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Finley Beach, TocumwalSwimming Hole Heaven in Victoria
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A well-balanced beach for swimming on the River Murray, with some sand, some shade, some campsites, some shallows, and some serious currents. This beach has the option to
swim, wade, or just lay down in the water close to the shore.
Above: The beach at Finley Beach on the River Murray, Tocumwal
(Order this image)
Entering the water on this inside bend, it was several metres before even getting knee deep, which was great for just relaxing at the water's edge or standing in the water to cool my feet down.
Heading further out, the sideways push from the current was strong. About a third of the way across the river, it was starting to become difficult to swim against. However it
provided great opportunities to either swim at breakneck speed from one end of the beach to the other (about 150 metres if you want to swim in a straight line, or about 250 metres
if you can steer yourself around a bend), or to just float gently along.
Above: The view across the River Murray at Finley Beach, Tocumwal
(Order this image)
The beach itself was quite pleasant, with some narrow gum trees providing shade at the back of the beach, and a view across to the 2-3 metre high cliffs on the opposite bank with a row of houses perched on stilts for when the river breaks its banks.
I also spotted what looked like a waterslide on the opposite bank at the upstream end, but there does not appear to be any public access from the road to reach that spot on the NSW side, so
it might be privately owned.
Above: Camping alongside the River Murray at Finley Beach, Tocumwal
(Order this image)
Camping is permitted here, with this spot proving popular with caravans and RVs because there is a reasonable amount of space and the access tracks are suitable for these vehicles (at least for the ones that I saw) in dry weather. Note however that there are no facilities here apart from the nearby toilet, so you will need to be fairly self-sufficient while staying here.
View Larger Map
Can I camp at Finley Beach? Yes, it is a popular spot for campers, caravans and RVs
Can my dog swim at Finley Beach? Yes, dogs are permitted here.
Are there toilets at Finley Beach? Not on the beach itself, but there are toilets about 350 metres downstream, on the track that runs between Finley Beach and Mulberry Beach.
Can I go fishing at Finley Beach? Yes, with a fishing permit, but only from December to August. It is not permitted to catch River Murray crayfish or trout cod at any time.
Can I have a picnic at Finley Beach? Yes, on the beach, but there are no picnic tables or water taps here and you have to carry your rubbish home with you.
If you have any other questions not answered above, leave a comment for me using the comment box below.
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 swimming conditions. All fields are required if you would like your comments published on this website.
Above: The beach at Finley Beach on the River Murray, Tocumwal
(Order this image)
Entering the water on this inside bend, it was several metres before even getting knee deep, which was great for just relaxing at the water's edge or standing in the water to cool my feet down.
Above: The view across the River Murray at Finley Beach, Tocumwal
(Order this image)
The beach itself was quite pleasant, with some narrow gum trees providing shade at the back of the beach, and a view across to the 2-3 metre high cliffs on the opposite bank with a row of houses perched on stilts for when the river breaks its banks.
Above: Camping alongside the River Murray at Finley Beach, Tocumwal
(Order this image)
Camping is permitted here, with this spot proving popular with caravans and RVs because there is a reasonable amount of space and the access tracks are suitable for these vehicles (at least for the ones that I saw) in dry weather. Note however that there are no facilities here apart from the nearby toilet, so you will need to be fairly self-sufficient while staying here.
Other Information Before You Go:
Location: Accessible from an unnamed track off the Goulburn Valley Hwy, 900 metres south of the bridge across the River Murray in Tocumwal, on the Victorian side of the river,
270 km (approx. 3 hr drive) north of the Melbourne CBD
Latitude:-35.821998 Longitude:145.559064
Getting there: From the Goulburn Valley Highway (A39) head east along the unnamed track 900 metres south of the River Murray bridge. Follow this track for 100 metres, then head east at the junction (signposted) for 800 metres until you see the beach, which will usually have campers present. The access road was dirt, but suitable for 2WD vehicles on my visit, but might not be suitable for 2WD vehicles after wet weather or local flooding.
