end of the Bullen Loop Track which starts at Cotter Campground- cross the footbridge upstream of the campground and follow the track. Alternatively, the caves can be reached by car- turn off Paddys River road on the first left turn after leaving the Cotter Reserve and travel down the steep hill. Veer left at the first junction- the caves are 200m along the track.

Protecting Our Reserves

Park Care volunteers help to protect the natural and cultural values of the corridor. For more information please phone 6207 2425. You can help too by removing your rubbish—bins are provided at Tharwa Bridge, Pine Island and the Cotter, but you need to take your rubbish with you at the other recreation areas. Please abide by local regulations as indicated on the signs at the entrance to all recreation areas.

Dogs

Dogs are not permitted in most of the recreation areas along the river corridor, but 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 MRC 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), Cotter Bend 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!

Nude Bathing

The 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.

Murray Crayfish

The Murray Crayfish (Euastacus armatus) has the largest range of any of Australia's spiny crayfish. It extends from the cool mountain streams to the lower reaches of the Murray-Darling River System

The species used to be common but are 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.

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

Wood Fires

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.

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

The Cotter Campground is the most highly serviced bushland  camping area in the ACT. It is located on Cotter Road around 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 and caravans (Note: No onsite power or sullage is currently available)
• Free Electric BBQ's
• Toilet, shower and wash up facilities serviced daily
• Shared wood BBQ's
• Some firewood provided but BYO to be sure (need to BYO axe)
• Pets are not allowed.
• Maximum length of stay is two weeks
• Campsite gates closed at 10pm.

Things to do around the Cotter

• Walking tracks
• Fishing or swimming in the Cotter and Murrumbidgee Rivers
• Walk the kids to the Cotter Avenue playground
• Explore the extensive networks of walking tracks in the Cotter area
• Take a drive on Tourist Drive 5 to Tidbinbilla Space Tracking Station, Tidbinbilla Nature Reserve and the charming rural village of Tharwa
• Head up Brindabella Road to Namadgi National Park.

Cotter Campground Fees 2007-2008

There is a small fee of $7.00 per person per night. There is no charge for children under ten years old. This can be paid to rangers or left in the honesty box at the entrance. Bookings are not required.

 Other Camping Opportunities

• Camping in ACT's Parks and Forest Areas
  

Downloads

• Murrumbidgee River Corridor Brochure and Walking Trails( PDF 814Kb)