Moama Beach

River Murray at Echuca-Moama, New South Wales

At just over 200 km from the Melbourne CBD, Echuca-Moama is the closest River Murray destination from Melbourne. There are a couple of beaches in these twin towns and one of the easiest to reach is Moama Beach. The beach is located on the New South Wales side of the river, in the shadow of the bridge that connects Victoria to New South Wales in this area. The beach here is fairly representative of what you can expect along many River Murray towns. Above: The beach looking across to the wharf (Order this image)

The beach itself about 100 m long and 15 m wide, but it is also reasonably steep for a beach. The current is strong only a few metres from the shore, so you need to stay close to the water's edge. The beach has a view of Echuca Wharf and you can see and hear the paddlesteamers coming and going. In the background is the constant click-clack of cars going across the bridge from Victoria to New South Wales and vice versa, which could prove annoying for some, but I found it adds to the sense of place of the beach. Above: The bridge at the border at Moama Beach (Order this image)

The current in the River Murray is very strong and people regularly drown in it. For even experienced swimmers, this river commands respect. Never swim outside of your comfort zone or you will end up getting washed away to South Australia. Like a rip at the beach, if you get into trouble, swim across the current, not against it.

At certain times of the year the River Murray is mostly an irrigation channel and often runs high or bankfull during late spring and early summer. The best time to swim is in late summer or early autumn when submerged beaches re-appear and the current is less swift. 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, boats, falling branches, submerged objects and deep water. The marker indicates the approximate location of the beach. 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 Here is one personal account of swimming in the River Murray at Echuca-Moama:

"Appreciate your info here. I swam from the Echuca-side across and back (just) in the 1980s and wrote this song (State to State) about it in my collection" - D.Franks, Manchester, England 8/1/2022

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