Where Is Tocumwal?
Tocumwal NSW is a unique Australian country town located right on the Murray River, on the border of Victoria and New South Wales.
Named after the indigenous word ‘Tocumival’, which describes the celebrated waterhole in the area, Tocumwal is a very interesting place to visit, land marked with historic buildings and a rich history.
The town attracts a diverse range of visitors and has many attractions, including camping by the river and world-class sporting venues. Tocumwal NSW has a population of over 2500 people and is growing fast.
While we visited in early 2023, Tocumwal was also hosting the Murray River Rod Run, the bi-ennial car festival held over the labour day wekend in March. The town of Tocumwal was especially crowded at this time of year, with families and vintage car enthusiasts left, right and centre, stepping up the atmosphere in the heart of town to a new level.
There are a number of riverside beaches for swimming, boating and fishing in Tocumwal, and the main park on the foreshore has picnic and toilet facilities, a playground, as well as ultimate views of both of the bridges between New South Wales to Victoria.
By car, Tocumwal is seven hours from Sydney and three hours from Melbourne. I found the drive from Melbourne to be interesting, especially the closer you get to the Murray River. The trees and bush land are very pretty, making this area unique in it’s scenery and the perfect quiet (and usually warm) escape from the bustle of the city.
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. There is plenty of accommodation in Tocumwal NSW, including houses to rent or camping.
If you are considering venturing along the Murray River, or crossing the Victorian/NSW boorder, here are some of the best reasons to visit Tocumwal, NSW.
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 river in Australia. At over 2,500 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.
Many families and groups regularly return to the Tocumwal area for riverside holidays in the sun.
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. Many believe that Edward Hillson built most of the buildings there at this time, including The Tocumwal Hotel.
Camping Tocumwal NSW
There are a many of spots to choose from to camp in Tocumwal, mostly along the Murray River.
Tocumwal Beach Camping Ground is a popular one for campers on ‘The Murray’. This caravan park in Tocumwal NSW has a large sandy beach, where you can pitch your tent, or park your caravan or motor home. 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 a gravel road.
Tocumwal Weather
If you love hot weather, the best time to visit Tocumwal is during summer- December through to February.
If you prefer warm weather but not the heat of summer, the best time to visit is April or October. 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 20 to 26 degrees Celcius.
Accommodation Tocumwal NSW
There are many options when choosing a place to stay in Tocumwal. From riverside camping in one of the caravan parks in Tocumwal NSW, to Airbnb or Booking.com, this list below list of accommodation in Tocumwal NSW is recommended to begin planning your trip.
We recently stayed in a large house through Airbnb, 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 can 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 at the Tomumwal Golf and Bowls Club, as well as 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 Museum focuses on Tocumwals’ contribution to the war. It combines historical pictures, films, memorabilia and artifacts, including exhibition halls, thematic exhibitions, cinemas and memorials.
The museum is open 7 days a week and represents aviation history from the 1900’s, including noteworthy history from wartime.
Tocumwal Blowhole
The Tocumwal Blowhole doesn’t initially seem impressive as it expresses water in a different way, as if it is filling up a ditch.
The blowhole is touted as sacred, as it flows and creates air bubbles when the Murray River is low. Many believe it has a life of its own. The local Bangaragn and Ulupna people believe the Tocumwal Blowhole is linked to the Murray by an underground river.
The Tocumwal Blowhole is located approximately 11 kilometers north of Tocumwal.
Conclusion
This pretty area is well worth a visit if you love interesting small towns and Australian history. The town is unique and one of the best spots to visit and camp along the Murray River or stay in accommodation in Tocumwal NSW.
There is a great atmosphere in Tocumwal, with the historic buildings, gum trees and activities on the Murray River.
Let me know if Tocumwal NSW is on your Australia bucket list!
