Mannum to Mildura

[Jodebtre]

We are heading North East toward Mildura via Mannum, South Australia.

Any suggestions of the better camping spots along the Murray?

We are probably going to have to run to the shelter of a CP on Sunday, 23 December as it is forecasted to be 42 deg, are there any showgrounds/recreation grounds that way?

[BruceS]

Several spots but can you elaborate a bit on your size?
Can you get on & off the ferries?
You'll need a couple of days at Martin's Bend near Berri. (Free but need to fill out details with onsite caretaker with big fat dog!)

[Jodebtre]

We are 33 foot long plus toad.

[BruceS]

Morning Jo.......... Morning Derek!

The broad statement of Mannum to Mildura creates problems in itself!
I haven't seen your rig in person so it makes it difficult to advise you.
Do you have airbags on the rear to lift up the back a lot to help on accessing the ferries? (George should give advice here) Ash & Wendy were advised to avoid them or lose their plumbing under the back.
If you can cross ferries it allows you to more easily go from side to side of the River. If not you're stuck on one side until a bridge. (Murray Bridge, Blanchtown, KIngston on Murray, Berri, Renmark etc.
For instance if you cut across from Strath to Mannum then you will need to keep on that side untill Blanchtown although there is a beaut free camp at Mannum on the other side of the River. It'll make it a bit difficult to see Big Bend at sundown too. (unless you backtrack from Blanchtown)

[Jodebtre]

Thanks Bruce

We don't know whether we will be able to get on the ferries or not because of access and no we don't have air bags.

We took the Tailem Bend ferry in the toad a couple of years ago and realised that the bus would not fit on that ferry. We assume all the ferries/access to ferries would be different.

But we are happy to stay on one side and use the bridges.

We can always go across in the toad to look at places.

We don't have a planned trip just know we have to get from Strathalbyn to Mildura.

Lots of information on the River Murry Ferry Service website but no price guide.

[BruceS]

All ferries in SA are free.
I think Vic & NSW ferries are the same on the Murray. (sure they are in fact)
There will be many areas overflowing very shortly so be prepared to camp in truck parking bays or up farmer's driveways etc.
I think you need to avoid all ferries as they all will scrape your backside.
I don't know how quickly you intend to get to Mildura but if it was me I'd possible cross back onto the Eastern side of the River either on the freeway or in Murray Bridge itself & then go to Mannum on that side of the River. (free overnight park)
Next day you can wander along the River North visiting several small settlements along the way. (Swan Reach, Nildotte etc)
Suggest free overnight camping in parking bay on top of cliffs looking at sunsetting etc at Big Bend. If you have a couple of days to kill there's a nice sucluded free area not far from here. (PM for suggested site)

[Jodebtre]

We camped on the East side of Mannum last night - no free camping $10/night for both Bolto Reserve and Haythorpe Reserve (near the ferry). There were only 4 vans and 3 vans left this morning. We called into Purnong Reserve, the place was empty.

We are currently camped at Big Bend Lookout, we are the only vehicle here.

There is not much traffic on the road at all, only saw three cars today and not much action on the river either.

Very peaceful.

big bend lookout.jpg

[Dot]

Hope you get some nice pics of the cliffs at sunset.

[BruceS]

Lovely picture!!
Watch out for the kangaroos in the morning or they'll scare you. I think they raid the scraps out of that bin!
If you unhook the toad & head North a little bit & watch for the white rubble road (over cattle grid?) to the left it'll take you to a very nice secluded place along the River. Not sure about the full rig....... maybe you can advise if you do go looksee?
Be VERY carefull when head off again & reach the intersection with the Sturt Highway.......... Downhill "T" intersection.
Lovely lookout area if you turn right SORRY! That should have been turn left... over the bridge!)there & park on left side on other end of bridge & take camera for walk on old bridge.
Very steep hill in Blanchtown if you go look at the lock!!!...... no........ Bloody steep!!!

Free camping area at Barmera on the lake. Sandy beach for dog paddle in heat?

PS. I'll check that out at Mannum. East side has been free for years.