Pine Island Beach

Murrumbidgee River, Greenway ACT

Pine Island Beach is a bay of calm water in the Murrumbidgee River that has formed behind the small island in the river that gives Pine Island Reserve its name. The water in this inlet is slightly warmer than the main current, and under low flow conditions is better suited to less experienced swimmers than most other spots along the Murrumbidgee River corridor in the ACT. Above: Pine Island Beach viewed from the steps (Order this image)

The sand accumulated behind the island creates a 40 metre stretch of beach that extends well back from the water, with patches of sand also on the island itself. It is quite fun to explore around this tiny island, with its rocky outcrops, gently undulating dunes and little pools around its edge. The island is only around 30 metres in both directions. When the river is low and the anabranch is not flowing, it is difficult to recognise the island as such, because it is connected to the beach. When the water is slightly deeper, you can wade or rock hop out to the island, where there are patches of sand and shade.

To reach Pine Island Beach, when you enter the Recreation Area, look for one of the car parks immediately to the right. Here you'll find a lawn area, which tends to dry out in summer, picnic facilites, a toilet block, and a kids' playground that is at the far end of the furthest car park, and well away from the beach. To reach the beach, follow the signs and head down the steps towards the sand, which you can see from the top of the hill before you descend. There are no facilities on the beach itself. Above: The tip of Pine Island from the water's edge (Order this image)

Pine Island Reserve is one of six swimming spots that were formally recommended by the ACT Minister for Territory and Municipal Services. The Minister described it as "a long-time family favourite" (20/12/12). Pine Island South is around 700 metres upstream of Pine Island Beach, with its own car park and facilities, so I have documented its features separately from Pine Island Beach. Before you head out, make sure to read the swimming safety information and check with the managing authority for any current change of conditions. Specific to this site, the managing authority advises that there are strong currents, shallow water, submerged objects, deep water, slippery and uneven ground, steep banks and snakes. The managing authority also advises that mobile phone reception is not reliable throughout the Murrumbidgee River corridor, so do not depend on your phone for safety or directions.

Water quality in the Canberra area can sometimes be unsuitable for swimming. For regular updates on whether the water quality at this site is suitable for swimming, see the ACT Government's water quality alerts. Signs on site indicate when the river is closed for swimming due to poor water quality. As a general rule, don't plan to swim here after rain because the river may be closed to swimming due to agricultural runoff from upstream areas (i.e. animal faeces, fertilisers, herbicides, pesticides, etc.). The marker indicates the approximate location of the car park for at Pine Island Beach. If the map is not zoomed in locally, as can sometimes occur when loading, simply click or tap on "View Larger Map" below.
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