Thompsons Beach, Cobram

Swimming Hole Heaven in Victoria

Coffee, burgers or ice creams after a swim at the beach in the River Murray? Count me in for that! This swim not only comes with a 200 metre long beach, but also a cafe with indoor and al fresco dining and a great view of the river. Above: Thompsons Beach in the River Murray at Cobram when the river is low (Order this image)

Before I get too excited about carbo-, caffeine-, or glucose-loading after my swim, I better tell you about the swim itself. The beach here is fairly large, and I would say is above average size for this stretch of the river. There is shallow entry at the shore, with a fairly gentle slope out into the water for several metres at most water levels. As with all River Murray swims, the current has a strong pull that increases in intensity the further out you go, but for experienced swimmers is readily navigable when the river is not running bankfull or in flood. Start near the upstream end of the beach and swim against the current for exercise, or with the current for superhuman swimming speed. When I visited at fairly low river levels, there was someone on a stand-up paddle board who was able to cruise up and down the river (on the inside of the bend, nearest the beach) without too much effort. Above: The cafe at Thompsons Beach in Cobram (Order this image)

Apart from the cafe, this swim has a significant advantage over other beaches along the River Murray, namely that there is a wide lawn of neatly trimmed buffalo grass at the back of the beach. This might seem like an insignificant detail, but it is invaluable for swimmers. That is because it allows you to get dry and brush off the sand stuck to your feet and legs (or anywhere else that got wet and then touched the sand), before getting back into your vehicle or heading to the cafe. The sand stays at the venue, rather than being transported back home in your car. Alternatively, you can use the foot showers provided near the cafe. Above: The shady barbecue area at Thompsons Beach in Cobram (Order this image)

The grassed area also has full shade under mature gum trees, where you can stay out of the sun but still watch over the activity in the water and on the beach. The lawn area also has public bbqs if you want to self-cater some hot food, and plenty of picnic space if you want to bring everything from home. 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, submerged objects, falling tree limbs, and that this is also a boating area. The managing authority advises that there is no lifesaving service here, and that children must be supervised in the water at all times. The marker indicates the approximate location of the 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 Can kids swim at Thompsons Beach? Only under very close supervision in the shallows, due to the strong currents in the River Murray.

Can I go canoeing at Thompsons Beach? Yes, just watch out for swimmers and boats. The Cobram-Barooga Canoe Club has a shed at the beach.

Can I get lunch at Thompsons Beach? Yes, the last I checked, the cafe is open Thursday to Sunday from 8 am to 4 pm and has a wide range of food, ice cream, and coffee options, with both indoor and al fresco dining.

Can I camp at Thompsons Beach? No, camping is not permitted here

Can my dog swim at Thompsons Beach? No, dogs are not permitted here

Are there toilets at Thompsons Beach? Yes, there are toilets here

If you have any other questions not answered above, leave a comment for me using the comment box below.

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