Facilities: None at the beach. There are toilets 350 metres downstream, near the track junction to Mulberry Beach
Entrance fee: None
Water temperature: Mild
Water clarity: Clear
Under foot: Sand
Maximum water depth: Greater than 2 metres
Minimum swimming proficiency required: Beginners, under strict supervision, in the shallow water. Elsewhere experienced swimmers only due to the strong current.
Prohibitions including whether you can bring your dog: Dogs permitted. No fishing from September to November. No fishing for Murray crayfish or trout cod at any time. No dumping of mobile home and portable toilet waste at the toilet, no dumping of rubbish in the toilet.
Sun shade: Limited shade available out of the water. No shade in the water.
Opening times: Always open. Road access to this site can be closed when the river is in flood.
Wheelchair access: The toilet is wheelchair accessible, but the beach is not wheelchair accessible unless you have a 4WD and are confident driving across the sand
Managing authority: Parks Victoria
Nearby attractions: Mulberry Beach, Apex Beach, and Guilmartins Beach, which are the closest beaches upstream and downstream on the Victorian side of the river.
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, deep water, falling tree limbs, and advises against
diving or jumping, or using rope swings. Protection against mosquitos is also recommended by the managing authority.
Latitude:-35.821998 Longitude:145.559064
Getting there: From the Goulburn Valley Highway (A39) head east along the unnamed track 900 metres south of the River Murray bridge. Follow this track for 100 metres, then head east at the junction (signposted) for 800 metres until you see the beach, which will usually have campers present. The access road was dirt, but suitable for 2WD vehicles on my visit, but might not be suitable for 2WD vehicles after wet weather or local flooding.
Facilities: None at the beach. There are toilets 350 metres downstream, near the track junction to Mulberry Beach
Entrance fee: None
Water temperature: Mild
Water clarity: Clear
Under foot: Sand
Maximum water depth: Greater than 2 metres
Minimum swimming proficiency required: Beginners, under strict supervision, in the shallow water. Elsewhere experienced swimmers only due to the strong current.
Prohibitions including whether you can bring your dog: Dogs permitted. No fishing from September to November. No fishing for Murray crayfish or trout cod at any time. No dumping of mobile home and portable toilet waste at the toilet, no dumping of rubbish in the toilet.
Sun shade: Limited shade available out of the water. No shade in the water.
Opening times: Always open. Road access to this site can be closed when the river is in flood.
Wheelchair access: The toilet is wheelchair accessible, but the beach is not wheelchair accessible unless you have a 4WD and are confident driving across the sand
Managing authority: Parks Victoria
Nearby attractions: Mulberry Beach, Apex Beach, and Guilmartins Beach, which are the closest beaches upstream and downstream on the Victorian side of the river.
Locality Map:
The marker indicates the approximate location of Finley Beach. If the map is not zoomed in locally, as can occur with some browsers, simply click or tap on "View Larger Map" below.
View Larger Map
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can kids swim at Finley Beach? Only under very close supervision in the shallows, due to the strong currents in the River Murray.
Can I camp at Finley Beach? Yes, it is a popular spot for campers, caravans and RVs
Can my dog swim at Finley Beach? Yes, dogs are permitted here.
Are there toilets at Finley Beach? Not on the beach itself, but there are toilets about 350 metres downstream, on the track that runs between Finley Beach and Mulberry Beach.
Can I go fishing at Finley Beach? Yes, with a fishing permit, but only from December to August. It is not permitted to catch River Murray crayfish or trout cod at any time.
Can I have a picnic at Finley Beach? Yes, on the beach, but there are no picnic tables or water taps here and you have to carry your rubbish home with you.
If you have any other questions not answered above, leave a comment for me using the comment box below.
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 swimming conditions. All fields are required if you would like your comments published on this website.
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