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Uriarra Crossing
Murrumbidgee River, Corree ACT

There are several swimming spots along the Murrumbidgee River at the three picnic areas either side of Uriarra Crossing, which are Uriarra East picnic area, Uriarra West picnic area, and the Swamp Creek picnic area.

Swimming at Uriarra Crossing

Above: The river crossing at Uriarra Crossing, from the Swamp Creek picnic area (Order this image)

The best of these for swimming is at Uriarra East Picnic Area, with its longer beaches, larger picnic areas, and better facilities. At the downstream end of this picnic area, there is a little inlet with a sandy island. This calmer spot for swimming is protected from the main current by a wide bank of rocks, but you have to clamber down a steep bank to reach the water.

Further upstream there are a few small beaches. At the far upstream end there was a longer section of beach where it was quite easy to wade into the water and head out for a swim either with or against the current. In my opinion this was the best place at Uriarra Crossing for a swim. You can also just wade or sit in the shallows. A long, flat, wide grassy floodplain runs alongside the river where there are picnic facilities only 10-20 metres from the water.

Swimming at Uriarra Crossing

Above: The beach at Uriarra West picnic area, looking across to the downstream end of Uriarra East picnic area (Order this image)

Uriarra West Picnic Area has mainly rock outcrops and poor access down to the river, except for a small beach at the southern (upstream) end, which has shallow entry into the water. The toilet facilities are modern, with a large car park as well, and a reasonably sized picnic area, making this a good backup swimming option if Uriarra East Picnic Area is full.

The third option, at the Swamp Creek Picnic Area also has a small section of beach, but there is very little in the way of facilities, with the concrete toilet block showing its age and the only attempts at modernisation being a couple of newish picnic tables. Swamp Creek tends to be more popular with people taking their dogs for a swim in what is an off-leash area.

Swimming at Uriarra Crossing

Above: A sheltered picnic table at Uriarra East picnic area, with the river down to the right (Order this image)

All three picnic areas are within a few hundred metres of each other, so you can readily move between them by car. You can also swim between Uriarra East and West during periods of low river flow. Surprisingly, the river was relatively shallow apart from a few metres out in the middle where the main river channel was very deep. Submerged rocks were sometimes a hazard closer to the shore, because it was difficult to see them in the murky water until you were right on top of them, but also sometimes a handy spot to take a rest from swimming and just enjoy the views from the water. The conditions in the river will change depending on the season and how recently it has rained, both in terms of the river height, the strength of the current, and visibility in the water.

Apart from swimming, this site is also popular for a picnic at any of the three areas, or for a walk along the river on one of several walking trails. The 2 km Uriarra Loop is a pleasant walk that starts and ends at the Uriarra East Picnic Area and takes you near the Molongolo River junction with the Murrumbidgee. Note that dogs are not allowed on the nearby walking trails (Uriarra Loop, Woodstock and Shepherds Lookout walking trails).

Here is a video that I took of my swim at Uriarra Crossing, which features Uriarra East, Uriarra West, and Swamp Creek.

Other Information Before You Go:

Location: Uriarra Road, Stromlo, ACT, 26 km (approx. 30 min. drive) west of Canberra Central.
Latitude:-35.246302 Longitude:148.952851
Getting there: From parliament house, head west along Adelaide Avenue / Cotter Road / John Gorton Drive to Wright, then turn left along Opperman Ave and then right into Uriarra Road, which takes you to the river. At the Murrumbidgee River, the turnoff for the Uriarra East Picnic Area is roughly 1 km before you reach the bridge. After crossing the bridge, head left and then left again to the Uriarra West Picnic Area, or right and then right to the Swamp Creek Picnic Area.
Facilities: All three picnic areas have a car park, toilets, wood barbecues (BYO wood) and picnic tables. Uriarra West and Swamp Creek Picnic Area also have a picnic shelter if it rains.
Entrance fee: None
Water temperature: Mild
Water clarity: Clear to cloudy
Under foot: Sand, rock
Maximum water depth: 1-2 metres
Suggested minimum swimming proficiency required: Beginners during low flow conditions, under supervision. Experienced at other times.
Prohibitions including whether you can bring your dog: Dogs permitted at the picnic areas and in the water, but cannot be taken on the walking trails.

No rubbish bins provided, so take your rubbish home with you. Collection of standing or fallen timber is illegal, so BYO wood for the barbecues.
Sun shade: Shade available out of the water. No shade available in the water in the middle of the day. Limited shade available in the water early in the morning and late in the afternoon.
Opening times: Always open
Wheelchair access: None
Managing authority: ACT Government
Nearby attractions: Cotter Bend, 14 km to the south by road.

Before you head out, make sure to read the swimming safety information and check with the managing authority for any current change of conditions. 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. As a general rule, avoid swimming here after rain due to agricultural runoff from upstream areas (i.e. poo, fertilisers, herbicides, pesticides, etc.). 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.

Locality Map:

The marker indicates the approximate location of the beach at the Uriarra East Picnic Area. If the map is not zoomed in locally, as can sometimes occur when loading, simply click or tap on "View Larger Map" below.
View Larger Map

Comments:

If you would like to leave a comment about this swimming spot, please fill in the comment box below. I'm particularly interested in your experiences after visiting, and any changes in conditions, etc. All fields are required if you would like your comments published on this website.

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