Where Is Tocumwal?
Tocumwal is a memorable Australian country town located right on the Murray River, on the border of Victoria and New South Wales.
Named after the indigenous word ‘Tocumival’, describing the celebrated waterhole in the region, Tocumwal is a very interesting place to visit, landmarked with historic buildings and a rich history.
The town has many attractions, including camping by the river and world-class sporting venues. Tocumwal NSW has a population of about 2500 people and is growing fast.
There are a number of riverside beaches for swimming, boating and fishing. The main park on the Tocumwal foreshore has picnic and toilet facilities, a playground as well as ultimate views of both of the bridges between New South Wales to Victoria.
Many people camp along the Murray River in Tocumwal and visit the area to attend festivals and experience the history of the small, interesting town.
By car, Tocumwal is seven hours from Sydney and three hours from Melbourne.
The Murray River
The beaches along the river in the Tocumwal NSW region are perfect for swimming and taking in the iconic Murray River.
The Murray River is the longest in Australia. At 2,508 kilometers long, the river crosses the states of South Australia, New South Wales and Victoria. ‘The Murray’ is the third longest river on earth, after the Amazon and the Nile.
Tocumwal History
The Yorta Yorta people lived in the Tocumwal area for thousands of years, before the English possessed all the land in the area from close to Deniliquin to Mulwala. Patrick Hennessy bought a lot of land and settled on the Murray in 1840.
A regular crossing place had been established somewhere in the vicinity of Tocumwal at the beginning of the 1850s. It is popular opinion that Edward Hillson built many of the buildings there at this time, including The Tocumwal Hotel.
Tocumwal Camping
There are a variety of spots to camp in Tocumwal, mostly along the Murray River.
Tocumwal Beach Camping Ground is a popular spot for campers on ‘The Murray’. This camping ground has a large sandy beach, where you can pitch your tent, park your caravan or motorhome. The amenities building includes toilets and showers.
For the convenience of visiting caravanners and motorhomers, there is a dump point on site. There are no powered sites at the camping ground and access is only by gravel road.
Tocumwal Weather
The best time to visit Tocumwal is during the months of December through February. The weather is perfect this time of year in Tocumwal and it’s warm enough to enjoy the outdoors without being too hot or too cold. During this period, temperatures average between 34.7°C (94.5°F) and 28.8°C (83.8°F). It only rains an average of about 3-4 times a month.
Tocumwal Accommodation
There are many options when choosing a place to stay in Tocumwal. From riverside camping to Airbnb, some of these below will set you on your way.
We recently stayed in an Airbnb house, which was perfect for our family and close to the shops and riverside.
Airbnb
Airbnb Tocumwal
Tocumwal Caravan Parks
Big 4
Boomerang Way
Murray River Camping
Tocumwal Beach Camping Ground
Tocumwal Golf And Bowls Club
The Tocumwal Golf Club is open in any kind of weather and consists of two award winning courses. Both the Captains and Presidents courses are able to be changed into four courses offering up to six different combinations.
Touted as the number 1 winter golf destination for Victorians, there are plenty of packages on offer and tournaments to keep an eye out for.
Tocumwal Aviation Museum
You can learn all the unique aviation history and heritage of Tocumwal at The Tocumwal Aviation Museum.
The extensive Museum focuses on Tocumwals contribution to the war, and combines historical pictures and films, memorabilia and artifacts, including exhibition halls, thematic exhibitions, cinemas and memorials.
Tocumwal Blowhole
This blowhole initially doesn’t seem very impressive, as it doesn’t spray water, but expresses water like filling up a ditch.
Touted as sacred, the blowhole flows and creates air bubbles when the Murray River is low. Many believe it has a life of its own, and the local Bangaragn and Ulupna people believe the blowhole is linked to the Murray River by an underground river.
The blowhole is located approximately 11 kilometers north of Tocumwal.
Conclusion
Tocumwal is well worth a visit if you love interesting small towns and Australian history. The pretty area is unique and charming and one of the best spots to visit and stay along the Murray River.
Let me know if Tocumwal NSW is on your Australia bucket list!