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Guilmartins Beach, TocumwalSwimming Hole Heaven in Victoria
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At over 120 metres wide at its widest point, and over half a kilometre long, this beach on the River Murray is one of the biggest expanses of sand along the river.
Blinding to the eye in broad daylight, it provides shallow entry to the water over a range of river levels.
Above: The beach at Guilmartins Beach on the River Murray, Tocumwal
(Order this image)
Swimming here in early Autumn, a sand flat was covered in a few centimetres of warm water that stretched out into the river for several metres. The little patches of algae emerging on this flat suggested that the water had been stable at this level for some time.
The thin layer of water over the sand made this a great spot for skim boarding, or for playing ball games.
Above: The view across the River Murray at Guilmartins Beach, Tocumwal
(Order this image)
Heading out into the water, the swim was similar to other nearby reaches of the river, with the currents becoming much stronger as the water deepened. If you can control your direction, it is possible to drift around 800 metres around the bend, from one end of the beach to another.
Because of the much wider beach here, the main river channel is narrower, deeper and more turbulent on the outside bend than other beaches in the area.
Above: The shallow, sandy flats at Guilmartins Beach, Tocumwal
(Order this image)
Camping is permitted here and because there is a lot more room, it is easier to find a spot here during peak times than at other nearby beaches. There are no facilities here, so you will need to be fairly self-sufficient while staying here. The sand was pretty sticky after a swim, so bring a broom and shovel if you want to keep your tent or caravan reasonably free of sand.
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Can I camp at Guilmartins Beach? Yes, it is a popular spot for campers, caravans and RVs
Can my dog swim at Guilmartins Beach? Yes, dogs are permitted here.
Are there toilets at Guilmartins Beach? No, you either need to head to the track that runs between Finley Beach and Mulberry Beach, or into town.
Can I go fishing at Guilmartins 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 campfire at Guilmartins Beach? Yes, it is a great spot for a campfire because of the expanse of sand, but follow the regulations on site about how deep to dig, what to steer clear of, and to ensure the fire is extinguished before you leave. Bring your own firewood and be mindful of smoke affecting your neighbours if others are around.
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 Guilmartins Beach on the River Murray, Tocumwal
(Order this image)
Swimming here in early Autumn, a sand flat was covered in a few centimetres of warm water that stretched out into the river for several metres. The little patches of algae emerging on this flat suggested that the water had been stable at this level for some time.
Above: The view across the River Murray at Guilmartins Beach, Tocumwal
(Order this image)
Heading out into the water, the swim was similar to other nearby reaches of the river, with the currents becoming much stronger as the water deepened. If you can control your direction, it is possible to drift around 800 metres around the bend, from one end of the beach to another.
Above: The shallow, sandy flats at Guilmartins Beach, Tocumwal
(Order this image)
Camping is permitted here and because there is a lot more room, it is easier to find a spot here during peak times than at other nearby beaches. There are no facilities here, so you will need to be fairly self-sufficient while staying here. The sand was pretty sticky after a swim, so bring a broom and shovel if you want to keep your tent or caravan reasonably free of sand.
Other Information Before You Go:
Location: Guilmartins Bend, accessible from an unnamed track off the Goulburn Valley Hwy, 700 metres north of Bouchiers Lane and 3 km south of Tocumwal, on the Victorian side of the river,
270 km (approx. 3 hr drive) north of the Melbourne CBD
Latitude:-35.826059 Longitude:145.563807
Getting there: From the Goulburn Valley Highway (A39) head east along the unnamed track 700 metres north of Bouchiers Lane. Follow this track for 400 metres, then it becomes a loop road that runs behind the beach. Head north-west (clockwise around the loop) to access the main section of 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
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 removal of firewood. Also refer to the campfire regulations on site, including no fires on days of total fire ban.
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: None to the water, because it is across a wide stretch of soft sand
Managing authority: Parks Victoria
Nearby attractions: Mulberry Beach, Apex Beach, and Finley Beach, which are the closest beaches 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. It also warns that driving, parking, or walking under or near trees may be dangerous and could cause injury.
Latitude:-35.826059 Longitude:145.563807
Getting there: From the Goulburn Valley Highway (A39) head east along the unnamed track 700 metres north of Bouchiers Lane. Follow this track for 400 metres, then it becomes a loop road that runs behind the beach. Head north-west (clockwise around the loop) to access the main section of 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
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 removal of firewood. Also refer to the campfire regulations on site, including no fires on days of total fire ban.
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: None to the water, because it is across a wide stretch of soft sand
Managing authority: Parks Victoria
Nearby attractions: Mulberry Beach, Apex Beach, and Finley Beach, which are the closest beaches downstream on the Victorian side of the river.
Locality Map:
The marker indicates the approximate location of Guilmartins 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 Guilmartins Beach? Only under very close supervision in the shallows, due to the strong currents in the River Murray.
Can I camp at Guilmartins Beach? Yes, it is a popular spot for campers, caravans and RVs
Can my dog swim at Guilmartins Beach? Yes, dogs are permitted here.
Are there toilets at Guilmartins Beach? No, you either need to head to the track that runs between Finley Beach and Mulberry Beach, or into town.
Can I go fishing at Guilmartins 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 campfire at Guilmartins Beach? Yes, it is a great spot for a campfire because of the expanse of sand, but follow the regulations on site about how deep to dig, what to steer clear of, and to ensure the fire is extinguished before you leave. Bring your own firewood and be mindful of smoke affecting your neighbours if others are around.
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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